Model fOR the Role Model Christians
(1Thessalonians 2:1-12)
IN CHAPTER ONE, PAUL PRESENTS TO US how the Thessalonian believers became “Role Model Christians” to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. They ‘blasted forth’ the message of the Gospel not only in the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia but to people everywhere.
They turned from their pagan gods to turn toward YAHWEH, the Lord Jesus Christ. It wasn’t that they were fed up with their idols desperately turning to another as if saying, “well our gods are useless let us give the God of Israel a chance and see what happens.” No. That is not what happened there. They repented of their idolatry and made the decision to turn to God because they understood the truth about the Living God through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The evidence of that is their faithful service to God inspite of the persecution they suffered from their own countrymen (1:6; 2:14). Coupled with their firm belief that Christ will come again (1:9-10).
To say the least that the Thessalonians became “Role Model Christians” is unbiblical if we won’t clarify this fact: for one to become a model, one must have a model to follow, someone to imitate. The reason why the Thessalonian believers became Role Model Christians because they followed the examples set by Paul whose model is Christ Himself. He said, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord.” (1:6a) Therefore, the one who should be given honor is the Lord Jesus because Paul imitated Christ. Likewise, the Thessalonians imitated Paul and the Lord.
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1Cor 11:1)
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph 5:1,2)
Now here in the second chapter, Paul shows what might have been the qualities that the Thessalonians have adapted from Paul’s during his visit. They watch Paul closely as they followed Paul’s:
1. STYLE of Ministry (vv. 1-2)
Our stay with you, though short, was not in vain. The Lord has raised up among you confident and courageous Christians committed to the truth of the Gospel. Thus, our visit with you was not a failure, a successful one which gave birth to a church, the living evidence of the fruit of this ministry.
To Paul, the primary ministry of every Christian is the ministry of CHARACTER. What we have become is far more important than what we have to say. Os Guiness said, “Character is what we are when no one is looking.” Paul’s private and public life became a shining example to the Thessalonians as he repeatedly said, “you know.” (vv. 1, 2, 5, 9, 11).
- ‘you know’ was not just an expression when we are running out of words to say
- you are well aware of my private and public life
- you carefully observed the manner I conducted the ministry
- you watched me closely day in and day out
It refers to the Thessalonians’ firsthand observation of Paul’s style of ministry. Paul applied in his own life what he preached. He himself was a walking illustration to convince the Thessalon-ians of the power of the Gospel which he preached to them “with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.” (1:5a) He was the living example whose life had been changed by the power of the Gospel.
With the power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit, we are changed inside out. God does not change our personality but our character is. A changed heart will manifest itself in our thoughts, words and deeds. Most of the time when we conduct our ministry,your actions can speak louder than our words. Because people will always scrutinize our every move whether or not it is in conjunction with what we say. Every Christian is under fire. The world looks at us under a microscope to see the flaw and error we make so they can shout to the whole world: “Didn’t I tell you so. Christianity is bogus. You are doing what you are not supposed to be doing.” Our behavior and our actions in the midst of a criticizing world must live up to its expectations.
Paul’s ministry was a COURAGEOUS ministry that was totally dependent on the Holy Spirit. Before they came to Thessalonica, in Philippi, Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten and severely flogged and thrown into prison (Acts 16:22,23). Such severe suffering can be discouraging had it not been for the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit (1:6). With the courage God can only give, Paul fearlessly preached the Gospel despite great opposition.
Illustration: Anger Management
2. style of Proclaiming the Message (vv. 3-4)
Paul was committed to God’s truth that he was willing to die for it. He was totally committed to speaking and guarding the truth and also living it.
The critics in Paul’s day must have accused him of heresy that is why Paul appeals to the Thessalonians saying, “that his preaching and teaching were without error and not coming from impure motives. We speak the truth as men approved by God to be entrusted with the
Gospel.” (vv. 3,4) Paul defends his integrity and make his position clear by pointing out three things:
a. Our message does not spring from error - there was no false teaching nor false doctrine in my message. Whatever I am sharing to you comes from God.
b. Our message does not come from impure motives - Paul affirms that his message was pure and clean. They spoke the truth out of pure and clean hearts approved by God.
c. We are not here trying to trick you - The word trick here is DOLOS, literally a fishhook, trap or trick (forms of deception). False teachers would often resort to sorcery, magic, and theatrics to make it look like they have supernatural power thereby gaining converts for
sexual favors and money (Acts 8:9-11; 2Peter 2:15-18; Jude 11).
3. Style of Living (vv. 5-12)
Paul’s lifestyle left an indelible mark not only on the Thessalonian believers but on all Christ-ian believers. He did not make profit from the ministry. Neither did he asked nor obligated anyone to provide the necessities of life. He worked hard to provide for his daily needs so as not to burden anyone while he was in Thessalonica for about five months preaching the Gospel. (2:9).
“I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:33-35)
a. HONESTY NOT FLATTERY (v. 5a)
The pure intention of Paul’s heart is to impart the gospel to the unbelievers wherever he went. His intention was honest. He never tried to win people with flattering words then tried to convert them to Christianity. No. His essential purpose to visit a place, first and foremost was to share the Gospel to every unbelieving Jew and Gentile in his time. He never resorted to flattering speech to compliment someone merely to win favor with that person or to gain power over him.
You cannot win people to Christ by making them feel good about themselves. They need to know their need of a savior. The Gospel is offending but it will set you free from your bondage to sin. For it is the truth that comes from God. We must share the Gospel with gentleness and respect.
b. TRANSPARENCY NOT HYPOCRISY (v. 5b)
“. . . nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed . . .” The word used here by Paul is from ‘PROPHASIS’ which means ‘cloak.’ Which is to say that Paul and his companions did not come to Thessalonica with a cloak hiding greedy intentions to gain financial favors.
