The Message that Moves Us

Introduction

In chapter one we were introduced to a church in Thessalonica that had the marks of a model church; they had a work of faith, a labor of love, and a patience of hope that helped them accomplish the will of God and endure the difficulties that accompanied living for Christ.

In the first part of this chapter we talked about a ministry that matters. They had a profitable ministry that brough forth fruit, a praiseworthy ministry that brought glory to God, they had a patient ministry that discipled new believers in the faith.

In the last part of this chapter we are going to look at the message that moved them and that should move us. Paul presents a wonderful look at what should be the message of the church to the unbeliever and to all believers.

The Power of the Word

1 Thessalonians 2:13 “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

Main Idea: The Word of God has divine power to transform every believer who truly receives and applies it and lead us to an obedient life.

We Must Receive It as God’s Word

They accepted it not as the opinions of men, but as the very voice of God.

We Must Respond to It in Faith

“Which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” God’s Word performs its work only in believing hearts.

We Must Reflect It in Our Living

When the Word takes root, it produces visible fruit in our lives.

(Transition: When God’s Word takes hold of us, it strengthens us to stand firm—even when we suffer for our faith.)

The Pain of Persecution

1 Thessalonians 2:14–16 “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.”

Main Idea: Suffering for Christ is not a strange thing—it’s the shared experience of God’s faithful people in every generation.

The message of the gospel moves us to endure persecution.

The Thessalonian Church Endured Suffering

They faced opposition from their own people for following Christ.

The Churches in Judea Endured the Same

They became “followers” of those who had already paid the price for their faith.

The Saviour Himself Endured Persecution

The One we follow suffered rejection and death at the hands of sinners.

(Transition: Though persecution and distance separated Paul from these believers, it could not sever his love or his hope.)

The Promise of His Coming

1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 “But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.”

Main Idea: Though life brings separation and struggle, our hope in the Lord’s return brings comfort and courage to keep going.

The message that moved them encouraged them to look for the coming Savior.

Paul’s Heart Longed for Their Fellowship

Endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.”

Satan Hindered His Return

The enemy may delay our plans, but he cannot destroy God’s purposes.

Christ’s Return Inspired His Joy

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye… at his coming?”

Conclusion

The Word of God works in us, The trials of life shape us, And the promise of Christ’s coming encourages us.

Until He comes, let’s receive His Word, endure with faith, and rejoice in the hope that one day, we’ll all be together in His presence.

If you have never trusted Christ as your Savior I believe that you are here for a reason. As the Thessalonian Church heard the Message that Moved them you this morning have heard about the gospel. The gospel is this; the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. How that effects you is that all of it was done for you. We are all sinners and he died for our sins and paid the punishment of our sin so that we could be changed and our hearts could be made pure in the sight of God so that we can have a home in heaven. He died for you. He loves you. And he wants you to come to Jesus in Faith believing he is the Son of God who did all of that for you. Won’t you let the message of the gospel move you this morning?