An Effective Example
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Role Model(s)
Role Model(s)
Have you ever had role model(s) in your life, be them good or bad? Role models are important, today we are going to look at the church at Thessolonica and its good and effective example that we can learn from.
A good role model can demonstrate what can be done
Personal examples of role models
Church examples of role models
A good role mode can provide direction what should be done
This is called discipleship
A good role mode can inspire you to do what should be done.
This is true personally, but it can be an inspiring thing for a congregation too, can’t it?
Biblical examples calling individuals to be a good role model (1The2:14; 2The3:7-9) 1Cor4:16; 1Cor11:1; Eph5:1)
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
and then look at
1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
and then
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
Paul loved this young church that set an exemplary example that can be emulated by others. He points out several things in our passage, so may we turn to God’s Word and see what we can learn from this effective example of a church.
6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. 9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,
10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
This morning we are looking at:
Their imitation and reception (1The1:6-7)
Their influence by example (1The1:8)
Their service (1The1:9)
Their hope (1The1:10)
Their imitation and reception
Their imitation and reception
Imitation, emulation, brought edification and identification from Paul, Silas and Timothy.
Emulation: (noun) ambition or endeavor to equal or excel others. (verb) to match or surpass, typically by imitation.
__________________________________________________
They were imitators/emulators of the Lord (v.6)
They followed the example of other churches (2The2:14)
Paul commanded emulation of other churches (1Cor4:16; Php3:17)
Paul also set himself as an example (1Cor11:1)
__________________________________________________
They were imitators/emulators of the Lord (v.6)
Jesus sets a great example and tells us to do as He did; you can look up a great example in Jn13:5-15 (washing disciples feet)
They followed the example of other churches (2The2:14)
14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
They were imitators/emulators of the Lord (v.6)
They followed the example of other churches (2The2:14)
Paul commanded emulation of other churches (1Cor4:16; Php3:17)
Paul commanded the church at Corinth to imitate, emulate
16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.
And then there was the church at Philippi
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
They were imitators/emulators of the Lord (v.6)
They followed the example of other churches (2The2:14)
Paul commanded emulation of other churches (1Cor4:16; Php3:17)
Paul also set himself as an example (1Cor11:1)
1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
Imitation is not a bad thing, emulation is a good thing when we emulate the right thing, as we are looking at this passage we have a great example that we can learn from the church of Thessolonica.
Now think about today, do we, or are we seeking to imitate, emulate others who are good examples? People like
Jesus as noted in (Jn13:13-15)
13 “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.
God (Eph5:1)
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
Think about in your life who has been someone who is worthy of being imitated?
May we be a people and a church worthy of being emulated.
Another thing that we can learn from this effective example
Their reception of the Word
_______________________________________________
In tribulation and joy (1The1:6)
In persecutions and afflictions (Act17:1-10; 1The3:1-4)
Joy, may we expound for a minute
Joy comes as a part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal5:22)
Joy comes through Holy Spirit (Rom15:13)
Joy oftentimes was displayed during, after time of persecution (Act13:49-52)
_______________________________________________
In tribulation and joy (1The1:6)
And just in case you don’t have your bible open to it, here is the verse again
6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,
In tribulation and joy (1The1:6)
In persecutions and afflictions (Act17:1-10; 1The3:1-4)
In spite of them receiving in the midst of persecutions and afflictions they received it with joy.
To summarize Act17:1-10; it is the story of the gospel as given to the people of Thessolonica; there was a mob, crowd that raised against them and it lead to Jason being taken out and beaten. They were claiming that they “upset the world” but better yet here is the verse
6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also;
but let me bring in another text
1 Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith,
3 so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know.
Paul told them of the afflictions that were coming to him, and what would come to them too. And we too should not be surprised when affliction comes on believers even today.
Joy, may we expound for a minute
Joy comes as a part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal5:22)
just reference Gal5:22-23, no need to read it
Joy comes through Holy Spirit (Rom15:13)
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We know there is power in the name of Jesus, the power to save, and the power that works in us is the power of the Holy Spirit that we receive from Jesus when our sins are forgiven. Power that brings peace with God and from God, Power that is filled with hope, not just filled but abounding in hope and filled with joy!
Joy comes as a part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal5:22)
Joy comes through Holy Spirit (Rom15:13)
Joy oftentimes was displayed during, after time of persecution (Act13:49-52)
49 And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
51 But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
More about how they received the Word (1The2:13; also referenced Jm1:21; 1Pt2:1-2)
13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.
Not as the word of man, but as the Word of God
May we be people who receive the Word from the Bible and in context so it is properly used and divided.
Are we willing to receive it only at prescribed times “first day of week?” or daily?
