Stand out
In 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Paul, Silas, and Timothy wrote a letter to the Thessalonians. In this letter to them they high various aspects of their behaviour that makes them stand out above the rest. We ought to behave in the same manner and be an example to others.
Let’s look at what this behaviour entails:
- Belonging to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:1a(TLB) From: Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To: The church at Thessalonica—to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 8:14-17(NIV) For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Cultivate a personal relationship with God through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. Surrender your life to God and acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Seek to align your thoughts, words, and actions with God’s will.
- Loving deeds and strong faith
1 Thessalonians 1:3(TLB) We never forget your loving deeds as we talk to our God and Father about you, and your strong faith and steady looking forward to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
James 2:14-17(NIV) What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Show love and kindness to others in practical ways, such as acts of service, encouragement, and forgiveness. Develop a strong foundation of faith by studying the Bible, praying, and seeking God’s guidance. Trust in God’s promises and remain steadfast in your faith, even in challenging circumstances.
- Listen and accept the Word.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-6(TLB) For when we brought you the Good News, it was not just meaningless chatter to you; no, you listened with great interest. What we told you produced a powerful effect upon you, for the Holy Spirit gave you great and full assurance that what we said was true. … So you became our followers and the Lord’s; for you received our message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the trials and sorrows it brought you.
James 1:22(NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Luke 11:28(NIV) He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Apply the principles and teachings of Scripture to your life, allowing them to transform your attitudes and actions.
- An Example to other Christians
1 Thessalonians 1:7-8a(TLB) Then you yourselves became an example to all the other Christians in Greece. And now the Word of the Lord has spread out from you to others everywhere, far beyond your boundaries, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your remarkable faith in God.
1 Timothy 4:12(NIV) Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
Philippians 3:17(NIV) Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Live a life of integrity and authenticity, reflecting Christ’s character in your words, deeds, and interactions with others.
Remember, applying these principles is a lifelong process that requires daily commitment and dependence on the Holy Spirit. It is also important to be patient with yourself and others, allowing God to work in and through you as you grow in your relationship with Him and strive to live out these principles in practical ways.