Have Models: Every Christian's faith is an impression of the faith of others (Heb. 12:1). The Thessalonians learned from the missionary trio. The trio was not exempt; Timothy's spiritual father was Paul (1 Tim. 1:2), Silvanus[1] was recruited by Paul (Acts 15:40), and Barnabas led Paul (Acts 9:27; 11:25-26). By God's grace we don't need to learn on our own because He provides godly people to show us how to walk in faith (Prov. 2:20; Heb. 6:12, 13:7). The way to discern a good model is easy; they follow the Lord (Jn. 10:27; 1 Cor. 11:1).[2] Hence, they live godly lives, albeit imperfect lives. Indeed, their imperfections and their godliness both point us to ultimately imitate Christ (1 Th. 1:6). One purpose of having godly models is to become a model yourself.
Become Examples:
Mature Christians aim to know and conform to the perfect Man, Jesus Christ
(Eph. 4:13). Therefore, we learn and live; we hear and heed; we observe and
obey. We obey the Scriptures which require a high standard of godliness (James
1:27; Titus 2:12) so that we become examples for others to be reconciled to God
(1 Cor. 11:1; 2 Cor. 5:20; Phil. 3:17). Yet, if we are to become examples, we
must think right (Ps. 19:14; 104:34), speak right (Eph. 4:15; Jas. 4:11), and
act right (1 Thess. 1:3; 5:1). Sometimes our faith toward God is observed
unawares (1 Thess. 1:8).[3]
Other times, we intentionally build up others. In the end, the Lord imparts our
faith in Christ to others and that through our faithfulness. (Rom. 1:11; 1 Cor.
3:6-7).
[1] Silvanus is the Roman form of Silas who
appears throughout the book of Acts. Both refer to the same person.
[2] The OT illustrates God's people
following the LORD through observable mediation. The LORD led the Hebrews with
a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night (Numb. 9:15-23).
[3] Verse 8 speaks of the word of the
Lord sounding forth from them. The verb ἐξηχέω
(exēcheō) is in the passive voice
which gives the impression that they were not intending for it to sound forth.
It was their faith toward God which God used to replicate their faith.