A Faith Worth Following
Introduction:
I want you to take a moment and think about someone whose faith has profoundly influenced your life. Someone who has shaped the way you think and live by the way they lived their life before you.
Maybe it was a parent who prayed with conviction. Or a pastor who demonstrated by action what he preached from the pulpit. Or maybe it was a friend whose quiet trust in God gave encouraged you to stand strong during a season of struggle in you life. Or perhaps it was a teacher or mentor who, simply by word and example, showed you what it really meant to love and follow Jesus.
Whoever it was, chances are their impact didn’t come from just what they said—it came from how they lived. Their life wasn’t just filled with religious language—it was filled with authentic, Spirit-empowered faith. They lived in such a way that you couldn’t help but think, “That’s what I want. I want to know Jesus like that.”
More likely than not, they didn’t just talk about faith—they lived out a faith worth following.
Well, that’s exactly what we find in 1 Thessalonians — a church whose faith made an impact.
The church in Thessalonica was planted by the Apostle Paul during his second missionary journey, around AD 49–51. You can read about its beginnings in Acts 17. Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, arrived in this prominent port city—one of the largest in Macedonia—and began preaching in the synagogue. Some Jews believed, but many Gentiles and prominent women responded eagerly to the gospel.
However, their ministry was quickly disrupted. Due to rising opposition and persecution from hostile Jews and city leaders. Paul and his companions were forced to leave the city earlier than planned. Paul later sent Timothy back to check on them. Timothy’s report was overwhelmingly positive—despite intense suffering, the believers remained strong in faith and love.
Paul then wrote 1 Thessalonians—likely his earliest surviving letter—as a way to express his joy over their faith, encourage them to continue growing, and provide instruction about living in holiness, loving one another, and anticipating Christ’s return.
What’s remarkable is this: even though they were new believers, facing serious persecution, they quickly became a model of vibrant, enduring faith—so much so that their testimony spread throughout the entire region.
This letter isn’t written to a polished, mature church—it’s written to a young church, full of passion and perseverance.
They weren’t known for their power — but rather, for the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through them.
And, they weren’t focused on making a name for themselves—they were focused on making the name of Jesus known throughout their region.
And now, centuries later, their example still speaks. So, Paul writes in this letter to commend them for their faith — but also to remind them (and us), that it’s vitally that we continue to let our faith be seen. For it’s a faith worth following.
Look with me at chapter 1, beginning in verse 4. Here Paul writes:
“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10 (NIV)
Just as the Thessalonians demonstrated a faith worth following, we too are called to cultivate a faith that deeply impacts those around you.
So how do we live out this kind of contagious, Christ-centered faith?
1. We Must Receive God’s Word Enthusiastically
The very foundation of the Thessalonians’ faith—what made it so influential, so compelling—was how they responded to the message of the gospel. Paul writes in verse 6,
“You welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
They didn’t just hear the Word—they embraced it. They didn’t just agree with it—they welcomed it, even when it came at a personal cost.
And that one response set everything else in motion.
Think about it—how we receive God’s Word says everything about the condition of our hearts. It’s one thing to hear a sermon or read a verse. It’s another thing entirely to say, “This is God’s voice to me—and I’m ready to receive it, respond to it, and be changed by it.”
Billy Graham once said, “If you are ignorant of God’s Word, you will always be ignorant of God’s will.”
That’s a sobering truth. You cannot live a life that honors God if you’re disconnected from the voice of God. And the primary way He speaks? Through His Word.
The Thessalonians modeled this beautifully. Their joy in suffering wasn’t manufactured—it was fueled by truth. God’s Word had taken root in their hearts, and it anchored them in the middle of hardship. That joyful reception of truth became the cornerstone of a faith worth following.
So let me ask you:
- How do you respond to God’s Word?
- Are you passively listening—or actively receiving?
- Do you approach Scripture with obligation—or with expectation?
God’s Word is your anchor in storms, your compass in confusion, your lifeline in spiritual drought. When you truly treasure His truth, you become grounded in something eternal. And that grounded life is what draws others to Christ—it’s what gives your faith weight and witness.
Let your reception of the Word be genuine, enthusiastic, and evident.
But here’s the key: Receiving the Word is only the beginning.
Transformation doesn’t happen just by hearing—it happens by living.
And that’s exactly where Paul takes us next. After receiving God’s Word with joy, the Thessalonians began to imitate the very life of Christ. They didn’t stop at information—they moved toward imitation.
