A Church Is Born 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4 Introduction

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Marvin Fox
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1 Introduction We keep pictures of our family everywhere. We keep them in our studies, and in our hallways and in our living room and in our bedroom. They capture memories; memories of our great grandparents, and grandparents and parents. Pictures cause us to remember the past; pictures generate gratitude in the present and we anticipate taking new pictures when families grow; when children and grandchildren are born. We grow our families. We make every effort to raise our children to be good and decent. We want our children to be good examples of godly behavior. Did you grow up in a less than perfect family? Than you will fit right in to the family of God. Warren Wiersbe once remarked; I d rather be a struggling Christian in an imperfect church than a perfect sinner outside the church. One of the church fathers said that the church was something like Noah s ark: if it weren t for the judgment on the outside, you could never stand the smell on the inside. But here we are. Take a deep breath. Does your church have a pleasant fragrance or a suspicious odor? The little epistle of 1 Thessalonians was written before film or digital tape; but it contains the record of passionate pastors providing tender instructions to a brand new church. Paul writes;...and you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy in the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe (1 Thess. 1:6-7). Paul calls the church in Thessalonki examples or a model church. In this little epistle we see what pattern or marks that distinguish the church. If the Church in Thessalonika served as a pattern or model to both the heathen population and the growing body of believers in Greece; what pattern or design or distinctive s mark the Church of Jesus Christ? In the world of high fashion the world parades models down the runaway; the designers and models set the tone and provide direction for those who want to look their best. For the Christian--we have a righteous runway; and we model Christ. We do not desire to simply model Christ but we want to make a bold fresh statement; on the righteous runway we walk in holiness (4:1-8); we walk in love (4:9-10); we walk in honesty (4:11-12); we walk in hope (vv ); we walk in light (5:1-11); we walk in gratitude (5:12-13); we walk in obedience (5:14-28). In Christ you look marvelous. Few things are more embarrassing for a top model than to trip on the runaway. Elegance requires equilibrium. The strong church, the model church lives by example; embraces evangelism; the strong church embraces a strong work; the strong church has able and true ministers; a strong faith, a strong love, which results in strong people. The strong church also has a strong hope; a deep desire to see Jesus return; the strong church allows the return of Jesus to affect behavior both in private life and public life. 1

2 Each chapter of this epistle ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ (Wiersbe s Expository Outlines of the New Testament; p.589) The Pastor s Burden (v.1a) Paul and Silvanus, and Timothy Paul writes the letter along with Silvanus and Timothy. A model church has principled pastors. The model church has principled pastors who are faithful both to Christ and to the people. In Acts 16 we have the story of Paul and Silas (Silvanus); the two come to Philippi; deliver a demon possessed woman; the two are beaten and cast into prison; an earthquake occurs, the Philippian jailer is converted; the magistrates beg the two to leave the city; and in Acts 17 the two pass through Amphipolis and Apollonia and come to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1). The city of Thessalonica is south of Amphipolis and Apollonia in the northern province of Macedonia. The city was founded by Cassander (315 B.C.); one of Alexander s able generals; and named after Alexander s half-sister Thessalonike (also Cassander s wife). The city was a major sea port and also was a part of the ancient road called the Via Egnatia that was the land route towards the trade centers in the west. Paul and Silas found the local synagogue and for three Sabbaths preached the gospel opening and alleging (out of the Scriptures), that Christ must needs suffered, and risen from the dead; and that this Jesus...is Christ (Acts 17:3). Paul will later confess that he preached the gospel in much agony (1 Thess. 2:2). Paul and Silas still were recovering from the brutal beating they had received in Phillipi. Jews and curious converts to Judaism heard the gospel preached. Jason allowed the ministers to stay at his house; but the powerful preaching and the overwhelming response would lead to yet another riot; the religious leaders were moved with envy (Acts 17:5). Paul s plan of attack was to preach the gospel in the synagogue, drawing on the Old Testament Scriptures that confirm the ministry and message of Jesus as Christ. He then planned to share the good news with the Gentiles; teaching from house to house. We may use modern tools; radio, print, the internet; but make no mistake about it; God uses preaching and teaching; God uses preaching and teaching to bring salvation to those who will believe. Paul already approves the doctrine of the Trinity; God the Father; The Lord Jesus Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit (I Thess. 1:1, 5). Paul declares the ministry of the Holy Spirit in receiving the truth; he acknowledges their election in God (1 Thess. 1:4); Paul points to the fact of their conversion of turning from paganism and idolatry to God (1Thess.1:9). Paul warns them about the wrath of God to come upon the Jews and all men (1 Thess. 2:16) and describes the tribulation of the church (1 Thess. 3:3) and then exhorts them to holiness (1 Thess. 5:23); Paul further expounds the second coming and the resurrection from the dead of both Jesus and believers (1 Thess 4:13-17); Paul points out the practical reality of working in order to live of prayer and perseverance; Paul preaches a gospel that results in a transformation of thinking and living (see The Church In God; Harold J. Ockenga; pp.18-19). 2

