Three Marks of a God-Pleasing Church.
1 Thessalonians • Sermon • Submitted
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· 2 viewsThis particular book is written in such a way as to address four distinct categories while still holding to the same “overall, big picture” which is the return of Jesus. The four categories could be summed up as; 1.) Paul’s Ministry, 2.) encouragement of the church because of persecution, 3.) the call to “further” sanctification, and 4.) The Second Coming. While we will be looking at a book most often used in the study of eschatology, we will instead be drawing from the text, what Paul considered to be a God-pleasing Church.
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1. A Gospel-focused, Holy Spirit-filled church. (Vs. 5)
1. A Gospel-focused, Holy Spirit-filled church. (Vs. 5)
Both the Gospel and Holy Spirit were present in this church from its founding! Paul says that the Gospel didn’t just come in word only, but that it came with “Power”.
Power to accomplish the task it was sent out with, (To show sinners their sin that they might turn to God).
Not simply as an empty message with vain, worthless self-made points of view. Nor with the (sometimes) misguided Theologies of man, which would lead to pastor lead churches.
“And the Holy Spirit”
It is the working of the Holy Spirit in men’s hearts, upon hearing the Gospel that causes them to recognize their sin and feel remorse over it (“full conviction”).
If our church is to be one that Honors God then we must honor the Holy Spirit as God as well as the Father and the Son.
A Lord imitating, Word following church. (Vs. 6-7)
A Lord imitating, Word following church. (Vs. 6-7)
“Having received the word” The second mark of a God-pleasing church is the process of sanctification.
Once the Gospel is preached and the lost repent and believe, a change takes place. This is a process known as sanctification. In this process, God molds us into the image of Jesus through the study of His Word, and action put to that word.
“In much Affliction with joy of the Holy Spirit”
Just because we now have Jesus doesn’t mean we won't have to suffer! In fact, Jesus told us we would have to suffer, that the world would hate us for His sake. But He also said that we could take comfort that it hated Him first.
It is in this suffering that the aforementioned process takes place. Sanctification is the process by which God molds into the image of Christ and what is more Christ-like than humble, sacrificial service?
It is the process of breaking down individuals that God lets them see their need for Him.
“So that you became examples to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia’
A local congregation that is doing the work of Christ, preaching and teaching the word, discipling young Christians, and seeking to grow in the Lord will make an impression on those around them!
A Gospel-spreading church! (Vs. 8-10).
A Gospel-spreading church! (Vs. 8-10).
Paul here says that they are a Gospel-spreading Church that sounds forth the Gospel in such a way that all Christians have heard about them & their Love for the Lord!
Is Ora MBC a Gospel-spreading church? Are you a Gospel-spreading church member? If not, why not!? This is our calling folks.
The entire theme of this book is to prepare for the coming of Christ.
This fact can lead us to only one conclusion. That if we are to have a God-pleasing church then we need to be doing the work of the Church!
That we are to be working and being this type of example in the light that the return of Jesus is soon, at the very least that you expect him to judge you at His return.
Conclusion: Do you serve in a God-pleasing church? Do you think there are some areas that we could improve on? Then it's time to pull in the slack. Give more, do more, and live for more than yourself! Live for God and do the work of His Church! Will you hear from Christ a similar message as to what is contained in verse 3? “Will He be able to remember your work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord..”?