So, Paul’s challenge continues as he reminds us:
2. We’ve Been Called to Imitate Christ Intentionally
Again, in his referencing of the habits and practices of those early Christ-followers in Thessalonica, Paul says,
“You became imitators of us and of the Lord” (v. 6).
The Thessalonians didn’t just casually observe Christ—they purposefully followed His example, intentionally aligning their lives with His teachings and character.
In the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46), Jesus tells a story about a landowner who planted a vineyard and entrusted it to farmers. When he sent servants to collect what was rightfully his, they were beaten. When he sent his son, they killed him. Jesus ends the parable with these sobering words:
“Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit” (Matthew 21:43).
This parable vividly portrays the rejection Jesus faced, but it also conveys our calling. Jesus came expecting to find spiritual fruit—lives transformed by faith, justice, and love. Instead, He often found resistance and rejection. You, however, have a divine purpose.
God is looking for people who will bear spiritual fruit—people who will live lives that reflect His character and mission. Paul reaffirms this purpose in Ephesians 2:10,
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
A faith worth following doesn’t settle for admiration—it moves toward imitation. It’s not about perfection but pursuit. You are called to purposefully reflect the heart, habits, and holiness of Jesus.
Your life is designed to produce fruit that honors Christ and reveals His character. You are called to intentionally live like Jesus, bear good fruit, and demonstrate the reality of His transforming power.
But this imitation isn’t meant to be hidden—it’s meant to be visible. When your faith becomes real in how you live, others begin to take notice.
3. We Should Reflect Christ Publicly
Paul continues to encourage the believers in Thessalonica by highlighting the visible impact of their faith. In verse 7, he writes,
“You became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
What a powerful statement. Their faith wasn’t silent—it was seen. It wasn’t theoretical—it was tangible. They weren’t living private, hidden spiritual lives; they were living public, intentional testimonies of Jesus Christ.
In other words, their faith showed.
Paul is essentially saying, “You didn’t just receive the message—you became the message.” Their lives preached a sermon that could be seen, not just heard. And it spread. Their example reached believers far beyond their own city.
So here’s the question we must ask ourselves:
When people look at your life—do they see Jesus?
Do your words, your attitudes, your decisions, your demeanor—reflect the heart of Christ?
Rick Warren once said, “You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” That’s not just a clever phrase—it’s a sobering truth. Your life may be someone’s first real glimpse of who Jesus is.
And here’s the good news: You don’t have to be famous, eloquent, or perfect to reflect Christ. You just have to be authentic. That means being honest about your story, humble in your growth, and consistent in your witness. A sincere life lived in love and truth speaks louder than any sermon ever could.
So let me challenge you today—be intentional.
- Reflect Christ in your home.
- Reflect Him at work.
- Reflect Him in traffic, at the grocery store, on your social media, and in your relationships.
You don’t need a stage to make a difference—you just need to shine where you are.
Paul points to their faith as a model because they weren’t afraid to live it out loud. Their influence didn’t come from comfort or cultural alignment—it came from courageous, Christ-centered living. They prioritized God’s kingdom over personal reputation. They put Jesus first—even when it cost them something.
That’s what it means to reflect Christ publicly:
- It’s bold, not brash.
- It’s humble, not hidden.
- It’s consistent, not compartmentalized.
And it’s possible when you let Jesus take center stage.
Which leads us naturally to the next mark of a faith worth following:
Paul says they didn’t just reflect Christ—they served Him exclusively. They didn’t try to blend Him with other priorities—they made Him their only pursuit. Let’s look at that together…
To do this, he says:
4. We Must Serve Christ Exclusively
Another powerful mark of the Thessalonians’ faith was the complete transformation of their loyalty. Paul writes in verse 9,
“They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”
Notice the strength of that language: they didn’t just add Jesus to their lives—they turned from something in order to fully serve Someone.
Their faith wasn’t halfway or halfway in—it was wholehearted. They didn’t try to juggle loyalties or balance God alongside other pursuits. They made a clean break from their past and gave themselves fully to the one true God.
And that same call comes to us today: Will you serve Christ with exclusive devotion?
Let’s be honest—idols still exist. They may not look like statues in temples, but they’re just as real and just as dangerous. An idol is anything that takes God’s rightful place in your heart.
As Tim Keller wisely observed, “An idol is whatever you look at and say, ‘If I have that, then I’ll know I have value.’”
For some, it’s success or status. For others, it’s approval, comfort, money, control, or even ministry itself.
Ask yourself:
- What are you unwilling to surrender?
- What consumes your thoughts, energy, or affection more than Christ?
