First Thessalonians (2)

First Thessalonians   •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  49:35
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A Model Church

I. Thankfulness for the Model Church

After Pauls introduction he begins to tell them just how much he cares for them
verse 2 is a great example of Pauls love and appreciation for the believers in Thessalonica.
We should thank God for all that he does in the heart and lives of all believers.
Paul was known for his keen awareness of the goodness and graciousness of God.
His outward response for this was expressed in his letters by his thankfulness to God for those that he was writing to.
These words were not just lip service, (unlike most Christians today who say they will pray for you and never do)
Paul wanted them to know that he makes it a priority to pray for them and the work they are engaged in.
These believers were the focus and heart of his prayer.
He knew that they needed the help of God and he wanted them to know that he was interceding for them.
We need to be reminded of this urgent need
we all need the help of God
we all need to make an effort to pray more earnestly for each other and the church.
Maybe we need to pray less for our wants and more about the church as a whole
We need to be thanking God everyday for those with whom we get to serve.
Paul also wanted them to know that this wasnt just a one time thing.
The word “always”
That literally means what it says.
It means “at all times, always.”
Paul wasnt occasionally thankful for them
He wasnt occasionally mindful of their labor and the needs of the church.
Paul always prayed for them.
He literaly mentioned them every time he prayed.
I think if we would be honest, many of us do not always pray, much less make mention of others each time we do pray.
Prayer is the most effective and powerful tool we have and yet I fear it is the least utilized
May we develop a heart for prayer like Paul
May we have a sense of urgency and commitment to prayer
Think of how much more we could get done as a church if we were praying always for one another and the church?
Prayer though is not what I want us to focus on this morning, I want to focus on what a model Church looks like
Paul lays out for us what exactly it is that makes this church a model church
I would say this is a successful church plant.
So, The first thing we see...

II. Tendency's of a Model Church

v.3
Paul lays out here in v.3 what he remembers most about this church.
1.Works of Faith
The Thessalonians had a faith that was alive
This was the visible manifestation of their inward change
These believers were not slothful , they were busy about the Lord’s work.
They were consistent in the work of the Lord
They had embraced the Lord as the Messiah, the Savior of the World and they were unshaken in their commitment to Him
They were committed to reaching others with the good news
The enemy continued to bring about opposition , but they refused to abandon the work of the Lord
James writes in Jas. 2:26
James 2:26 KJV 1900
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
I wonder if those that know Victory Baptist well, when they take the time to ponder what they remember the most about us what would they say?
Could they say that VBC is committed to the work of God?
Are the Lord and His work a priority?
Are we determined to reach the world by sharing the good news?
1. Work of Faith
2. Labor of Love
Paul also remembered their labor of love
I find this interesting,
We usally do not associate love with labor and we certainly dont associate it with burden
yet there are times that love takes work, just ask my wife. lol
The church at Thessalonica was not a people that were deterred by the hate of others.
Their love for others and each other was not based solely on how they were treated
They were determined to love unconditionally.
The word love here is “agape” meaning unselfish sacrifical love
They extended the love of God even when it wasnt earned, deserved or returned
That is loving as God loves.
You could say, they were so moved by the love that they had recieved from Christ, that they were compelled to labor for Him whatever the cost.
When ones heart is so full of the love of God, labor is not a burden it is a joy.
Christ told His disciples that the love that they have for one another would send a message to the world that they are what they say they are.
John 13:35 KJV 1900
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
True Christian faith is love that is willing to go the distance, even to the point of exhaustion and weariness.
It is a love that knows no limits and finds its ultimate source in the love of God (Rom 5:8).
This explains why John implores you and me in his first epistle to
1 John 4:7 (KJV 1900)
… love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
Paul in 1 Cor. 13:1-3, unpacks the essence of love by showing how its absence nullifies even the greatest of Christian virtues:
1 Corinthians 13:1–3 KJV 1900
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
If there is no love, it does not matter what you know, it does not matter what you do, and it does not matter what you say, it is all worthless.
That is how vital love is to the Christian faith.
1. Works of Faith
2. Labor of Love
3. Patience of Hope
The hope that Paul mentions here in verse 3 is a hope of the assurance of eternal life.
Having hope that one day the Lord will take you home to be with Him and that there is laid up for you a crown of rightosness can give you endurance to persevere.
The Thessalonians had an unshakable confidence in the Lord regardless of their circumstances.
They needed this kind of enduring hope in view of their adversity.
As Barclay so aptly puts it, “A man can endure anything as long as he has hope, for then he is walking not to the night, but to the dawn” (Barclay, Letters, 218).
times were tough for this young church.
But They were not inconsistent with this hope.
They were patient, “steadfastness, endurance, loyalty, and perseverance.”
Even in the face of adversity and the continual presence of false doctrine and temptation, they remained steadfast in their faith.
They would not be moved from the foundation of their faith!
Satan knew the threat that this church posed to his devilish plans, and he was doing everything possible to keep it from succeeding.
A successful church plant in this city would open the door for rapid spread of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.
just as Satan knew the threat of the Thessalonian church,
you can be sure that he also knows the threat that VBC poses.
He will do everything possible to hinder our success.
When you declare your allegiance to Jesus Christ, you declare war on hell.
When you declare war on hell, hell puts up a fight.
Works of Faith
Labor of Love
Patience of Hope
4. Knowledge of Calling
They were grounded in their relationship with Christ
Regadless of its location, new age strategies, or charismatic leader, a church will never be what God intended for it to be if the people are not passionately in love with Jesus Christ and His glorious gospel.
The Chruch may grow in size, but unless it is grounded in the gospel, its people will never grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. 2Pet.3:18
2 Peter 3:18 KJV 1900
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Millard Erickson is correct when he asserts,

