A Time For Acts V
When studying the church original acts, it is easy for us to forget that the book of Acts is not the only source of information we have. The letters to the churches help us understand the actions of the early church as well. Today, I want to cross examine two separate groups of saints and see how, even though they are in different locations and people groups, their actions were centered on Jesus Christ.
The Thessalonians and Colossians were two groups of believers whose actions can be defined as monumental. Let us see what Paul states regarding their actions. Ironically, the similarities are subtle at first glance, but glaring once you see it.
First, we will start with the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 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. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”
There are three characteristics that I want to point out. First, is they became imitators of the Lord, “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” Second, their actions were centered on understanding who Christ was and implementing Him to others. They turned from the world, “and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Finally, they allowed God to use them, “so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 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.”
The Thessalonians allowed their love and actions which were centered on imitating Christ and following only Him to be utilized to help strengthen other believers.
Now let us examine the Colossians.
Colossians 1:3-8 “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing--as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.”
Once again we have the saints becoming imitators of God, for their actions are centered on faith in Christ which has developed into actions of love towards others. This is a fruit of imitation that Christ first exemplified with the washing of the feet and later on with dying on the cross, “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints.” The first action quickly follows into the second with implementing their understanding of Christ with others. It is why their actions could be defined as not only “love” but love that was defined as a Christian love, “love in the Spirit.” Third and finally, like the Thessalonians, the Colossians allowed God to use them; they were willing to follow. This willful obedience is identified when you see their study of Jesus Christ. Let us go a little deeper and see exactly what I am talking about. In verse 6 we read, “which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing--as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.” The word, “understood” helps us identify something rather unique about the Colossians. They studied God so that they could discern what He wanted to use them for in action. The word “understood” is the key. The Greek word is, “epegnote” which means “to perceive, discern, recognize and find out.” They sought knowledge of Christ, and by doing so allowed His Spirit to transform them so that their actions were identifiable as being Christian love!
You see, something that the early church and even today can be found with saints that are Christ centered, is their actions will undoubtedly declare Jesus Christ! It is why I have found this study so rewarding, it helps us understand our own history and see how God used amazing brothers and sisters in Christ for amazing work. He is still doing that work today, in fact over the past couple months I have had fortunate moments to see Christ work in marvelous ways. Sometimes through other brothers and sisters in Christ, and other moments through His Word in moments of personal reflection. No matter what, Christ is still acting through His saints. What a blessing for us. So if you ever want to examine your walk and see if you are Christ centered, ask yourself three simple questions. First, am I imitating Christ? Second, do I desire to understand Christ and what He wants me to do? And third, am I allowing God to use me? If you can answer those three like the Thessalonians and Colossians than keep up the good work and continue to strive for Christ.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL