Sermon 260

SERMON 260 — A LIVING CHURCH

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

INTRODUCTION

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians reveals a remarkable church — a living church.In these opening verses, Paul describes how the church began, its spiritual character, the marks of its life, and why he gives thanks for it.Let us consider the characteristics of a true, living church.

SUBJECT: A LIVING CHURCH

I. A LIVING CHURCH IS REMEMBERED WITH GRATITUDE

A. Remembered by the men who labored there
1.This is shown in their warm salutation.
2.They know this congregation “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
3.They seek for her grace and peace, indicating deep affection and spiritual concern.

B. Remembered in prayer and thanksgiving
1.Paul continually thanks God for this church, because her life is owed to God alone.
2.He remembers her faithfulness, shown in her work of faith, her labor of love, and her patience of hope.These three — faith, love, and hope — are jewels in a living congregation.

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

A. Paul declares that he knows their election
1.Not because of a special revelation from heaven.
2.Not by reading names from a divine list.
3.But because their spiritual life revealed the marks of God’s electing grace.

B. How can election be recognized?
1.By the way the gospel comes to them
 a.It did not come merely in words.
 b.Paul felt the power of the Holy Spirit working as he preached.
 c.The Spirit applied the Word deeply to their hearts.
 d.The preaching brought full assurance — both to the preacher and the hearers.

2.By the way they received the gospel
 a.Their attitude showed spiritual hunger.
 b.They embraced the gospel in spite of affliction.
 c.Their joy in Christ was unmistakable.
 d.True reception of the gospel proves election.A living church always bears the marks of God’s sovereign grace.

III. A LIVING CHURCH IS A WITNESSING CHURCH

A. By the transformation in its members
1.They became imitators of Paul and of the Lord — Christ-like.
2.They showed joy amidst affliction — a powerful testimony.
3.Their changed lives were visible throughout Macedonia and Achaia.

B. By sounding forth the Word
1.The gospel “sounded out” from them — echoed everywhere.
2.Paul needed not to speak of them; others were already talking about the power of God displayed in their lives.
3.A living church cannot remain silent; it must tell others what Christ has done.

C. By their open testimony of conversion
1.They turned from idols to serve the living and true God.
2.They served God actively and gladly.
3.Their testimony was clear and unmistakable.No wonder they were known everywhere — their lives proclaimed the gospel.

IV. A LIVING CHURCH AWAITS THE RETURN OF CHRIST

A. This is a mark of every living church
1.Her eyes are fixed on heaven.
2.She looks with longing for the appearing of Jesus.
3.Her faith rests on the risen and returning Lord.

B. This hope fuels her strength
1.It inspires faithfulness in service.
2.It inspires self-denial.
3.It inspires missionary zeal.
4.It inspires holy living.The expectation of Christ’s return keeps the church awake and alive.

CONCLUSION

What a blessing to be known as a living church!But a living church is made of living members.Dead branches never make a living tree.

Let each of us ask:Am I alive in Christ?Is my church alive because I contribute true spiritual life to it?Do I show the marks of faith, love, hope, witness, and expectation?

May God grant that we, too, may be known as a living, Christ-expecting church.