Do we receive it only by reading it like a book, or do we take time to study it so we may mature?
Are we committed to the Word as Christ was committed to us?
As a church, body of believers may we consider
Are we are Word church, ready to receive and impart the Word of God?
Do we have faith in the Word knowing if we do what it says we will get what it promises and we will grow, spiritually, numerically and financially?
As a Christian a part of the church
Do we receive the Word with eagerness, meekness knowing we need it (Jm1:21)?
21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Do we fill ourselves with it for we know it is needed for spiritual growth (1Pt2:1-2)
1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
So in looking at these verse, we put aside, filthiness, wickedness, malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and all slander, and receive the word in humility, implanted knowing it is able to save our souls and we may grow in respect to salvation.
The Thessalonians were not just taking in the word, with joy in much tribulation, they were applying it and they were spreading the word.
Their influence by example
Their influence by example
Do you know by your walk, by your talk, by your example you can influence people? May we learn from their example.
8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.
They proclaimed the word, not just locally but regionally too
They were not quiet about their faith, not just at home but every place
They displayed their faith toward God, not just in word but in how they lived, in the example they set, it was a display of their faithfulness
They set a great example locally and regionally, they were very evangelistic in nature boldly proclaiming the word even in the midst of persecution, may we be a body of believers that have that same focus to send forth the word.
That brings us to our next point.
Their Service
Their Service
Their reception of the word, led to a transformation in them and that transformation lead to their service, but look what more we can learn too.
9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,
_______________________________________________
They turned to God from idols (also see Act14:15)
They had a change of direction and devotion from idols to God
Serving God means turning from deterrents from God (Mt6:24; Eph5:5, Col3:5: 1Jn2:15-17)
_____________________________________________
They turned to God from idols (also see Act14:15)
15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
Paul had instructed others to do the same turn to God; and the church there did!
They turned to God from idols (also see Act14:15)
They had a change of direction and devotion from idols to God
What idols could we serve, could we have been serving? Family, Job, Marriage? Money, prestige, position, reputation?
May we be a people who always point to the cross and to Jesus and give Him the glory for we are nothing without Him and in Him we have all things (thinking of Col1:16-17; 1Pt1:3)
They turned to God from idols (also see Act14:15)
They had a change of direction and devotion from idols to God
Serving God means turning from deterrents from God (Mt6:24; Eph5:5, Col3:5: 1Jn2:15-17)
24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
May we have genuine faith that brings about works of faith in love because of the conversion we experienced at salvation.
May we consider have we done the same, have we turned (Eph5:5; Col3:5)
5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
and add to that
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.
We can be guilty of idolatry when we do not turn from these things. We cannot serve God and the world.
Without turn there is no conversion and devotion (1Jn2:15-17)
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
This series entitled “Christ coming for His Church” living in the light of His return is seen here in our next verse, next point
Their Hope
Their Hope
Hope, now that is something worth emulating isn’t it? The church at Thessolonica had hope and it was apparent. They had hope, had anticipation of Christ’s return for His church and it impacted how they lived then, and should how we live today.
10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
_____________________________________________________
They were waiting; they had hope, confident expectation (Php3:20)
They were waiting with a purpose on the person (Tit2:11-13; 2Pt3:11-12)
Waiting with a purpose and a promise (Heb9:28)
Purpose, promise and a prayer (Rev22:20)
_______________________________________________________
They were waiting; they had hope, confident expectation (Php3:20)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
They were waiting; they had hope, confident expectation (Php3:20)
They were waiting with a purpose on the person (Tit2:11-13; 2Pt3:11-12)
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
Oh but can’t leave out another great passage
11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!
They were waiting; they had hope, confident expectation (Php3:20)
They were waiting with a purpose on the person (Tit2:11-13; 2Pt3:11-12)
Waiting with a purpose and a promise (Heb9:28)
28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.
(expand on that for 1-2 minutes; don’t make it very long though!)
They were waiting; they had hope, confident expectation (Php3:20)
They were waiting with a purpose on the person (Tit2:11-13; 2Pt3:11-12)
Waiting with a purpose and a promise (Heb9:28)
Purpose, promise and a prayer (Rev22:20)
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Are we a people, a body of believers, a church who are eagerly awaiting Christ return with confident expectation? Is our prayer the same as Johns, come Lord Jesus?
This very young church set a great example for other people and other churches (bodies of believers) and Paul had great things to say to them and set for example for us.
(invitation slide - Emulate Jesus)
(below not on slide on purpose)
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
The church emulated Jesus, Paul and the apostles and the church proclaimed the gospel and set a great example that is recorded for us.
May we be a people who emulate Jesus and the only way to do that is know him - invitation here
(Invitation slide - Know Him) song, (exit slide)