Sermon 246

SERMON 246 — A LIVING CHURCH

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

INTRODUCTION

1 Thessalonians is addressed to one of the outstanding churches of the New Testament.This sermon reviews the founding of the church, the time and place of Paul’s writing, and the peculiar nature and spiritual vitality of this congregation.

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 of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.
2. They knew the Thessalonian church as being in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. They seek grace and peace for her — a sign of affection and thanksgiving.

B. Remembered in prayer and thanksgiving
1. They thank God for her — for she owes her life and existence to God alone.
2. She is remembered for her faithfulness: her work of faith, her labor of love, her patience of hope.These are beautiful and unmistakable marks of spiritual life.

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

A. Paul states he knows their election
1. Not a man-made church, but one established by God.
2. Made up of people chosen of God.
3. Election is always behind a truly living church.

B. How can such election be known
1. Not by revelation from heaven.
2. Not by a special sign.
3. But in the same way a believer knows his own election — by how the gospel comes to him and how he responds to it.

C. Paul explains the evidence
1. The way the gospel came to them
a. It was more than words — it came in power.
b. Paul could sense the Holy Spirit applying the Word as he preached.
c. It penetrated beyond their ears — it reached their hearts.
d. They experienced assurance through the Holy Spirit.

2. The way they received the gospel
a. They embraced it wholeheartedly.
b. Their response revealed the inner working of God.

D. When we take the gospel to heart, and put our trust in it, this too is evidence of election

III. A LIVING CHURCH IS A WITNESSING CHURCH

A. By revealing the power of the gospel in daily life
1. They became imitators of Paul and of the Lord — Christlike in conduct.
2. They received the Word with joy, even in affliction.
3. Their faith was noticeable throughout Macedonia and Achaia.

B. They broadcast the Word of the Lord
1. They sounded it forth — could not keep silent about Christ.
2. They spread the gospel so effectively that Paul needed to add nothing — their testimony advertised both Paul and Christ.

C. They gave clear witness of a tremendous transformation
1. They turned from idols to God.
2. From dead idol worship to serving the living and true God.
3. They became active servants of God.

IV. A LIVING CHURCH AWAITS JESUS’ RETURN

A. A characteristic of a truly living church
1. She keeps her eyes on heaven.
2. She looks forward to Christ’s second coming.
3. Her faith is anchored in the living Christ who is to return.

B. This expectation is the secret of her spiritual power
1. It inspires faithfulness.
2. It motivates self-denial.
3. It fuels missionary zeal.
4. It cultivates a godly life.

CONCLUSION

Is it not wonderful to be known as a living church.But remember: a living church requires living members.A congregation of dead church members can never form a living church.Dead branches never make a living tree.Are you alive.