- What would devastate you if it were taken away—revealing it might have your heart?
Serving Christ exclusively means you don’t just believe in Him—you belong to Him. It means Jesus isn’t one priority on your list—He is the list. You don’t fit Him into your plans; you surrender to His.
This kind of singular devotion gives your life both clarity and credibility. It simplifies your purpose, aligns your affections, and amplifies your impact. When Christ is truly at the center, people notice. Your values shift. Your peace deepens. Your influence expands.
That’s what made the Thessalonians so compelling. They weren’t halfway in. They had turned away from lesser things to serve the greater King. And in doing so, their lives became a powerful witness to the world around them.
So today, take an honest inventory:
- Is there anything competing with Christ in your life?
- Is there anything that needs to be surrendered, so He can take His rightful place on the throne of your heart?
Because a faith worth following is one that serves Jesus—not casually, but completely. And when Christ becomes the center of your life, your perspective shifts. The temporary things of this world lose their grip, and the eternal becomes your focus.
Which leads us to one final trait Paul points out—something that ties all the others together. It’s not just about what you do today—it’s about what (and who) you’re living for tomorrow.
Let’s look now at what it means to live with a constant expectation of Christ’s return…
5. We must Live with an Expectation of Christ’s Soon Return
One of the most striking characteristics of the Thessalonian believers was their forward-looking faith. Paul commended them for:
“waiting for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath” (v. 10).
These were not passive believers sitting idly by—they were actively expecting the return of Christ. Their anticipation wasn’t rooted in fear or fantasy—it was grounded in faith. They genuinely believed Jesus could return at any moment, and that belief shaped their priorities, their lifestyle, and their witness.
Let’s be honest: It’s easy in today’s world to lose sight of eternity. We get busy, distracted, and consumed with the temporary. But Scripture consistently calls us to live with the end in view—not in anxiety, but in anticipation. Christ’s return is not just a doctrinal statement—it’s a daily motivator.
The big question is: Are you living like Jesus could return today?
This kind of expectation does three important things:
- It fuels urgency — When you believe Jesus could return at any time, it stirs a fire within you. You don’t want to waste your days or miss opportunities. You want to love well, serve boldly, and share the gospel with passion. Every conversation and every act of kindness could carry eternal weight.
- It clarifies your values — Suddenly, not everything matters as much. When your eyes are on heaven, the things of this world lose their grip. Success, status, possessions, and even comfort take a back seat to things that are eternal—faith, obedience, relationships, and the mission of God.
- It awakens purpose — Living with expectation gives you a reason to get up in the morning. You realize you’ve been placed here, in this moment of history, for a divine reason. Every day becomes an opportunity to glorify Christ and point others to Him before He returns.
Jesus said in Luke 12:40, “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” And in Revelation 22:12, He declared, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
The early church lived with this kind of readiness. They didn’t view Christ’s return as a far-off possibility—they lived like it was just around the corner. And because of that, their lives had urgency, their voices had power, and their faith had substance.
What would change in your life if you truly believed Jesus might return today? How would you treat people differently? What priorities would shift? What sin would you surrender? What conversations would you stop putting off?
A faith worth following is a faith that is always looking up. It’s a faith that’s not content with the status quo. It’s a faith that longs for the day when the trumpet will sound, the sky will break open, and the King will return.
So today, live with expectation. Keep your heart pure. Keep your hands busy. Keep your eyes on the horizon.
Because Jesus is coming soon.
Conclusion:
So, what does a faith worth following look like?
- It receives God’s Word enthusiastically.
- It imitates Christ intentionally.
- It reflects Jesus publicly.
- It serves God exclusively.
- And it lives with eternity in view, anticipating Christ’s return expectantly.
That kind of faith changes lives. That kind of faith changes eternities.
And maybe you’re here today, and you’re ready for that change. Maybe you’ve never surrendered your life to Jesus. The good news is this: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to rescue you. He lived the life you couldn’t live, died the death you deserved, and rose again to offer you eternal life. You don’t earn it. You simply receive it by faith.
Today can be the day you step into a life of purpose and peace. If you’re ready to trust Jesus—to turn from your sin and follow Him as Savior and Lord—you can do that right now.
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for calling us into a life that matters—a life of hope, joy, and purpose through Jesus. For those making a decision right now, I ask that You would meet them in their moment of faith. Forgive sin, restore hearts, and plant within them a faith worth following. For every believer listening, help us to receive Your Word, imitate Your Son, reflect Your character, serve You alone, and live every day in light of Your return. May our lives point others to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.