A Gospel Example - 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

Intro: “Be a Good Example”

A Gospel example exhibits an initial change (vs. 4-5).

A verbal commitment is not sufficient. (v. 4-5a)

There is a three-fold initial change which must be exhibited (v. 5b):

in power

in assurance

in the presence of the Holy Spirit

Power - 1 Cor. 12:13-14

1 Corinthians 12:13–14 KJV 1900

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.

Assurance - Eph. 1:13-14

Ephesians 1:13–14 KJV 1900

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

A Gospel example breeds Gospel conversions. (v. 5c)

A Gospel example is one of imitation not creation (vs. 6-7).

There are two words we need to grasp in vs. 6-7: followers and examples

In v. 6, Paul uses a word translated as followers here, which literally means to mimic or imitate.

Imitate us - 1 Cor. 11:1 - “Follow me as I follow Christ...”

Imitate the Lord - 1 Peter 2:21

1 Peter 2:21 KJV 1900

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Notice, the manner in which they received the word:

in much affliction - Acts 17:1-10

with joy of the Holy Spirit

EX: difference between military and civilian pay.

Next, v. 7 says they became examples.

The word here is tupos meaning type or example.

Macedonia was a region to the North of Thessalonica and Achaia was a region to the South.

We do not need a new brand of Christianity. We simply need believers to imitate the biblical brand of Christianity.

We don’t need to re-invent the wheel. We just need to do what a wheel does.

A Gospel example instigates evangelism (vs. 8-10)

The receivers of the Gospel have transitioned from imitators to examples through evangelism. (v. 8)

Recognize, what sounded out was not charitable works or deeds. It was the word of the Lord

Also, their witness went to places beyond their human reach.

They evangelized with a three-fold method:

They shared their past (v. 9)

They explained their present (v. 10a)

They rejoiced in their future (v. 10b)

Conclusion: “Be a Gospel Example”