bibleteacher.org: Sermons by Dr. Mike Willmouth

This work was written and submitted by: Joseph M. Willmouth, Pastor of Eastview Baptist Church, Kentucky. This contributed article is copyright protected, and the sole property of the contributing author. It may be freely copied and used provided the above credits are included. Document expiration: indefinite.

"A Church Worth Copying"
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

by Joseph "Mike" Willmouth
(This Sermon was preached at Eastview Baptist Church during the Morning Service on February 20, 2005.
All Scripture references used in this sermon are based upon the NKJV®, unless otherwise stated)

Introduction: We live a modern world of Christianity were churches seek methods and formulas for growing a church. The modern Baptist mentality is all about numbers. Churches are quick to copy any church that seems to be successful. Most of today's church growth methods aren't based upon Scripture, but rather on marketing tactics. In the business world, the costumer is always right, and your goal is to sell a product to meet the felt needs of the costumer. In an attempt to get new customers, many churches have tried to repackage church into a more pleasing form that is heavy on entrainment (like more music, visuals, and skits), and light on Bible teaching or preaching. The end result hasn't been more people coming to know Christ, or even more Christians becoming more Christ-like, but rather more church hoppers bouncing from one church fad to the next church fad -- and more churches that resemble the world more than they do God's church.

While not everything churches do today is necessarily bad, if we really want to be a Church that is more concerned about pleasing to the Lord rather than pleasing the world, then we should look at what God's Word says about this subject, and not at what the business world says -- after all the only thing a church has in common with the business world is the task of financial book keeping (and that doesn't mean making a profit either). The Scriptures gives us such an example to follow with the church at Thessalonica. This church is indeed a church worth copying according to God's Word.

I. A Church That Is Fruitful (vv.1-3).

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 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,

1. They had a working faith (v.3a; James 2:17-18).

3a remembering without ceasing your work of faith. . .
A. They demonstrated their faith in their service to the Lord.
B. True faith must always lead to works.
1) This is why the Apostle James wrote in James 2:17-18, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
2) It has been said, "We are not saved by faith plus works, but by a faith that works" (BEC).
3) Works are the fruit of one's salvation, not the seeds of salvation.

Transition: Their work was a labor of love. . .

2. They had a labor of love (v.3b; 2Cor.5:14a).

3b . . .labor of love. . .
A. We serve Christ because we love Him, and it wasn't any different for the Christians at Thessalonica.
1) Love is also an evidence of salvation: "the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Rom. 5:5b).
2) We are "taught by God to love one another" (1Thes.4:9).

B. The Apostle Paul tells us that this church was motivated by love to the Lord Jesus, and he makes a contrast here between work and labor (NIBC).
- Whereas work may be pleasant and stimulating, labor often involves strenuous effort to the point of fatigue and even exhaustion.

Application: The Thessalonian church was an example to all other churches because of they were not quitters, nor self-seekers looking out for their own good. No they were a church that sacrificially gave of their efforts. They didn't quit when they got tired, they were in the race to win so they pressed "toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil.3:14). When a mother gives birth, she may go through a heavy labor, but she endures to the end, because of the love that will brought forth in the end. Were there is no love, the labor will be unbearable. The Thessalonian church was willing to work itself to the point of exhaustion, because Christ was the labor of their love. Is Christ the labor of your love?

Transition: The church was also fruitful, in that. . .

3. They had a patient hope (v.3c; Rom.8:25; 15:4; Gal.1:4).

3c . . .and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,
A. They did not lose hope in Christ as they patiently endured persecution.
1) This speaks of their steadfast waiting for Jesus (BBC).
- The word patience here literally means "a bearing up patiently under a heavy load" (BKC).
2) They had been undergoing persecution as a result of their valiant stand for Christ (BBC).
B. What gave them hope was the blessed hope, they were waiting for God's Son to return from heaven for them (we will look at this more in a minute).

Application: These three cardinal virtues that should mark every Christian -- faith, love, and hope -- stood out in the Thessalonian believers’ lives (1Cor.13:13). Each of these virtues found its object in Jesus Christ, and each produced praiseworthy behavior. The Thessalonians had exercised saving faith in Christ in the past when they had believed the gospel, they were loving Christ in the present, and they were hoping for His return in the future. Their lives were certainly focused on Jesus Christ. No wonder Paul and his companions gave thanks for them (BKC). No wonder that the Thessalonian church is a church worth copying by churches today.

Transition: The Thessalonian church was also. . .

