Difficult Imitation

1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
 
IT is necessary to know that when we hear true Bible preaching and teaching, the words do not originate with the teacher. A Spirit-empowered teachers speaks words that come from God. We cannot blame the teacher for God’s Word that convicts us of sin. Or we should not credit the teacher for God’s Word that gives us hope and joy. Submission to God’s Word is crucial, so God’s Word will powerfully work to change our hearts. Paul was happy to see the Thessalonians lives change through the teaching of God’s Word.
    Paul also saw another sign of their conversion to Christ. The Thessalonica church imitated the suffering of the persecuted churches in Judea. This is a hard truth about the growth of the early church. The ruling Jews who opposed Jesus’ teachings were continuing the Jews’ legacy of centuries of persecution and murder against God’s messengers. Jesus had condemned them: “So you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs.” (Luke 11:48) Then they killed the Lord Jesus. The Jews’ persecution was a deadly opposition to the church.
    Thessalonica experienced the Jews’ antagonism as every early church did. Still, many stories of persecuted churches and individuals through the centuries and to today tell of their joy in the persecution. To them, such trials meant God was approving their ministry and devotion to him. God will judge his enemies. God will save his church. This is God’s forever promise.
    When Paul writes, “he wrath of God has come upon them at last.” It seems God has judged the persecuting Jews, and their opposition has ended. But it is likely he is referring to God’s ultimate judgment as Jesus declared: “Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.” (Luke 11:51) God’s words of the future are as certain as if they have already occurred.
    If someone challenges you or condemns you for your faith, you can know you’re in excellent company. In fact, you are in fellowship with Jesus and all the persecuted saints who have lived and are living. Rejoice such people find your faith offensive to their sinful hearts. It means your heart is imitating all true believers.