1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 “ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.”

The saying, “A good example is better than a sermon” takes more meaning in the lives of the Christians of the early church in Thessalonica. This church became a model church. Paul cited it to the Corinthians as an example (see 1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5). The establishment of this church is recorded in Acts 17:1-9. On his second missionary journey, Paul and his companions (Silas and Timothy) had just left Philippi and arrive at Thessalonica. Paul recognizes their willingness to follow the example of the Lord as well as his. Then he commends them for being examples to the believers in Macedonia and Achaia and even other places. These Thessalonian messengers , “sounded out the word of the Lord”. The word used in the original means “to sound forth as a trumpet”. These Christians were not only spreading the Word of the Lord but their very lives were an example in every place their faith was known. Even a choice servant and messenger like Paul, wrote of them, “so that we need not to speak any thing.”

How would you like someone like Paul to say, “You are an example of an exemplary Christian”. “You have not only followed the good example but your life has been made an example by the Lord.” This brings honor to our Lord!

I invite you to join me in determining in our hearts to surrender to our Lord for Him to make of us exemplary Christians for His glory.

Written by Jesse Garza, Field Administrator with Baptist World Mission