1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 “5For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know WHAT KIND OF MEN WE WERE among you for your sake. 6And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”

I. They were men who followed (this is how they became men of God)

A. They were followers of spiritual leadership (mentoring)

B. They were followers of the Lord (Lordship)

A. In much affliction (troubles, trials, opposition)

B. With joy of the Holy Spirit (they had a good and positive attitude)

A. There were not hypocrites (no masks, the real thing)

B. They lived what they believed (true to their convictions)

C. Others could see who they were on the inside because what was on the inside could be seen on the outside

A. From you the word of the Lord has sounded forth (mouthpiece of God)

B. Their faith toward God has gone out so that the minister does not have to say anything

A. They turned from God from idols

B. They now served the living and true God

B. They were waiting for His Son from heaven (they were living with expectation and readiness, not slack, or given to backsliding)