Transformation of the Thessalonians

Northwest Bible Church – April 2, 2023 – 1 Thessalonians – Alan Conner
1 Thess. 1:6-9
The Transformation of the Thessalonians
Intro

A. THEY WERE IMITATORS (1 Thess. 1:6).

1. Twofold imitation: “of us and of the Lord” (1 Thess. 1:6).

2. Joyful imitation in the midst of persecution (1 Thess. 1:6).

a. They imitated the joy of Paul and Silas. Acts 16:23-25.

b. They imitated the joy of Jesus. Heb. 12:2.

c. This joy comes from the Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 1:6).

B. THEY WERE EXAMPLES (1 Thess. 1:7-9).

1. TO WHOM? to all the churches (1 Thess. 1:7).

2. OF WHAT?

a. joyful suffering for the gospel (1 Thess. 1:6).

b. evangelizing their region (1 Thess. 1:8).

c. reports about their conversion (1 Thess. 1:8-9).

Conclusion

Discussion Questions: Why is it important that we be imitators of the Lord Jesus Christ? In what ways can we imitate Christ? How are we unable to imitate Christ? Why is being a godly example important to our witness? How can we be better examples to others? Do others see our church as imitators of Christ and godly examples?