How can we imitate Paul and the Lord as in 1 Thessalonians 1:6? The Call to Imitation “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, even in the midst of severe suffering.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:6 Receive the Word with Joyful Welcome • Open your heart the way the Thessalonians did (Acts 17:11; James 1:21). • Let Scripture shape convictions, habits, and vocabulary—no selective hearing. • Joy springs from believing God speaks clearly and without error. Stand Firm under Pressure • “Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12 • Fix eyes on Jesus, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2-3). • Troubles become platforms to showcase steadfast hope rather than excuses to compromise. Serve Others Selflessly • Paul labored “night and day” for the churches; the Lord “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). • Look for ordinary tasks—meals, rides, texts of encouragement—and carry them out quietly, gladly. Pursue Holiness Consistently • “For it is God’s will that you should be holy” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3. • Align choices with the holiness command (1 Peter 1:15-16); cut off sinful entertainment, speech, relationships. • Holiness isn’t isolation—it is Christ-like purity on display in daily life. Proclaim the Gospel Outwardly • The Thessalonians’ faith “sounded forth” (1 Thessalonians 1:8). • Share your testimony, invite neighbors to study, support missionaries. • Tie every act of mercy to the spoken message of the cross (Matthew 28:19-20). Rely on the Holy Spirit Continually • “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD (Zechariah 4:6). • Pray before decisions, plead for filling (Ephesians 5:18), and walk by the Spirit to silence the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Choose Joy Intentionally • “Rejoice in the Lord always” – Philippians 4:4. • Joy is not circumstantial; it is rooted in unchanging redemption. • Celebrate small evidences of God’s grace, sing truth aloud, recall promises (Nehemiah 8:10). Practical Moves for This Week • Read 1 Thessalonians aloud each day to reinforce the model. • Identify one pressure point where you’ll consciously respond with joy. • Schedule an act of hidden service—no announcements, no selfies. • Replace one media choice with thirty minutes of Scripture saturation. • Share the gospel with one person or send a gospel-anchored note. |
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