1 Thessalonians 1 - What Does A Model Church Look Like?

1 Thessalonians 1 - NIV 

Introduction and Background of of 1 Thessalonians

4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 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. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. 

As you might have read, the church in Thessalonica was a church of young believers, mostly made up of Gentiles. Paul reflects on the fact that when the church heard the gospel from he and Silas, the Holy Spirit came upon them in powerful ways. The Holy Spirit led them to a deep conviction of their sin and their need for Christ. Indeed without the power of the Holy Spirit, none of us could come to faith, as the Holy Spirit enlivens our heart when we hear the gospel and come to faith. 

Paul and Silas (and later Timothy) not only preached the gospel to them but imitated the way of life in Christ. This was especially important when they were persecuted by the Roman government. Paul says they went through "severe suffering". We know Paul and Silas were forced to flee the city at night for their lives. By keeping their faith as they suffered it showed the deep convictioin of their newfound faith and the report about them "rang out" from Thessalonia to all over Macedonia. Macedonia and Achaia were also the home to the Corinthian and Philippians churches. 

From you the word of the Lord has sounded forth: This was part of the good example that the Thessalonian Christians provided. “Sounded forth” means “a loud ringing sound, as of a trumpet blast.” The good work the Lord did among the Thessalonians became known all over the region, and everyone talked about the changes. In a cosmopolitan trading city like Thessalonica, the good news could sound forth in every place to all the earth. - David Guzik

You might call the church in Thessalonica a "model church". What does that mean?

The Greek word used for "example" in this passage is tupos (the root of the English word type), which historically meant an impression left by a die or a stamp. The Thessalonian church was a "stamped impression" of Christ's teachings, leaving a mark that other churches could replicate.

I often hear people say, “If you’re looking for a perfect church, if you find it, don’t join it, because if you do, it won’t be perfect anymore.” There are no perfect churches, because there are no perfect people. Churches consist of people, and nobody is perfect.

"But there are churches that are closer to the pattern and model that God has given to us in the Bible, in His Word. I think the church in Thessalonica was just such a church. If I were going to look for a model church in the New Testament, it would be the church in Thessalonica. Even though it was a newly planted church—it hadn’t been in existence long, they were new believers and they came out of a paganist background—they were an exemplary church. Paul mentions that in verse 7. He said of the Thessalonians, “You became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.”

To summarize we might say their faith led to works. Their internal beliefs led to a change in their external behavior. As we say, "Their walk matched their talk."

Secondly they loved each other sacrificially. Paul calls it their "labor of love". A model church is where believers demonstrate the love Jesus had for us when he died on the cross. 

Finally, it was their patient hope in Jesus' return that kept them faithful in the midst of trials. They knew that the world was passing away but the Jesus would return to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

Paul will teach extensively about Jesus' second coming later in chapter 4. 

Do you think your church is good model like the church in Thessalonica?

Do you model your life and imitate the actions of Jesus and those who have passed on the Word of God to you?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts of faith, hope, and love! We know that our hope won't disappoint us because your love was poured out to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.