Sermon 228

SERMON 228 – A LIVING CHURCH (Part 2)

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

INTRODUCTION

Paul writes with joy to the Thessalonian church, a congregation born in adversity yet full of spiritual vitality. Though young, she quickly became an example to all believers. This sermon further examines the marks of a living church.

I. A LIVING CHURCH IS REMEMBERED WITH GRATITUDE (vv. 1–3)

A. Remembered by those who labored among her
1. Paul, Silas, and Timothy greet the church warmly.
2. They know her as in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. They desire for her grace and peace.

B. Remembered continually in thanksgiving and prayer
1. Paul thanks God because her life is from God.
2. He remembers her work of faith, her labor of love, and her patience of hope in Christ.
These reveal godly vitality.

II. A LIVING CHURCH IS KNOWN TO BE AN ELECT CHURCH (vv. 4–5)

A. Paul declares her election with confidence
1. She is more than an outwardly Christian society.
2. She is composed of God’s chosen people.
3. Paul knows this by evidence.

B. How he knows she is elect
1. How the gospel came to them:
  Not in word only, but in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance.
2. How they received it:
  They took it to heart, believed it, clung to it, and were transformed.
3. This is how believers know they are elect:
  They receive the gospel gladly, trust Christ, and bear fruit.

III. A LIVING CHURCH IS A WITNESSING CHURCH (vv. 6–9)

A. A church whose members imitate Christ
1. They became followers of the Lord and of Paul.
2. They received the Word with joy of the Holy Ghost.
3. Their joy remained even in affliction.

B. Her testimony spread everywhere
1. From you sounded out the word of the Lord.
2. Their faith echoed throughout Macedonia and Achaia.
3. Paul needed not speak anything; their witness had gone before him.

C. Their conversion was unmistakable
1. They turned to God from idols.
2. They served the living and true God.
3. Their story was known everywhere as evidence of gospel power.

IV. A LIVING CHURCH AWAITS JESUS’ RETURN (v. 10)

A. She looks upward
1. Her eyes are fixed on heaven.
2. She eagerly waits for Jesus, the risen Lord.
3. This expectation marks spiritual vitality.

B. This hope strengthens her witness and endurance
1. It inspires faithfulness in trial.
2. It encourages holiness and self-denial.
3. It fuels missionary zeal.

C. Her confidence is grounded in Christ the Deliverer
1. Jesus, whom God raised from the dead.
2. Who delivers us from the wrath to come.
3. He is the foundation of her hope.

CONCLUSION

To be a living church she must be remembered with thanksgiving, show the marks of election, witness boldly, and wait expectantly for Christ’s return. A church is only as alive as its members. Are you alive in Christ?