February 28, 2008

The Example

Tupos – In the Greek Language the word for example is Tupos which is translated from a root meaning “strike” or “hit.”  It also means an impression left by a blow, and by extension a “type,” “example” or “model.” 

When this word is described as to strike or hit, it’s describing a process where something is struck or hit so hard it leaves a permanent mark.  This word is liken to the process that the U.S. Mint uses to produce our coins just before they are bagged and shipped out.  One of the last steps a coin goes through is to be struck so hard that it leaves the permanent mark of the model of coin it becomes just before being inspected prior to being bagged and circulated. 

In the Bible our Tupos with a capitol “t” is Jesus who lived the life we live without sin.  The Bible says He was tempted in every way just as we are but was without sin.  He is our model, example, or type we strive to be like. 

The Word of God also uses tupos with a little “t” to describe people as examples who are striving to be Christ like.  They are models of what a Christian should be like.  The Apostle Paul was a tupos to other believer’s because of his close walk with God. 

In the Book of First Thessalonians, Paul uses the word tupos with a little “t” when he mentions the Thessalonians church as the Example for other churches to be like. 

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 (New King James Version)

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to 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, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

In verses 2 through 4, Paul gives thanks to God and mentions the Thessalonians church in his prayers by specifically remembering their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in The Lord Jesus with the thought of knowing their election by God.

Paul is full of Thanksgiving because this church was all about walking out their faith in Christ.  The Thessalonians were more than glad to work and labor in love for Jesus Christ.  They were true servants of Christ and understood that living for Jesus required working and laboring for the cause of Christ.  This perseverance produced a patience of hope as they lived for Jesus Christ and waited for His return. 

They joyfully accepted the election of being God’s holy people.  Whatever the Lord Jesus had for this church, they wanted it and rejoiced in living for Christ no matter the circumstance. 

Not only was the Thessalonians church an example for the time in which they lived in but also are examples for the times in which we live.  Just as they were the tupos for the Apostle’s time, they are the tupos for us as well.  The question is, are we open to their example today?  Will we read and apply their example as we follow Christ today? 

In verses 5 through 7, Paul makes mention to the gospel he preached to them being not only in word but in power through the Holy Spirit with much assurance with a result of the Thessalonians believer’s accepting the word, becoming followers of the apostle’s in much affliction that led to joy in the Holy Spirit.  They were so changed by the gospel that they became the tupos or examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believed. 

They came to Christ in much persecution but instead of that keeping them back in their faith, it catapulted them forward in Christ and filled them with Joy.  That is a big reason they are the tupos or example to the other churches in their time and to the churches today.

In verses 8 through 10, Paul says the Thessalonians church has sounded the word of the Lord in their day referring to Macedonia and Achaia and also everywhere meaning for all time until Christ Jesus comes back for His church. 

Specifically, they turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.  They waited for His Son from heaven whom God raised from the dead.  This Son is our Lord Jesus who will reward them and us by delivering all from the wrath to come. 

What Paul is teaching about the Thessalonians church has to do with them not only hearing the Word but them being doer’s of the Word by living such a Godly life in Christ Jesus that they became the example or tupos of what a church
should be in this life. 

Are we ready to follow their example and become the tupos in our time? 

The Challenge – Read this passage and ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight to share with others.  When the Spirit gives you insight, respond back with that revelation in the comments section of the blog.

Tell yourself in the morning before you go to work, school, or whatever it is you do throughout a day that you are the tupos of God to others and rejoice knowing that Jesus is using you to make an eternal mark on people in this life.

Be Blessed,

Joey

PS:   If you need prayer, write you requests in the comments section of the blog and we will pray for those needs.  Let us know when God answers your prayers by sending your testimonies. 

If you haven't received Jesus Christ yet and you want to, pray this prayer with me.  Dear God I admit I am a sinner in need of a Savior.  I believe the Savior who can and will forgive my sins and give me eternal life is Jesus Christ.  I confess Jesus today as my Lord and Savior and commit my life to Him.  I pray this in the name of Jesus Amen. 

Let us know if you received Christ so we can celebrate with you because it’s the greatest thing you will ever do in this life.