In last week’s message, the Thessalonian church was genuine and wonderful in the eyes of the Lord. Although imperfect, their desire and conduct were enough for the Apostle Paul to think of it as the ideal church. However, what is vital to a thriving mighty church begins with the mind of Christ and God’s election (v 4). Without God’s plan and election, church is not possible. The church was thought of and built from the perfect mind of God before the foundation of the earth.
The church of Christ is distinct, not only as God’s elect but in their conviction of the gospel of Jesus Christ through repentance and faith; thereby, imitating Christ through obedience. In the case of the church in Thessalonica, they were a church that stood firm in the midst of constant persecution. Not only is the church of Christ vital to its community and world, but it is equally important to be a model to other churches and all those around it. Jesus Christ builds every true church and provides sufficient grace to be a mighty church.
How can a church be a model? Every member of the church must be healthy. Unbelievers often justify their unbelief because of one church member’s hypocrisy. The church is a model to its community as they are the only light in the midst of darkness.
How did the Thessalonian church become a model church? A model church is not born but made. The members of the church “became imitators of the Apostle Paul and the Lord Jesus” (v 5b). Paul was included because he himself imitated Christ and him only (1 Cor. 11:1; Gal. 4:19). It takes God’s election and grace to turn idolators to become imitators of Christ. This was evident in the lives of the members of the Thessalonian church. In the same manner, Christians today must love Christ supremely and only. Conversion causes the sinner to repent from the idolatrous heart and to be made alive to God. Therefore, those that love Christ and imitate him have been truly converted.
To imitate means to be grafted into the likeness of. As the world thrives to imitate or be like its idols, the church must all the more strive to imitate Christ. Those that have been made new by the grace of God truly realize and recognize Christ Jesus as their lifeline and source of everything good. In other words, they will give up everything else to have Christ.
Why must Christ Jesus be the ultimate object of our imitation? Christians’ desire to be like Christ begins with hearing the word of Christ at conversion (Jn. 5:24-25). Christians sometimes referred to as sheep in Scripture (Jn. 10:3), are the only ones allowed to hear his voice, not only leading to life but to live in obedience to be more like him. And under any circumstance, suffering, or tribulation, the sheep are able to hear his voice and live according to God’s will.
There are many outside the church seeking truth and salvation. Therefore, the church must be a model and exemplary in its faith and love for Christ. May each member thrive to be healthy for the sake of attaining the status of being a model church before the eyes of God and man.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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