3 The People s Bond (v.1b) to the church of the Thessalonians Paul does not simply write- to the church at Thessalonika but rather to the church of the Thessalonians; the church was not simply the place or the city where the people met; but rather the people themselves. The church is comprised of the men and women who have received the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In order for a church to be a church; the composition of that church must be born again blood bought believers. The church comprises those who are called out of this present darkness; and brought into the light of God s grace and mercy in Christ Jesus the Lord. Without people who are committed to Christ you have no church. Paul writes to all the church; not simply a select group of pastors, leaders or workers. A model church recognizes the participation of all the people; blood bought-spirit filled filled-gifted people. The model church recognizes and esteems the presence and contribution of all the people. Acts 20:1-2 (NKJV) After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia.2Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece We must recognize an obvious truth; building the church on a few people or a few leaders will ultimately result in a weaker church. Ignoring or neglecting the needs of some of the members will result in a weaker church. If we fail or if we refuse to recognize and utilize the gifts of some members. Romans 12:3-5 (NKJV) For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.4for as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,5so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. The Presence of God (v.1c) in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: The model church embraces God the Father and God the Son. What do we believe about God the Father and God the Son? A proper confession of the relationship of the Father and Son in part determines the very nature and definition of the Church. There are many organizations that carry the name church. But a church without God the Father and God the Son is not a biblical New Testament Church. The Church is in God the Father and 3

4 the Lord Jesus Christ. If the Church is not in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ it becomes a man made monstrosity; a man-made gathering, a man-made meeting. The Possessions of Grace and Peace (v.1d) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ When a baby is born parents count fingers and toes. When a Pastor plants a church he counts grace and peace. Bible teachers often call grace and peace the twin blessings of God; grace is the Greek word charis which describes the undeserved and the unearned favor of God. No church can be strong without God s grace and God s peace. How can a church survive without God s favor and God s blessing? The mark of a New Testament Church; a strong church, a healthy church is the hand of God. The text reads grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is grace and peace having its origin in and centered in and empowered by God the Father our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace comes from God our Father and through the Lord Jesus Christ. No one can call God Father unless they are also willing to call Jesus Christ Lord. The word peace is eirene; a beautiful word which encompasses the meanings of being bound, or joined, or woven together; it includes the concepts of assurance, confidence and security. People would use the word to describe the blessing, the love the care of God. The word means to know and experience the guidance of God, the provision of God, the strength of God, the deliverance of God, empowering of God, the blessing of God. Jesus told his disciples peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives; give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). Jesus before His death reminds His disciples; These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). The Father and Son bring grace and peace to the hearts of hurting humanity. Can you imagine a church were peace is gone and grace is gone? The Church that commits itself to the confession that God is our Father and the Lord Jesus is in fact Christ; will experience grace and peace. The Father and Son bring peace to the heart of human beings through the Holy Spirit of God. The Lord will not bring peace to the heart apart from the work of God in Christ. In order to experience the peace of God you must come to the God of peace. The Prayers of Power (v.2) 4

