Sermon Tone Analysis

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)

and then look at

and then

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.

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

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.

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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)

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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)

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

And then there was the church at Philippi

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)

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)

God (Eph5:1)

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

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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)

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In tribulation and joy (1The1:6)

And just in case you don’t have your bible open to it, here is the verse again

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

but let me bring in another text

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)

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)

More about how they received the Word (1The2:13; also referenced Jm1:21; 1Pt2:1-2)

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)?

Do we fill ourselves with it for we know it is needed for spiritual growth (1Pt2:1-2)

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

Do you know by your walk, by your talk, by your example you can influence people?

May we learn from their example.

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 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.

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They turned to God from idols (also see Act14:15)

They had a change of direction and devotion from idols to God