Because the gospel has been, is, and will always be the way of salvation, the only way, the church must preserve the gospel at all costs. When the gospel is modified, the vitality of the church is lost. The church dies. (Erickson, Christian Theology, 1075)

This young church faced many challenges, but one it never faced was a concern that it would not survive.
Its future was not in question because its mission was not effected by external circumstances.
It was motivated by an internal conviction that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God who had died for them and they needed to tell the world.
And tell the world they did.

III. The Testimony of a Model Church

v.5-10
1. Their Passion Was Evident 5-7
There was no mistaking it, the church was passionate about their no found faith in Christ.
The first thing they were passionate about Paul tells us is their
a. They Were Passionate about their Salvation v.5
Paul and Silas had come [\preaching the Word of God but not just saying a few words, they came with Power of the Spirit.
Because of this many in thessaloniaca were saved.
Paul tells us that not only did they hear the Word and recieve it but they believed it with full assurance
They were not going to allow any one tell them otherwise.
Are you passionate about your salvation
b. They Were Passionate About Their Surrender v.6
They were passionate about following Christ regadless of their circustances. (affliction, joy)
They surrendered their life to Christ and it cost them, but Paul said they recieved in in much affliction with joy of the Holy Ghost.
I think that is the problem with todays Christianity,
Christianity comes at a cost and when you have the Holy Ghost you will surrender your life and have joy in doing it because as we will see in verse 10, they knew that it was all worth it.
When was the last time your faith cost you something?
If affliction did come would you recieve it with joy?
c. They Were Passionate About their Service v.7
They served with passion.
Paul says they were ensamples, (examples, a pattern)
They showed others what it ment to be a Christian
They did it with passion
they did it with a happy heart
They didnt do it grumbling and complaining
They did it with a smile and they did it with love.
When you serve others, do you do it with passion or complaining?
Galatians 5:13 KJV 1900
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
2. Their Proclamation was Exact v.8
Paul tells them that when he got news of them, they were telling others about the same good news that they had recieved.
He tells them that there was nothing more he had to say to those that they had been witnesing to.
What they were proclaming was truth and there was nothing that needed to be added to it.
How is your proclamation this morning?
Would there be any reason for someone to have to come behind you and fill in the gaps or correct some errors?
I dont mean you just dont know what to say or are not good at talking to people, I mean do you believe this Book and do you tell people the truth this truth when you talk to them.
Paul did not have to worry about that. He knew that when they witnessed to others, there was no need for him to continue the converstation.
He knew he would not have to correct any false doctrine.
Their proclimation was spot on it was exact.
3. The People Were Evidence v.9-10
Its one thing for you to stand up and give a testimony its another for someone else to stand up and give a testimony about you.
That is exactly what was happening
The people were giving testimony after testimony about the church.
The first thing was
a. The People Spoke of their Change v.9
2 Cor. 5:17 tells us, Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.
The people that the Thessalonians had spoke to where now speaking out about the change that they had seen in the church.
They spoke about the new life they were living,
They no longer worshiped the same God’s
They no longer served themselves
They were new creatures and they served and worshiped the living and true God
If we were to poll those that you are closest to what could they say about you?
a. The People Spoke of their Change v.9
b. The People Saw their Confidence v.10
Not only did the people speak about the Change they witnessed
They told paul about the Confidence the Saw.
Those around them did not see a doubt in them,
These folks believed what they were proclaiming
Like paul these believers could boldly proclaim, “for me to die is gain”
They had a confidence that know matter what came their way, they would continue on in the faith wither here or upthere.
I ask you this morning, do people see a confidence in your faith which is the Lord Jesus Christ?
Do you have confidence that your faith will be enough to get you to heaven?
They did.
Maybe the reason you dont this morning is because you dont know the one that can give you this confidence.
As a New Testament Church we should have a testimony in the community we serve that resembles that of the Church in Thessalonica.
You say thats nice but how.
Glad you asked.

