Followers (Imitators). 1st Thessalonians 1:6 The purpose of God is the proclamation of the Gospel [v.5]. The presentation of the Gospel assures us of its accomplishments, demonstrated by the messengers of God to the Thessalonians. They imitated the apostles and those who followed the Lord. Disciple/followers turned to God, and as afflicted ones, their testimony was challenged. The power of their faith produced practical results: joy, exemplary lives, and the public proclamation of the Gospel, like heralds using trumpets and reaching far out.
When we focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, we reflect His image to those around us. Christians have a significant responsibility to follow Christ because others in their sphere of influence will observe them, and some will imitate them. The word “imitators” is a more accurate description than “followers” because it encompasses the whole person, not just their actions.
Suffering is linked to genuine salvation. Our Lord experienced rejection, abuse, mockery, malice, envy, and physical pain during His time on earth. He endured suffering in His soul, spirit, and body; Paul faced similar struggles. Everyone who lives a godly life, following Christ and Paul, will suffer to some extent.
Even when faced with such affliction as that which occurs when we are identified as those who have received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, there can still be joy. We have received the word of God—the word of the Lord, the word of grace, the word of the cross, the word of truth, the word of the Gospel, the word of salvation, the word of reconciliation, the word of life, and the word of righteousness. Joy in our souls comes when our Lord is the focus of our attention, not the circumstances or suffering we may have to endure.
We can experience lasting joy. Persecution and suffering will pass, but the joy of the Holy Spirit endures. That joy is internal and everlasting. It remains effective during good times and bad. The joy of the Holy Spirit and the joy of the Lord strengthen God’s people, and we do not need to retreat when faced with external pressure as long as our focus is on our Lord Jesus Christ.