There are so many false teachers in our day today that take advantage of others to win monetary reward. There is one on TV who’s selling handkerchief that he claims to have the power to heal if the handkerchief is placed on the afflicted area of the body. The same pastor also claims that he holds a vial containing holy water when applied on the afflicted area should bring about healing. And he sells the vial for a sum of money.
God knows the heart of man. God knows our intention. No one will escape God’s impending wrath upon these false teachers.
c. PLEASER OF GOD AND NOT MEN (v. 6)
Paul praised God at all times. He was dedicated to God’s glory. He did not seek the applause of men, awards, recognition and popularity. He never was in the ministry because of his own ambition. As an apostle chosen and commissioned by God, Paul could have taken advantage of the Thessalonians and asserted his authority over them to serve him but he did not. He never abused his authority. He balanced it with humility and accountability knowing that all the he ever did was for the glory of God.
There are religious organizations in our day in which the religious leaders take advantage of their devotee. The Mormon leaders can take as many women as they want. The Iglesia Ni Kristo or Church of Christ that was founded by Felix Manalo, they imposed upon their congregants to give otherwise, their names are announced before the church. The pope and the bishops expect that their hands be kissed and expect devotees to confess to them their sins. Only God has the authority to hear our confession and has the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:5,7).
d. GENTLE AS A NURSING MOTHER (vv. 7-8)
“. . . a mother caring for her little children” was Paul’s way of caring for the Thessalonians. This literally means the mother would take the baby in her arms and warm the child with her own body heat. An imagery of Paul’s deep affection, the kind of personal care the Thessalonians received from Paul. He showed them patience, compassion, tolerance, respect, acceptance and tenderheartedness.
All of us must show one another this kind of affection, not being harsh but with lovingkindness we must take delight in tenderly nurturing one another with the word of God, especially new-born babes in our midst. Christianity is a relationship. We are willing to impart to others what we possess, the good news of salvation, yet we don’t lose possession of it.
Everyone in the family of God becomes so dear to us, as if they are our own blood relatives.
To the women of this congregation be a spiritual mother to the younger members of the FFACC. Mothers are not only examples but also teachers. As spiritual mother, embrace our younger members with deep affection giving them personal care and respect. Teach them to be pure and righteous like you would your own child.
e. AS A FATHER WOULD HIS OWN CHILDREN (vv. 10-11)
Paul, Silas and Timothy were exemplary spiritual fathers to those who followed their ways. The Thessalonians were firsthand witnesses to their behavior as holy, righteous and blameless.
a. Holy - not the kind of holiness when we talk about God.
This pertains to piety, bound to performing the duty and
obligation towards God
b. Righteous - following every rule or regulations set by both
God and man.
- Putting into practice God’s command and not violating the
law of man.
- school regulations: no littering, no smoking, return where
you took them, don’t talk while the teacher is talking,
c. Blameless - their reputation to the community was faultless.
Nothing bad can be said about them—in speech and action.
- About Mr. P, I have nothing bad to say against that man.
Let us vote him for mayor.
- He should be the next president of our club because of his
good reputation.
At work, do you punch in on time? Do you take long breaks than what you’re required? Do you excel in what you’re doing? Do you show yourself a Christian in speech and action? Do you obey every policy in your office? If there is one command that must be posted in the lounge room of workplaces is this: Thou shalt not eat somebody else’s lunch! (common refrigerator) Bring extra the next time for the one who is taking your lunch.
In School, does your classmates and friends know you are a Christian? or are you a Sunday Christian and you become anybody you want on weekdays? Do you join a prayer group in your school? A bible study group? Bring extra paper and extra pencil to loan to others. Share your books if you have to. Teach a close friend or classmate if they need help with a lesson. But don’t do their homework for them. You’re not helping them that way. But share to them Jesus.
To the men. Be a spiritual father to the younger members of our church in the same way a father who is concerned over the well-being of his own children. Fathers are not only examples but also instructors. Men, as spiritual fathers, be models to these younger ones and be a personal teachers to them. Come alongside (parakletos ‘exhorting’) the younger members of FFACC encouraging and assisting them in their spiritual growth motivating them to lives of holiness, righteousness and life that is blameless; lives worthy of God who calls uns into His kingdom and glory.
CONCLUSION:
What does it mean to be a real man? or a real woman? According to our society’s standards, a real man is muscular, big and strong, bold and brave, competitive, someone who can finish “Fear Factor” successfully. The world says that the real man is the one who engages in sports, the one who makes millions of money. They say the real man is the one who goes out there in the business world and becomes successful in his venture.
They say that the real woman of this century is the one who can stand on her own. Because there is the women’s liberation movement that women don’t have to depend on men to survive. They say the real woman insist that the Bible was wrong when it says, “submit to your husband.” The real woman can do everything that man can do.
I say the real man is a man of character: one who cares about his neighbors. One who concerns himself about servanthood, humility, prayer, faith, and love. One who understands he is strong in Christ when he is weak. One whose decisions are consistently guided by God’s word. One whose values and principles are deeply rooted in the word of truth. One who does not depend on his own natural abilities but his confidence is in Christ. One whose total dependence to accomplish things is through the Holy Spirit. One who suffers and yet praises God. One who considers himself fool for Christ. First and foremost, one who identifies himself as a bondservant of Christ.
That is what I call “the man.” If “you’re the man” people will follow you. Because you have the fingerprints of God written all over you. You become a model for them, a shining example of grace and truth for that is what Christ reflects in and through you.
