A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.

As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

1 Thessalonians 1:8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

Two messages are being discussed in this verse, as far as I can tell.

The word of the Lord.

This message is dispersed from the Thessalonians to those in Macedonia and Achaia, as Paul mentions. I am tempted to think Paul is referring to the Philippian and Berean churches in Macedonia, and the Corinthian churches in Achaia.

This is wholly my assumption, and I may be placing a limitation not intended – let my reader consider – but is this word of the Lord intended for those who already are in the Body of Christ, those who may have heard of the life these believers were experiencing? How after such a short visit, these believers became imitators and followers of the apostles, and his team?

These Thessalonians were living examples for these nearby congregations, flesh and blood imitators that could be easily witnessed, being placed “on stage” for other churches to see. This is the wonder of the gospel, for though we may have an understanding of walking out our faith, to see others exercise their faith only encourages us, helps us to realize we are not alone, and expands the possibilities in our own life of faith by seeing others work it out in their specific way.

This is not a light subject, for I call to witness my reader, that they along with myself, have been enriched in our lives by being with others who exalt the name of Jesus though in different situations, cultures, societies, and manners.

In our past we have predominantly been in the baptist persuasion of church, but occasionally my wife and I will visit other denominations, even joining one for a period of time. We found aspects of their faith to be challenging, forcing decisions to be made and belief’s to be accepted. More so though, we witnessed those in other denominations honor God and exalt Jesus in ways we never considered.

The Thessalonians were examples for the nearby churches. Whether examples to provide encouragement, or witnesses of a lifestyle that rebukes the viewing church, these men and women were examples for the regional body beyond their own local group.

your faith in God

The Word of the Lord may have been directed to the churches in the region, as an example of true imitators of the apostles, and as a good reflection of the Spirit of God working in a group of believers. The Word of the Lord, I think was a ministry to the faithful.

The Thessalonians also had a message for those outside of the faith. For those outside of the faith, these men and women had a faith that was going forth everywhere.

Consider there was no internet, telephone, telegraph, television, radio, or any other method of mass communication. The Thessalonians had one ace in the hole though. They were on a trade route.

Imagine these men and women, in their day to day jobs, speaking of a Risen Savior, of the Rabbi who had been crucified unjustly, of a Prophet who spoke words of radical upheaval for the people of God. Those travelers and business associates these believers came into contact with, experienced these believers faith in God, not only in their message, but I dare say in their changed lives, giving force to their message.

These visitors, travelers, business associates and foreigners were in contact with gospel people. Though these Thessalonians may have never left the city in their lives, the faith they lived travelled with those they came into contact with.

By way of application, let us not be discouraged if we spend our days faithful in a church, never travelling to the far flung mission field. If you live your faith, not just in the church environment, but in the Monday through Saturday world, your example of faith will travel.

True faith travels.

Consider the number of people in one week that you know and deal with that is outside of your local area. After a short time of reflection, it becomes apparent that our reach may be far greater than we first thought.

Be encouraged my friend, and live your faith in front of those you rub shoulders with, whether they be on the internet, though the telephone, even by way of telegraph…..

You get my point? Live your faith. Faith will travel.

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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.