II. A Church That Is Faithful (vv.4-9).
1. They had a confident faith (vv.4-5).

A. In God's provision of salvation (v.4; John 3:16; 15:16; Eph.1:4; 2Thes.2:13).
4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
1) Salvation begins with God.
A) The Bible teaches us that God is the author of salvation.
(1) We are told in Ephesians 1:4, that God ". . .chose us in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world. . ."
(2) We are told the same thing in 2 Thessalonians 2:13b ". . .God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth."

B) Jesus said in John 15:16a, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you. . ."
2) Whether we can ever understand or grasp the doctrine of election or predestination, doesn't matter, as long as we understand that the entire plan of salvation was born in the heart of God long before you and I were ever created or the universe formed (BEC).
- Man's only part or accountability when it comes to salvation is how they respond to God's calling when His Spirit knocks at the door of our hearts (Rom.3:11-12; John16:8-11; Mark 3:29).

B. In God's ability to save them (v.5; John 10:28-30; 2Tim.1:12; Heb.7:25).
5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
1) Salvation not only begins with God, but it ends with God too.
2) The Thessalonian church was also confident that God was able to finish what He had started when He saved them.
A) Hebrews 7:25, "Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them" (NASB).
B) John 10:28-30, "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one."

Application: The Thessalonian church had a confident faith because their salvation totally relied upon God, and not by their own efforts to earn or lose it; Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." This is a fundamental teaching for a sound church. A church that doesn't believe that God can save them and keep them, is a church that cannot confidently stand upon the promises of God, nor will they offer much hope to a lost person either. The Thessalonian church stood upon the firm foundation of God's salvation, and therefore where not shaken when trials came their way either -- they are a church worth copying today.

Transition: The Thessalonian church not only had a confident faith. . .

2. They had a submissive faith (v.6a).

6a And you became followers of us and of the Lord. . .
A. That submitted to Christ's leadership (Matt.16:24; John 10:27; 14:15; 1Pet.2:25; 5:4a; 1John 3:2-6).
1) One of the main reasons why the Thessalonian church was such an good example for other churches to copy, is because they were a church that submitted themselves to the Lord.
2) They recognized that Christ was their Chief Shepherd, the Head of their church.
A) We do this when we put the Lord's desires and directions before own desires or wishes.
B) And this means, sometimes we may not like what the Lord asks of us, but we obey Him because of who He is and what He has done for us.
(1) Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments."
(2) In Matthew 16:24, the Lord told His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."

Transition: The Thessalonian church not only submitted themselves to Christ's leadership, but also they were a church. . .

B. That submitted to Christ's leaders (Heb.13:17; 1Thes.5:12).
1) It is important that Christians respect the spiritual leadership of their church also.
2) When we do this, we are also recognizing that it is the Lord who placed that pastor over His flock to tend it until the Lord returns.
A) 1 Thessalonians 5:12, "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you" (NIV).
B) Hebrews 13:17, "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (NIV).

Application: The Thessalonian church was commended for their faithfulness and obedience to the Lord and His leaders. Likewise, when a Christian or a church rejects God's leader, then they are rebelling against God; this is a principle that the Lord taught in Luke 10:16, when He sent out 70 disciples to preach, "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me." If you want to be a faithful church that others would want to copy, then we must be sure that Christ is still the leader of our church and that we respect the pastors that He appoints to watch over His flock until He returns.

Transition: The Thessalonian church not only had a submissive faith. . .

3. They had a joyful faith (v.6b).

6b . . .having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
A. Even in the midst of trials (v.6b; John 16:33; James 1:2-4; Phil.4:11-13; Heb.13:5).
B. It is interesting that Christians who have tribulations in their daily walks often seem to have greater joy in the Lord than those who live in more comfortable spiritual climates (BKC).

Application: A Christian’s joy should be determined not by his circumstances but by his relationship with Christ. This is why the Apostle Paul could write what he did while sitting in a dungeon, ". . .for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Phil.4:11-13: NIV). This was true of the Thessalonians. The source of their joy was the indwelling Holy Spirit (BKC). The world finds it joy in the material "stuff" that it can possess, but the Christian finds it true joy in what the Holy Spirit possesses of them. Happiness for the believer doesn't come from walmart or the mall, it comes from the Holy Spirit indwelling and controlling the life of the believer. If you're a believer and you are missing joy in your life, then it is time to allow more of God into your life.

Transition: The Thessalonian church not only had a joyful faith . . .

4. They had a witnessing faith (vv.7-9).

A. As a testimony to other churches (v.7; Heb.10:24; 1Tim.4:12; Titus 2:7-8; 1Cor.10:31-32).
7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.
1) The word examples (Gk. tupos) is singular in the original Greek language, and refers not to a number of individual examples of Christian living, but rather to the single pattern of response from the whole church to the Word of God (NIBC).
2) The church had a willingness to obey God's Word, and because of their faithfulness they served to be a good example for all the churches.

