Sermon 192

📖 SERMON 192 — 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10

Date: October 12, 1947
Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
Preacher: Rev. G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

1. The founding of the church.
2. The time of writing, and the place.
3. The peculiar nature 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 salutation.
2. They knew her as “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
3. They seek grace and peace for her.

B. Remembered in prayer and thanksgiving

1. God is thanked for her, for she owes her life to God.
2. Remembered for her faithfulness:
   a. Her work of faith.
   b. Her labor of love.
   c. Her patience of hope.
   Beautiful remarks.

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

A. Paul says he knows their election

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

B. How can this be known?

1. God does not reveal it by a voice from heaven. Paul had no special revelation of their election.
2. It is known in the same way a Christian knows he is elect.
3. It is known by the way the gospel came to them, and by the way they received it:
   a. Paul could sense while preaching that the words were going deeper than the ears.
   b. He could feel the operation of the Holy Spirit in the preaching.
   c. It was not mere words—the gospel was a powerful experience; the Spirit applied the Word to their hearts.
   d. They were blessed with assurance. Paul felt it as preacher, and they felt it as hearers.
4. If our response to the gospel is such that we take it to heart and trust it, that proves election.

III. A LIVING CHURCH IS A WITNESSING CHURCH

A. Revealing the power of the gospel in its members

1. It made them imitators of Paul and of the Lord—Christlike.
2. It gave them joy, though afflicted.
3. It was noticeable to all in Macedonia and Achaia.

B. They broadcast the Word of God

1. They sounded it forth—they could not keep silent.
2. So much so that Paul did not need to speak; they proclaimed the gospel themselves.

C. A clear testimony of transformation

1. They turned from idols to God.
2. From dead idol worship to serving the living God.
3. They served God actively.

IV. A LIVING CHURCH AWAITS JESUS’ RETURN

A. This is a mark of a living church

1. She keeps her eye on heaven.
2. She looks forward to the second coming.
3. Her faith rests on the living Christ who shall come again.

B. This expectation is the secret of her power

1. It inspires faithfulness.
2. It inspires self-denial.
3. It inspires missionary zeal.
4. It inspires a godly life.

CONCLUSION

Is it not wonderful to be known as a living church? Are we alive? Let us pray and labor that in God’s eyes we too may be known as a living, Christ-expecting church. A living church requires living members—dead branches never make a living tree.