Sermon 253

SERMON 253 — A LIVING CHURCH

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
Date: October 12, 1947 (also preached 1950 and 1964)
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

1.The founding of the church at Thessalonica.
2.The time and place of Paul’s writing.
3.The remarkable nature of this congregation.

SUBJECT: A LIVING CHURCH

I. A LIVING CHURCH IS REMEMBERED WITH GRATITUDE

A. By the men who labored among her
1.This is seen in Paul’s heartfelt salutation.
2.They knew her as being in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3.They desired 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.She is remembered for her work of faith, her labor of love, and her patience of hope.

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

A. Paul declares he knows their election
1.Not a man-made congregation but God-formed.
2.Composed of men, women, and children chosen by God.
3.Every truly living church is an elect church.

B. How can this be known?
It is not learned by special revelation, but by:

1.The way the gospel came to them
a.Paul sensed while preaching that his words reached their hearts.
b.He felt the working of the Holy Spirit as he preached.
c.The gospel came in power and in the Holy Spirit.
d.Both Paul and the Thessalonians were given assurance.

2.The way they received the gospel
Their believing, obeying, and embracing of the truth confirmed their election.

III. A LIVING CHURCH IS A WITNESSING CHURCH

A. They showed the transforming power of the gospel
1.They became followers of Paul and of the Lord.
2.They received the Word with joy amid suffering.
3.Their changed lives were known throughout Macedonia and Achaia.

B. They broadcast the Word of the Lord
1.They sounded it forth and could not be silent.
2.Their witness was so strong that Paul needed not add anything; their lives proclaimed the gospel.

C. Their witness showed a powerful transformation
1.They turned from idols to God.
2.They turned from dead worship to the living God.
3.They served God actively and faithfully.

IV. A LIVING CHURCH AWAITS JESUS’ RETURN

A. A mark of a living church
1.She keeps her eyes on heaven.
2.She looks forward to Christ’s coming.
3.Her faith rests in the living Christ who shall return.

B. The secret of her power
1.This hope inspires faithfulness.
2.It promotes self-denial.
3.It fuels missionary zeal.
4.It encourages godly living.

CONCLUSION

Is it not a glorious distinction to be called a living church.Are we alive.Let us pray and labor that God may regard us also as a living, Christ-expecting congregation.Remember: a living church requires living members.A dead membership can never form a living church.Dead branches cannot make a living tree.