You Know How We lived Among You - 1 Thessalonians Series

Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “Multiply,” the podcast that provides a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

As a village church planter, you know very well Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations. You understand that we make disciples “by teaching them to obey everything” Jesus has commanded. When we think of teaching, many of us think of a classroom with the teacher in the front and students listening to every word the teacher says.  And teaching with words is an essential way to teach others.  But it’s not the only way. And it may not be the most important way to teach.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to the new church in Thessalonica that he, Silas, and Timothy had started, he said, “You know how we lived among you for your sake.  You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”

Paul said, “You welcomed the message.” Message?  What message?  The message Paul and his team communicated in word and deed. The message that could be seen by the behavior of Paul and his brothers.  You see, the message of repentance is demonstrated by deeds that clearly demonstrate a changed life that has turned from sin to righteousness.  The message of love for God and neighbor is clearly demonstrated by loving behavior and deeds of kindness.  The message of faith in Christ is clearly demonstrated by a life of prayer that looks to God first at every moment of need.

Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the exemplary lifestyle of his team. He joyfully recalls that their example made an impact on the Thessalonians.  His proof?  Paul confidently asserts that the Thessalonian believers “became imitators of Paul, Silas and Timothy, and of the Lord.

As a church planter who preaches repentance and faith in Christ, you want to know that your message is understood.  As a church planter, you want to know that people are truly learning from your teaching.  But how can you know for sure?  We love to hear testimonies of transformed lives.  But what really assures us of transformation is when we see changed behavior.

Paul said, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord.”  As church planters, we lead by example.  Yes, our words are important.  Yes, we teach and preach and tell Bible stories. But the life we lead is the best example of new life in Christ. It is our example that shows the way. When new believers imitate our lifestyle, we know that God is at work transforming individuals and families. As a church planter, your example of faith, hope, and love is always on display.  Will your example be a good example or a poor example?

It’s not easy to live a life that is under constant observation.  But people are watching you.  They want to know if the Gospel is really true.  They want to see if your lifestyle truly reflects the words you speak.  People are watching. So make sure you are fully devoted to Christ. Make sure you have died to self and are living for God and for others. Be sure to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Walk humbly with your God. When you do, you will be able to testify about your church the way Paul did about the Thessalonians, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord.”  What a day of rejoicing that will be!

This has been “Multiply.” And I’m Dean Davis asking, “Who will you share this encouraging word with today?” 1T-06

#EncouragementForVillageChurchPlanters #WordAndDeed #ImitatorsOfChrist