Application: Christians either encourage or discourage each other, and as we see here, this principle also applies to churches. An example of this is how Paul used the churches of Macedonia to encourage the Corinthian church to give to the missionary offering (2Cor.8:1-8). The Thessalonians set a good example that encouraged the surrounding churches (BEC).

Transition: But their testimony didn’t stop with the other churches, they also served. . .

B. As a testimony to the lost (vv.8-9; Matt.5:13-16; 28:19-20; 1Pet.3:15; 1Cor.10:33).

8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
1) The verb sounded forth actually means "to sound as a trumpet" (BEC).
- The Thessalonians were not "tooting their own horns," but were trumpeting forth the Good News of salvation, and their message had a clear and certain sound to it.
2) A church that is worth copying is a witnessing church.
- They are a church who believes the great commission is the responsibility and privilege of each local church to share the message of salvation with the lost world (BEC).

Application: They Thessalonian church had a witnessing faith. Their “work of faith and labor of love” expressed itself in their sharing of the Gospel with others. They were both "receivers" and the "transmitters" of the Word and Blessings of God. Likewise, we are reminded here that each believer and each local church must receive and transmit the gospel if we are going to be a church that is worth copying (BEC). A church or a Christian that fails to be a witness for Christ, is an example of what not to be.

Transition: The Thessalonian Church was a church that is worth copying because they were fruitful, faithful, and last of all we are reminded again that they were. . .

III. A Church That Is Watchful (v.10).
1. For Christ's return (v.10a; Matt.16:27; Titus 2:13-14; 2Tim.4:8; 1Cor.1;7; Phil.3:20).

10a and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead. . .
A. The phrase "to wait for" pictures an eager and expectant person who is looking forward to the return of our Lord Jesus (NIBC).
- Like a child waiting at the airport for their mother or father to arrive home after being gone for a while -- as they keep asking "is it time yet"?
B. The Thessalonian church was eagerly watching, and expectantly waiting for Christ to return at any moment.
- They weren't living each day as if Christ wasn't scheduled to return for a long time, they lived each day looking for and expecting His return.

Transition: And we are given one reason why they were looking for Christ's return. . .

2. For their deliverance from the wrath to come (v.10b; Rom.5:9; 1Thes.5:9).

10b . . .even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
A. The wrath of God here is a reference to the future judgment that is to come.
1) God's justice will be handed out to all those who have rejected Jesus Christ as their Savior, leaving them without pardon for their sins
2) God's wrath happens at many times and in many ways, but ultimately it will occur at the great white throne judgment found in Revelation 20:11-15, "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."

Application: A watchful church is an expectant church. It is a church that lives each day as if it might be their last day upon this earth. It is a church that lives to please their Lord, knowing that when He returns they will stand before their Lord to give an account of their faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Unsaved people are not eagerly awaiting the Lord’s return, because when He does return it will bring His wrath or judgment upon a sinful world that has rejected ". . .The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). If a person refuses to accept God's mercy, then it only leaves them with what they deserve -- justice. This is why a watchful church is also a witnessing church, knowing that our time is short upon this earth and it is important to make the most of it.

Invitation:
1. In every way, the church at Thessalonica was exemplary and is a church worth copying (BEC).

- The secret was found in their faith, hope, and love; for these are the spiritual motivators of the Christian life.

2. They were a church that was fruitful, faithful and watchful.

A. Does this describe our church?
B. Does this describe your individual walk with the Lord?
C. Perhaps it is time for us to take an inventory (BEC)?

3. If you have never responded to the Lord's calling upon your heart, then you have rejected God's mercy in favor of His Justice -- His wrath to come.

A. Everyone seems to know John 3:16, but no one ever seems to remember the rest of the story found in John 3:18-20, "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."
B. God is indeed a loving God, and that is why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins.
1) But we leave Him with no other choice but to judge us if we refuse accept His forgiveness through Christ.
2) God doesn't send people to Hell, people do! -- they send themselves.
- Romans 2:5, "But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God."
3) God's desire is for everyone to accept His mercy, grace, and sacrifice for our sin through Jesus Christ.
A) 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (NIV).
B) Romans 10:9-10, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

4) How will you respond to God's call today?

Study References
BBC - William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary.
BEC - Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary.
BKC - John Walvoord & Roy Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary (New Testament ed).
NIBC - New Illustrated Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Publishers