Sermon 166

📖 Sermon 166 — A Living Church

Date: Not listed
Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
Preacher: Rev. G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

1. The founding of the church.
2. The time and place of writing.
3. The peculiar spiritual character of this church.

SUBJECT: A LIVING CHURCH

I. A LIVING CHURCH IS REMEMBERED WITH GRATITUDE

A. By the men who labored there

1. This is revealed in the apostolic salutation.
2. They knew this congregation as “in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
3. They sought grace and peace for her.

B. Remembered in prayer and thanksgiving

1. God is thanked for her, for she owes her life to Him.
2. They remember her for her faithfulness:

   * Her work of faith
   * Her labor of love
   * Her patience of hope
   Beautiful and encouraging marks of life.

II. A LIVING CHURCH IS KNOWN TO BE AN ELECT CHURCH

A. Paul declares that he knows their election

1. Not a man-made church, but one ordained of God.
2. Made up of men, women, and children chosen of God.
3. A living church is always an elect church.

B. How can this be known?

1. God does not announce it by an audible voice.
2. Paul did not receive a special revelation about them.
3. It is the same way we may know our own election:

   * By the way the gospel came to them
   * And the way they received it

C. Their attitude toward the gospel proved it

1. When Paul preached, he sensed the Word sinking deeper than the ear.
2. He felt the operation of the Holy Spirit accompanying the message.
3. It was not mere words — it came in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in full assurance.
4. They were transformed:

   * Becoming imitators of Paul and of the Lord
   * Receiving the Word with joy despite affliction
   * Becoming an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia

III. A LIVING CHURCH IS A WITNESSING CHURCH

A. The power of the gospel became visible in their lives

1. They became Christ-like.
2. They possessed joy even amidst affliction.
3. Their reputation spread widely — others noticed.

B. They broadcast the Word

1. They sounded forth the Word of the Lord; they could not contain it.
2. Their testimony spread so powerfully that Paul says, “I do not even need to speak — your witness has gone before me.”

C. They openly testified of a tremendous transformation

1. They turned from idols to serve the living and true God.
2. From dead idol-worship to vibrant service.
3. They now served God actively.

IV. A LIVING CHURCH AWAITS JESUS’ RETURN

A. This is a distinguishing mark

1. She keeps her eyes on heaven.
2. She looks for Christ’s second coming.
3. Her faith is anchored in a living, returning Savior.

B. This expectation is the secret of her power

1. It inspires faithfulness.
2. It produces self-denial.
3. It inflames missionary zeal.
4. It instills holy living.

CONCLUSION

Is it not wonderful to be known as a living church?
Are we alive?
Let us pray & work so that in God’s eyes we, too, may be known as a living, Christ-expecting church.
Remember:
A living church requires living members.
A group of dead members can never make a living church.
Dead branches cannot make a living tree.