Examples

And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. – 1 Thessalonians 1.6-7

When Paul wrote to Timothy about how to deal with the problem that he was young Paul said ‘be an example of the believers in word, in conduct, love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

Like Timothy, our example to others is important. Paul and his missionary team had set an example for the believers in Thessalonica. They in turn became examples to the Macedonian and Achaian believers. And, by implication, each succeeding spiritual generation is an example to the next.

There are three ways, I think, that being an example is important.

Our example is important to non-believers. Non-believers are only going to see Christ as we are examples to them of how His love and care for them.

Our example is important to other believers. Other believers need to see the reality in of our faith in Christ to encourage them to walk in Him.

Our example is important to us. As Paul told Timothy being an example is the only way to silence our critics within the church.

So what kind of example are we setting? Is it as an example of how weak we are, or is it example of what Christ can do with a sanctified life?