Reverend Richard Tok’s sermon on 7 Feb 10

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Introduction

< Standing from his pulpit and looking through the open door of the church the pastor could see people passing the church each Sunday. He had noticed a man looking in to the church for several Sundays. That man had never ventured to enter the church. One Sunday when he appeared at the door again, the pastor walked up the aisle out of the church to meet him. They exchanged greetings and the pastor invited him in to join the singing that was in progress. He declined and said, “No thank you. Never in a hundred years!”

“Why not, Sir? The pastor asked. “We would be glad to have you visit us today or any other Sunday.”

“I wouldn’t ever step into this church,” he replied. “It’s full of hypocrites!” Though taken aback, the pastor calmly said to him, “Brother, there’s always room for one more!”

< Raymond had been speaking to his pastor on quite a few occasions about the problems that kept recurring in their church. They talked about the musicians, the Scripture Readers, some of the speakers, the air-conditioning and the lighting, the parking lot and the parking attendant and most of all they talked about the people who come and go. Then Raymond told his pastor about the church on the other side of the town, acclaiming how perfect it was. His pastor agreed with him that that was a wonderful church and that the Lord must be very pleased with the folks over there. Then Raymond quickly took the opportunity and said, “Pastor, I have been thinking and wondering if it’s not time for me to join that church. It would do me a lot of good, spiritually speaking, you know. What do you think?”

His pastor drew him close so that no one could overhear what he had to say to Raymond. “Please, don’t do it. If you join that church it would not be perfect any more!”

What do these two stories tell us? No church is quite that perfect after all. There are people who have no good word for the church. It’s like a hive of busybodies. How sad! Then there are those who think very badly of their own church. Everybody and everything is bad except themselves. How very sad!

We know that a local congregation is made up of people. Being human, people are imperfect. They contribute to the system. So no church is perfect. Yet there is always a search for a model church. Such a church is so good, we could all go in there and enjoy ourselves. And very soon we spoil it.

It would be true to say that there are churches that are nearer to the Biblical model. A good example is the Church at Thessalonica. Paul described the church: And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia (V.7). Let us see what we could be or should be as a church by looking into Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian Church.

1. The Gospel Founded The Church – the Thessalonian Example (v 1-4)

Acts 17:1-4 When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “this Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.

The Church at Thessalonica was founded on the Word of God. Paul explained to the Jews there, why Jesus Christ had to suffer and die using the OT. He was God who became Man called Immanuel promised by the prophet Isaiah – He died for the sins of world and rose again from the dead. By doing so Jesus had proved that he was both God and Man. Jesus was in fact the Christ – Messiah. He was the Promised One of God to save His people from their sins. As the Anointed One He was Prophet, Priest and King! As Prophet he brought God’s message of love to mankind. As Priest he brought men’s needs to God. As King He would establish a new kingdom, where He is King of kings and Lord of lords!

For three weekends in the synagogue, some Jews and Greeks and especially distinguished women of the city listened and reasoned with Paul as he explained the Scriptures. Consequently they put their faith in Jesus Christ. People trust in God not through the smart talk of the missionary or pastor. The basis of belief is the truth of the Gospel message. Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). The unfolding of your words gives light (Psalm 119:130). So this group of people formed the beginnings of the church at Thessalonica.

The church is a congregation of people. People called out of their former religious faith, idolatory, superstition or simply godlessness. They made up their mind to place their hopes in Jesus Christ and accept the Bible as the Word of God. These people of common faith in Christ are multiracial, multicultural coming from all walks and strata or status of society. From a human point of view people have to make a choice to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. From God’s point of view God, He chooses them: “You have not chosen me but I have chosen you” (John 15:16). We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).

a. What is so special about this Church in Thessalonica? Paul’s pride & prayer!

The congregation at Thessalonica had grown. It was glowing with newness and fruitfulness of life. From their humble beginning Paul brought their needs before the Lord and persistently prayed before God for their growth. Being the pioneer and planter of the church Paul had very good reasons to be thankful and prayerful.

Three practical concerns of Paul set us an example to follow as a congregation.

1. always thank God for people

2. remember them before God by name

3. mention their needs before God

As an individual and a congregation let us pray regularly for members and people who pass through our church each Sunday. Let us uphold those who serve and play a pivotal role in running the church in administration, pastoral care, preaching and teaching, musical support for worship and those involved in maintenance of our property and the grounds. The different ministries our church support in the community and overseas must be brought before the Lord. Pray for God’s presence, providence and protection for personnel and the ministry. Pray that all may grow and glow in Christ. We must be alert these days to watch and pray for the days are evil!

b. Virtues That Come With Change (v2-3; 9-10)

Change is noticeable. A change of heart and mind will result in a change of conduct. As one is convinced and convicted by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, he will surely be converted. This was true of the people in Thessalonica.

