Model Believers

Paul made practical Christianity a cornerstone for his letter to the Thessalonians. They needed to know that following Jesus wasn’t just about doctrine but also about the way they lived and applied their faith in real situations.

The believers needed to demonstrate the truth of the Gospel in ways others could observe. In fact, God really cared how they lived, and their actions made a difference.

During his visit, Paul had himself demonstrated these truths. He had proven his faith through his actions. He had brought the Gospel not just simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. Words by themselves were not enough. Believers had to display lives that really had been changed.

Paul hoped that the young Christians remembered his example, and that they would grow in their faith by imitating him. They had seen how he lived and could follow his example. This was a practical way to help them mature.

Although our words in sharing the Gospel are vitally important, our faith should be so convincing that we don’t even need to speak about it. Others should be able to see the evidence that Christianity is real from our lives.

Remember that you have the opportunity to be an example to others. To impact them by your words and by your actions. Seek to live so others can see that the Gospel is true. Provide the testimony that proves that your faith is genuine, and why they should follow your example.