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Articles
Imitators of the Churches of God: Sharing the Gospel (I Thessalonians 2)
“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus…” I Thessalonians 2:14
The Christians in Thessalonica were transformed by the gospel. Chapter 1 of I Thessalonians shows us they received the word of God, followed the pattern, turned to God from idols, served God, waited for Christ, and spread God’s word. In doing so, they became “imitators of the churches of God” (I Thessalonians 2:14). In chapter 2 of I Thessalonians, Paul reminds the reader of the manner in which he and Silas shared the gospel with those in Thessalonica. Paul and Silas’ example is instructive in our efforts to share the gospel as well.
Sharing the gospel requires boldness (I Thessalonians 2:2). Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison in Philippi shortly before coming to Thessalonica (Acts 16:23-24). Then a violent mob came looking for them in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-6). It took boldness for Paul and Silas to continue sharing the gospel in the midst of such persecution. So why were they so bold? We see a few reasons in I Thessalonians 2:3-6; they knew the gospel was perfect, it pleases God, it requires no flattery, and perhaps most importantly - the gospel brings glory to God, not the teacher.
Sharing the gospel also requires gentleness (I Thessalonians 2:7). Paul’s comparison to a nursing mother is interesting. Similar to a young child, young Christians are going to make mistakes and still have lots to learn. Maturation does not happen overnight. Paul understood this, and we need to as well if we want to effectively share the gospel. It is often much easier to correct mistakes when you are corrected gently.
Sharing the gospel involves exhorting (I Thessalonians 2:11). This is the idea of inviting someone to obey the gospel. We invite because we care. It’s about telling people what the Lord has done for you, and inviting them to enjoy the same blessings of fellowship and salvation. People need to understand the sin they have in their life, recognize that sin separates them from God, then understand that Jesus offers salvation from those sins.
Sharing the gospel involves encouraging (I Thessalonians 2:11). Just as following Jesus brought problems for the Christians in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9), a life in Christ always brings with it the opportunity for persecution. The world tells us we are wrong and hateful. Especially for a new Christian facing persecution for the first time, encouragement from other Christians can make a huge difference. Ultimately, we are to encourage one another that a life of faith is the only life that offers lasting comfort (I Thessalonians 4:17-18).
Sharing the Gospel involves imploring (I Thessalonians 2:11-12). To implore is to charge, or to give evidence. Yes, sharing the gospel involves exhorting and encouraging, things of a more gentle nature, but it also takes the boldness to tell someone what they need to do differently to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (I Thessalonians 2:12). When you share the gospel with someone outside the body of Christ, at some point you will come to a point where their life is in error. That is when you have to implore that person to do what is necessary to “walk worthy.”
It’s interesting how Paul describes his efforts using both the image of a mother (v. 7) and a father (v. 11). Certainly mothers and fathers are complimentary in their roles in raising children. While such descriptions can offer insight into the balance of both gentleness and boldness with which we share the gospel, such imagery should at the very least speak volumes about the love involved when we share the gospel. It’s easy to love your own children, to want your children to be in a relationship with God, and to spend an eternity in heaven. If we could muster a similar love for others, surely we would be more eager and devoted to sharing the gospel with them.