5 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NKJV) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, Peace and praise and prayer become essential ingredients for a strong healthy church. The Lord God has ordained prayer as the medium whereby we experience His blessings; hear His voice; and promote intimacy. Do you remember the words of Jesus to His disciples; And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive (Matt. 21:22). If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7). Why has God chosen prayer as the medium whereby He acts on our behalf? Doesn t it make sense to you that sharing and talking and understanding is the way God ordained for people to communicate? Prayer requires our presence, our attention, our affection, our thoughts, our words. A strong church encourages its people to pray. Prayer is our open door to God. The Passion To Work (v.3) 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NKJV) remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, A strong church is motivated, stirred, aroused, emboldened to do something; to work. Don t be frightened by the word work. I am not suggesting that we are saved or perfected by working; but saved people are stirred to work. Paul points out three things that stimulate, incite, urge, prompt participation on the part of the church. Faith stirs the believer to work. This is a faith rooted and grounded; this is a deep sense of conviction brought on by the facts surrounding the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Faith produces work--that is--this is a faith that produces work--not a work that produces faith. Love labors. Faith works but love goes the distance; love goes the extra mile. Love does not replace faith but rather becomes an expression of faith (see Ronald A Ward 1&2 Thessalonians; p.29). The word translated labor (kopou) means toil; to labor or work to the point of exhaustion. In our culture people who work out come to place where they feel the burn; they experience the sweat; the person, the believer who is motivated by the love of the Lord Jesus Christ; usually has experienced that love; they are conscious of the love of God and the love of Christ. They have experienced that love for themselves. The love Paul speaks of is not the love we normally encounter in this world. This is what Paul meant when he wrote; the love of Christ constrains me to serve Him (see 2 Corinthians 5:14-16). Remember Paul wrote; for the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, if 5

6 one died for all, then we were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again (2 Cor. 5:14-15). Hope produces patience. We might think of patience here as steadfastness. We are not talking about a passive resignation but rather an active constancy in the face of difficulties (Morris; p.53); William Barclay; It is the spirit which can bear things, not simply with resignation, but with blazing hope. We are not talking about a holy or religious optimism; we are talking about a confident certainty concerning the promises of Jesus Christ. Hope in the New Testament is future; but it is a certain future. In 1 Corinthians 13:13 Paul writes; And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Paul here speaks not of mere faith, or mere hope or mere love; but a faith that works; a love that labors; a hope that endures--these are the motives of the Christian life; if you have true faith and if your are born of the Spirit of God; and if you have hope in Christ; it provides the motives for a spiritual life. The Precious Possession of God (v.4) 1 Thessalonians 1:4 (NKJV) knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. Election looks back to God s choice of certain individuals to be His children, predestination looks forward to the destiny He has planned for them. Neither word is ever used in the Scriptures to describe unsaved people. The preaching of the gospel with spiritual conviction and converting power had shown, by its effect on the listeners, they were among the elect. For we know states the ultimate reason for the thanksgiving. Undoubtly they gave thanks for the work as evidence of faith, for the drudgery as evidence of love, for the endurance as evidence of a hope really felt; but all this was itself evidence fo what was prior, their election (Ronald A Ward; p.29). The word translated election (eklogen) means the beloved brethren are selected, chosen by God. God has selected, chosen believers out of the world; away from the old life; and all that life had to offer. In the end that life would lead to repeated sin; and death. Believers are called, selected, set apart to Himself and the new life God the Father and God the Son offers through God the Holy Spirit. We are set apart for a life of love, intimacy, forgiveness, and joy. The ancient Hebrews heard Jeremiah preach; The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you (Jeremiah 31:3). 6

7 John 16:27 (NKJV) for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. We are chosen and selected to be beloved brethren; that is beloved people. We are called to hold each other close to our hearts; we are to count one another as precious and deeply loved. What constitutes proof of selection and election? Members act like the beloved people of God. Members treat each other as beloved brethren. In our culture we know when there has been shenanigans in the election when people vote more than once; or vote illegally, or vote based on corruption and bribery. How are we to think about people who claim to be members of the Body of Christ who live in sin, and who live in shame, who live in the dirt and pollution of worldliness and greed; who treat each other not as beloved brethren; but who treat each other shamefully, who are critical and divisive and prideful and arrogant and who are constantly angry, and hurtful, envious and prejudiced, superior and super spiritual? Paul wrote; Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God s elect? It is God that justifieth (Rom. 8:33). Warren Wiersbe writes; What every church should be is what every Christian should be: elect (born again), exemplary (imitating the right people), enthusiastic (sharing the gospel with others), and expectent (daily looking for Jesus Christ to return). Conclusion Paul preached the gospel. That gospel is sufficient now to change the lives of heathen into Christians, of homes from debased dwelling places to habitations of love, of communities from cesspools of iniquity to testimonies of righteousness. Let the gospel be preached and believed and the transformation will come ( The Church In God; Harold J. Ockenga; p.19). 7

WITNESS IN DAILY LIFE

WITNESS IN DAILY LIFE / Sunday School- June 6, 2010 Unifying Topic: VISIBLE TO GOD Lesson Text I. Prayers of Thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 1:1-3) II. Paul s Example (1 Thessalonians 1:4-6) III. The Thessalonians