Becoming a Dynamic Church in a Depraved World
Introduction
It does not take long to realize that something is going on with in the Apostle's heart as he is writing this letter. Agreat filling of excitement and joy is swelling in the Apostle's heart because how well these young Christians were doing. Christianity at this time was probably about 20 - 25 yrs. old. Alot of persecution was taking place and immorality surrounded the church. Some sceptics may say, "What terrible time to be a Christian." I would submit that when it gets as bad as it can get, "What a great time to be Christian." Our time is no different than the time of Paul and this early church. We need to be as this early church. They rose to the occassion and became all that God had called them to be in the face of sin and persecution.
Becoming a Dynamic Church in a Depraved World
1Th 1:2 ¶ We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 ¶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye 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, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
A Dynamic Church:
I. Produces Evidence Of Salvation v.3-4
A. Put Christianity into Practice
1. Work of Faith
2. Labor of Love
3. Patience of Hope
B. Put Christianity into Perspective
1. Their Motive
a. They were in the Sight of God
b. They were Selected by God
II. Positive Examples to the Saints v.5-9
A. Embracing the Scriptures
1. Word of Anointing
2. Word of Authority
3. Word of Assurance
B. Evangelizing the Sinners
1. By Our Witness
2. By Our Walk
3. By Other's Witness
III. Patiently Expected the Savior v.10
A. Certain of Christ's Return
B. Confident of Christ's Redemption