An Authentic Church

AN AUTHENTIC, PROVEN CHURCH Spring Valley Mennonite; January 23, 2022; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 I am holding in my hand a genuine lump of gold. I guarantee that it is authentic, and at today's price of about $1800 per oz., this piece of gold is worth around $15,000. However, there is one issue with this lump of gold: it is an authentic piece of "fool's gold" or iron pyrite. Basically, it is worthless compared to real gold. Fool's gold is so called because many an amateur miner, upon striking a vein of iron pyrite thought he had struck the mother lode only to be proven wrong. The search for things that are genuine and authentic is challenging in a world that is ruled by the "father of lies." Whether it be products that make claims they don't live up to, relationships that turn sour, or politicians who fail to keep promises, we all have been disappointed by something we thought was authentic but proved false. Perhaps another way to put it is that we all search for truth. As believers in Jesus Christ, our search for truth has borne fruit. Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." God's plan and will for we believers is for us to join together in local churches. Every Christian church makes claims to follow Jesus Christ, yet sadly, many fall far short of these claims. To establish strong and healthy churches was the life-calling of the Apostle Paul, perhaps the most effective church planter in history. In this letter to the Thessalonian church he gives thanks that this church was proving itself authentic. We see in these introductory verses several principles about authenticity in this church and its members. After having to leave Thessalonica abruptly because of opposition by the Jews, the church planting team moved on, but Paul had a deep burden for this church. Were they continuing in the faith? Had the seed of the Gospel fallen on fertile soil? Timothy was sent back to Thessalonica on a fact-finding mission. Paul wrote this letter in response to Timothy's favorable report about the progress and growth he observed in this newly planted church. This personal and encouraging letter was written several months, perhaps a long as a year after their initial ministry in Thessalonica. We'll begin our study by reading the first three verses. (Read vv. 1-3) I. THE TEAM INTRODUCED In most of the letters Paul writes he refers to himself as "The Apostle Paul." Notice here we see simply "Paul." The significance is that in this earliest letter among his epistles, any opposition or question about his qualifications as an Apostle is missing. He writes simply as "Paul." Although Paul is the author of the letter, he gives equal standing to the other two church planters, Silas or Silvanus, and Timothy. Let's spend a moment becoming acquainted with these men: Silas is first seen as a representative of the Jerusalem church sent to Antioch from the Jerusalem Church Council, as we read about in Acts 15. This Council settled the issue of Gentile believers and their observance of the Mosaic Law. The ruling absolving them of obedience to the Law's ceremonial requirements, including circumcism. Silas is described as a prophet, and it is noted that he proved his ability as a teacher and preacher by delivering a lengthy sermon to the Antioch church at his arrival. He remained in Antioch as a leader and teacher after delivering the Council decision. He accompanied Paul on the second Missionary trip. Silas later shows up as a scribe for the Apostle Peter as recorded in 1 Peter 5:12. Silas' personality seems to be more assertive than Timothy. Timothy is found to be very prominent in the development of the early churches. He was from the town of Lystra and was converted in Paul's ministry on the first of his travels through Asia Minor. He had a Jewish mother named Eunice and grandmother named Lois who taught Timothy well in the Old Testament scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:15 states: "From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." Note that the Old Testament gives the background information preparing those who listen to accept Jesus as Savior. Timothy is seen to be highly esteemed by Paul: Speaking of Timothy in Philippians 2:19: "But you know of his proven worth that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father." Timothy is mentioned more often than anyone else of Paul's companions. He was a willing and dependable disciple who was sent on many difficult errands. He accompanied Paul on his second and third missionary expeditions. Their relationship was deeply personal and enduring. He was with Paul in Rome, being mentioned in the prison epistles of Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. He also served as the Pastor of the Ephesian church. There is a principle we see in this greeting, and that is how God uses a variety of gifts and personalities to accomplish His Kingdom work. Paul was very powerful and forward in his approach to ministry. Silas seems to have been a studious preacher, in for the long haul. Timothy was sensitive and more of a follower, younger than the other two and willing to serve. Together these three formed an effective team. God uses different personalities and gifted individuals to accomplish His purposes. There are no unimportant people in God's kingdom. Verse 2 begins with "We give thanks...", not "I." Reading between the lines, we see Paul affirming the "We principle" of team ministry. Another important principle is how Paul addresses the church as a whole rather than individuals. Of course, the church is made up of individuals, but I believe a point is being made of the body life of the church. In many of the other of his letters, Paul addresses "the believers" as Rome, or "to the saints" as in his letters to Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae. I would ask, "Do we see ourselves more as an individual believer or as a believer vitally connected to this church?" Perhaps it is a cultural thing, the rugged individual idea of the American pioneer, being able to exist independently without needing anyone else. Perhaps in this study we will gain an appreciation of our identity as a body of believers. One further thing is how the church is described "In God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Both the Father and the Son are presented on an equal basis. The importance of the statement that the church is "In the Father and Christ" is the mysterious union we have with God that we have as believers, and that the church has as the body of Christ. In his commentary on this verse John MacArthur observes, "They participated in the very life of God and the life of Christ. There is an indivisible spiritual union between Christ and His own. In his New Testament letters, Paul taught that believers do not simply believe facts about Jesus Christ, but that they are in Him. He told the Galatians, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). "For you have died," he reminded the Colossians, "and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). That is the inexplicable and incomprehensible mystery of what it is to be a Christian-that God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9, 11; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14) live within the believer and the believer lives in them in a sharing of divine and eternal life.1" Paul continues his greeting with his customary "grace and peace." But let's not miss the significance of the order here. Grace is God's unmerited favor toward the sinner. Grace is unearned and is a free gift of God. God takes the initiative