“You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia - your faith in God has become known everywhere.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8
The apostle Paul established the church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey in about 51 AD (Acts 17). Shortly after, he wrote this letter to them to encourage the young believers as they were undergoing severe persecution, even death, at the hands of both Jews and Gentiles. Paul considered the Thessalonian church a model and blessed church as it embodied what a church should be. It was an assembly of born-again believers (Acts 17:4) and, although young in their faith, they made a great impact for God in the entire region. In essence, they were a missional church, fulfilling the Great Commission to be Christ’s witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Their blessedness was not a condition of their circumstances but the approval from God.
The Thessalonian Church was a “surrendered” church, who in spite of their severe persecution, “walked the talk”, imitating the lives of Apostle Paul and his companions, who themselves strived to be like Christ. This was only possible with the life-transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
The Thessalonian Church was a “suffering” church. Life wasn’t easy. But driven by the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit, they conducted themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. They stood firm in one spirit and contended as one for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way by those who opposed them (Phil 1:27-28). Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first… If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (Jn 15:18-20).
The Thessalonian Church was a “soul-winning” church. They had a marvellous twofold testimony. They spread the gospel by living exemplary lives and through verbal proclamation of the Word of God.
The Thessalonian Church was a “second-coming” church, waiting expectantly for Christ’s return. This expectation motivated them to live godly lives for His service and gave them a sense of urgency to share the gospel with others.
Let us pray that Bethesda (Katong) Church will earnestly desire to model after the Thessalonian Church - the church that God wants us to be.
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