A World Class Testimony

Text: I Thessalonians 1:1-10

Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)

Date Preached - (09/16/01)

Introduction:   

The term “World-Class” has come to be applied to so many trivial pursuits.

What about the Christian Faith?

The Macedonian believers were first century stalwarts of the faith.

Among them was the church in Philippi (commended for giving – “ye sent once and again unto my necessity”), the Berean church (searched the scriptures daily), and this wonderful church in Thessalonica.

These folk were examples to all that believe, and in “every place”

They had a world-class testimony.

Such an impeccable example that Paul says of them in verse 9 “so that we need not to speak anything”.

They continue to be an example to us today.

By God’s grace MIBC can also be a church that sets an example, a church with a world-class testimony.

This really is a “State of the Union” address.

In what ways were the Thessalonian believers an example?

I. Examples in Submission vs.6

“followers of us, and of the Lord”

Teamwork is not possible without submission.

ILLUS: Coach and players, Husband & wife, business etc.

Paul was not afraid to ask for followship in the Lord and in the work of the Gospel.

Philippians 3:17  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

1 Corinthians 4:16  Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

What should our relationship to leadership be a t the local church level?

A. Dedicated to Godly Leadership

“And of the Lord”

1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

B. Surrendered to Leadership

They followed!

We must be surrendered first to the Lord, and demonstrate that surrender through submission to God-given leadership.

Hebrews 13:7  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

C. Holding up the Hands of Leadership

LOOK UP & READ Exodus 17:8-13

HOW? Through prayer – Through Daily involvement – Through Faithfulness with our….

            Time

            Talent

            Treasure (Tithe)

D. Developing Leadership vs.7

“So that ye were ensamples”

2 Timothy 2:2  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

NOTE - The Pastor’s responsibility….

Ephesians 4:11-12  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

It’s time for others and for more to step up to the plate.  Be faithful, be teachable, be surrendered to God.

II. Examples in Suffering vs.6

They had suffered “Much affliction”

LOOK UP & READ Acts 17:1-15

LOOK UP & READ I Thess 2:14 & 3:3-4

Two things closely associated with suffering for the Christian.

A. Reception of the Scriptures

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.

Having RECEIVED the word in much affliction.

RECEIVED – meaning to hear, to love, to obey.

2 Timothy 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

B. Rejoicing of the Spirit

James 1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

LOOK UP & READ I Peter 3:14-17

We should be known as a joyful (Joy-Filled) place!!!!!

III. Examples in Soul-Winning vs.8

“For from you sounded out the word of the Lord”

A. Personal responsibility – “from you”

B. Corporate Undertaking

1 Timothy 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

C. Sacrificial Involvement

LOOK UP & READ II Cor. 8:1-5

D. Universal Vision

“In every place”

Proverbs 29:18  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

IV. Examples in Separation vs.9

1 Thessalonians 4:7  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

“turned to God from idols”

Compare with verse 3

• Work of Faith - “turned to God from idols”

• Labour of Love – “to serve the living and true God”

• Patience of Hope – “to wait for his son from heaven”

Both Repentance and faith are seen here.

As you turn to God you will leave your idols behind.

If a man doesn’t turn from his sin, it is because he has not turned to Christ.

There is both negative and positive in separation.  Turn from sin and unto Christ.

ILLUS: Turning the palm of your hand away from you.

Our Desires/Direction of life

Our Deportment/Demeanor & Speech

Our Dress

V. Examples in Service vs.9

“to serve the living and true God”

This was the labour of love.

John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

This is not a time for excuses.  We’re all busy.

Let’s uncomplicate our lives, cut away the fat, jettison the unnecessary.

VI. Examples in Assurance (Faith) vs.8

“your faith to God-ward is spread abroad;”

VII. Examples in Seeking vs.10

“To wait for his son from heaven”

This is their patience of hope.

LOOK UP & READ I Thess 4:13-17

2 Timothy 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Do you love His appearing?

ILLUS: Jam on their faces.

Conclusion:     (Review)