IV. Taking Note of this Model Church

As we conclude chapter 1, we can glean some wisdom from the outstanding lives of the Thessalonian believers.
Lets not just be hearers of the Word, but doers.
This Model church in Thessalonica should be a beacon of light that inspires us, compelling us to live out our faith, to labor love for others and hope with patience for His soon return.
We should draw encouragement from the passion and conviction of the Thessalonian church.
Despite facing persecution and much affliction, they embraced the Gospel with their whole heart, turning from idols to serving the living God.
Their unwavering commitment and confidence, should challenge us to search our own lives, to reevaluate our devotion to Christ and boldly proclaim His truth.
On a practical level, what does it mean to take note of this model church?
It means actively engaging in acts of faith, demonstrating love, and maintaining hope.
First, let us engage in acts of faith.
This means professing our belief on Christ and living out that faith in tangible ways.
Whether it's serving our communities,
sharing the Gospel with those around us,
or investing in the spiritual growth of others,
may our faith be evident in our actions.
First, let us engage in acts of faith.
Second, let us demonstrate love.
Love lies at the heart of the Christian faith,
we are called to exemplify it in our relationships, communities, and outreach efforts.
Let us extend a helping hand to those in need,
foster unity within our church family,
and reach the lost, all in the name of Christ.
First, let us engage in acts of faith.
Second, let us demonstrate love.
and Lastly, let us maintain hope.
Our hope is anchored in the promises of God
promises in a world fraught with uncertainty and turmoil.
May we hold to the hope that transcends circumstances through prayer,
diligent study of His Word,
and unwavering trust in His faithfulness.
Our ultimate hope rests in the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we strive to live out our faith, let us be examples to those around us.
Our conduct should testify to the transforming power of Christ,
inspiring others to pursue a deeper relationship with Him.
May we lead by example, pointing others to the hope found in Christ alone.

Conclusion

As we conclude
We must ask ourselves a fundamental question:
What difference does this message make in my life today, tomorrow, and into the future?
The Message of the Model Church isn't merely a historical lesson or a theological discourse—
it's a call to action,
a challenge to live out our faith in a tangible and transformative ways.
This message should compel us to reevaluate our priorities and commitments.
Are we genuinely living lives that reflect our faith in Christ?
Are we actively engaging in acts of service, demonstrating love to those around us, and maintaining hope amid adversity?
This message propels us forward tomorrow with renewed purpose and direction.\
It reminds us that each day is an opportunity to make a difference, to shine the light of Christ in a darkened world, and to leave a legacy of faithfulness for future generations.
This message guides us into the future, illuminating the path before us and reminding us of our ultimate hope in Christ's return.
It empowers us to press on in faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain and that one day, we will receive the reward of our inheritance in Him.
So, what difference should this message make in our lives?
It should transforms us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, from passive spectators into powerful soulwinners in God's redemptive plan.
It should challenge us to live with purpose, love through pain , and hope with patience.
Maybe you are here this morning and all of what we said to you today is foriegn. May I plead with you today, turn from your wicked ways and be born again. Come to the foot of the cross and Jesus will meet you there.
Believer, maybe you need to come this morning and ask God to put a Thessalonian heart in you.
May all of us leave here today empowered by the Spirit, determined to make a difference and driven to tell others about the soon return of Jesus Christ.
Leave here living with Heaven on your Mind.
Parts of this message were taken from the series “Courage:Standing Firm in a Shaken World” Garey Walker Jr Living Way Church
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