1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For 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. 9 For 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, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For 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. 9 For 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, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Because we know the character of true Christ followers, we can follow their examples as they follow the Lord before us, just as the Thessalonians did here. Even when we suffer in the following and doing right which chafes against the world system, we can do what is right in God’s sight and become examples to others as we are fools to the unbelievers. His word can be sent out from us so our faith in the vital truth of God’s work of reconciliation in Christ is spread. This is what we are called to. The change of our focus and motivation make an impact when the words of life are cemented to the work of Christ in us by this good news. The message of His kingdom, suffering, death, resurrection, and eternal hope in His righteousness that justifies the ungodly is hope in the face of certain and terrible judgement to come upon all apart from faith in Him. This is why we follow.
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