in extending grace through the Lord Jesus Christ. God's grace is the beginning point of salvation. Peace, on the other hand is the result of grace operating in our life. Why do we need peace? Before believing, we were enemies of God, at war, serving God's enemy. This lack of inner peace leaves humanity troubled and fearful, for it is terrifying to think of falling under the judgment of a wrathful God. All men seek inner peace because the soul without God is also restless, seeking meaning and purpose. Think of the many directions in which men seek meaning and this inner peace: Some would deny that God exists, for there is no judgment if there is no God. But for others, they seek purpose in various religions, relationships, causes, careers, hobbies, identity as a "fan" as in "I never miss a Chief's game!", business, wealth, or as avid collectors of stuff-some people actually devote their lives to collecting things! Do you realize some people collect and establish museums for things like umbrellas, back scratchers, airsickness bags, and chocolate wrappers (one person has 38,579 of them!). But significance, identity and purpose in life-all tied to inner peace, cannot be found apart from Jesus Christ. His grace applied to our life is the only pathway to peace. Jesus promised, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." II. THANKFULNESS FOR AN AUTHENTIC CHURCH OF AUTHENTIC BELIEVERS Verse 2 begins again with "We." Paul is writing on behalf of the team. They gathered to pray for the church, giving thanks and glory to God for what was happening. Although we will cover verse 4 in depth next week, it will serve as a starting point for verses 2 and 3: "Knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you." How did Paul know that these believers were genuine, authentic and proven? He states three criteria Timothy had observed on his visit, and perhaps had seen himself in his ministry in Thessalonica. Three evidences of authenticity are noted: First, A Working Faith, or a faith that works. He saw the visible results of conversion, action representative of the transforming power of regeneration. A genuine faith will result in righteous and holy deeds. This is the truth that the book of James speaks of when we read, "Faith without works is dead." When Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus about being born again, He used the illustration of wind describing the Spirit's work of regeneration. We cannot see the wind, but we can see the movement of leaves or grass when the wind blows. One can say the wind is blowing, but if the leaves are motionless, the statement is untrue. One can say he is born again, but if there are no visible changes over time, the claim of conversion is false. 2 Corinthian 5:17: "Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come." What are these new things? Verse 15 preceding 17 says, "And He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." A saved individual demonstrates changes in attitude and actions. He no longer lives selfishly. The most difficult funerals I do are for those individuals who reportedly made a "decision for Christ" early in life, but in examining the person's behavior over the years find absolutely no evidence of life-change. Their life was all about themselves. They never had any interest in getting to know God, serving others, attending church, reading God's Word, or righteous behavior. A reported decision without any visible deeds of righteousness certainly give reason for doubt as to the sincerity of the decision. Such ones were described by Jesus in His parable of the Sower as those in which the seed sprouted but quickly died when the sun rose. The second sign of an authentic church is that the members have a labor of love, or a "love that labors." "Labor" is a Greek word "kopos" that means an arduous, wearying sort of toil that leads to exhaustion. It speaks of great effort expended, effort that strains our energy to the maximum. This labor of love spares no effort in ministering to others, doing good to all, so much more than just a "feeling type of love." The power of salvation is seen in sacrificial love, especially for other Christians. 1 Peter 1:22: "We know we have passed out of death into life if we have love for the brethren." There is a common word for work in Greek-ergon, which focuses on the deed itself, but kopos, or labor-this focuses on the effort expended. You see, we can do good deeds with a bad attitude, or we can serve begrudgingly. This labor of love is a heartfelt and willing attitude, first to other believers, but even to enemies also. Jesus spoke of loving our enemies. This expression of love rises far above any feeling but arises out of a genuine conversion of soul. We love because He first loved us. God makes us into those willing to serve others regardless of difficulty. I believe that this labor of love should result in our being the best neighbors, the most willing to help and cheerfully volunteer, the most generous, compassionate and kind of people. Our unselfish love for others is evidence of God's presence in our lives and should characterize an authentic church. The third evidence of authenticity is an enduring hope. Hope always focuses on the future. It is not the wishing type of hope-"I hope a distant relative would leave me a million dollars" type of hope. The Christian's authentic hope is a certainty that what God has promised will take place. It is most clearly expressed in the certain hope that Jesus is going to return in triumph and all the promises of blessing and paradise forever will come to pass. Titus 2:11-13: "For the grace of God has appeared bring salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus..." Grace leads to salvation which leads to godly living and a future focus on the return of our Lord Jesus. Hebrews 6:19: "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us... 1 Peter 1:3-7: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefined and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." Being a Christian makes no sense unless there is the hope that there is an eternity where the sin and sorrow of this present age will be replaced by paradise. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul put it like this: If there is no resurrection of the body, Jesus was not raised, we are still in our sins, our faith is worthless, and we of all men are to be most pitied." If there is not a heaven to be gained, all the sacrifice of this life is pointless. BUT Christ is raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all we who will be raised to eternal life, free from sin, living in a perfect world without the effects of sin. Our hope, as it was those in this church, is the certainty of eternal life with Christ. This hope was one that endured regardless of continual persecution. The proof of this church's proven authenticity that Paul, Silas and Timothy observed was a faith producing works of righteousness, a love that labored cheerfully to the limit of endurance, and a hope focusing on the future that endured no matter how difficult the circumstances. Such observable characteristics produced an outpouring of Thankfulness to God. Paul and company were seeing fruit that remains. How does Spring Valley stand in light of these criteria for authenticity? What do observers see in our personal lives, as well as seeing our church as a whole? May we hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. 1 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2002). 1 & 2 Thessalonians (pp. 13-14). Chicago: Moody Press. --------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ 2