Those who claim to know God through Jesus Christ and are not changed must take an honest look at themselves again. Those whom God chooses, He changes! “therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17)! Have you been convinced, convicted and converted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Has change taken place in your life?

The conversion of the Thessalonians was noticed in three areas of their lives:

1. their work produced by faith
2. their labour prompted by love
3. their endurance inspired by hope

c. Three Cardinal Virtues: Faith-Love-Hope

Faith, love and hope are three cardinal virtues Christians should possess. These three virtues are also evidences of their salvation in Jesus Christ.

FAITH is the first step we take in the Christian life.. It is simply “forsaking all I take Him!” The manifestation of faith is works. For the Thessalonians, they “turned to God from idols” (v9). Pagan worshippers are not the only idolators who must turn to God. Ephesians 5:5 “No immoral, impure or greedy person – such a man is an idolator – has any inheritance in the kingdom of God.” We are not saved by works but by faith. That faith will produce good works. We are not saved by faith plus works but by a faith that works. Those who continue to worship dead idols or continue in their immoral ways while professing faith in the living God would certainly prove that they are not genuine converts to Jesus Christ.

LOVE proceeds from faith in the Christian life. It means self denying efforts. The manifestation of love is labour or service. For the Thessalonians, they “served the living and true God.” (v9). Love is the first flavour of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5.22). It is an evidence of being saved in Christ. We are taught to love and serve one another. When we love, it indicates we are obedient to Christ and it is a sign that we are his disciples.

“A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will now that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John13:34-35). “

HOPE is the culmination of faith and love in the Christian life. Hope is best seen in patience and perseverance. Hope inspires endurance, holding on to a tiny ray in a dark and uncertain future. For the Thessalonians, they “waited for His Son from heaven.” (v10). The 2^nd Coming of Christ is a dominant theme of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian church. It inspires hope, waiting for a new world order. The resurrection of Christ inspires hope in all believers for eternal life. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the word (John 16:33)! Jesus is the hope of Christians and the Church: We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (Heb.6:19).

Faith, hope and love are spiritual qualities evident in Christians. The three come together as one and can only come from God. We need to ask ourselves whether we have these blessed qualities. We ought to examine ourselves whether we have turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God and are waiting for the return of His Son in Heaven. If we are in doubt we should seek the help of the Pastor and Elders of the Church. It is more important to have our names in the Lamb’s Book of life than in the register of the church (Rev. 20.15).

2. The Church Spreads the Gospel – the Thessalonian Example (v5-10)

The earnest and sincere sharing of the Gospel by Paul and Silas brought about positive response from the Thessalonians. Paul and Silas were the agents of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their approach was not only to speak boldly and clearly concerning Jesus Christ. Their lives of faith, hope and love were a powerful testimony of the truth of the Gospel. Their passion for Christ and their compassion for people earned them the right to speak and be heard. Paul and Silas might have been convincing preachers but the work of convicting and converting the hearts of the Thessalonians remained in the hands of the Holy Spirit. So it is true that “the Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of any one who believes (Romans 1:16).” But how can the Gospel be heard unless it is proclaimed? When the people of Thessalonica became a church, the testimony of their life and message spread throughout the region. Their actions spoke louder than words. Like the Thessalonians, our lives and the testimony of our Church is the proclamation of the Gospel.

a. The Thessalonians followed Paul as he followed Christ (v 6)

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with joy given by the Holy Spirit (v6).

It is remarkable that in spite of severe persecution the Thessalonians were willing to become Christians, the followers of Jesus Christ. They accepted the Gospel message with joy. It would mean that they continued to have joy in the Lord in the midst of severe suffering. This is only possible because the Spirit of Christ was with them.

The key word here is “imitators.” It really means “followers.” Jesus said to his early disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up the cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). There is a cost to consider and a price to pay for people who would give up their idols to serve the living God. This is the key to Christian discipleship. They must have seen Paul’s patience in suffering to serve the true and living God. So they conclude that Lord Jesus Christ is worth living and dying for.

How important it is today for young Christians to respect spiritual leadership and mature believers! It is even more important for Christians to follow Jesus Christ in total obedience to His words and His ways. Christians cannot lead until they have learned to follow their Lord. It is the mature and mellow Christian, the committed disciple of Jesus Christ who can disciple others. That is the basis for Paul to say, “Follow me as I follow the Lord Jesus Christ.” It would augur well to equip ourselves and equip others to face the test and trial of our times.

b. The Thessalonians were exemplary believers (v7-8)

And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia – your faith in God has become known everywhere (v7-8).

The Thessalonians had become Christians in a non-Christian environment. They were subject to Roman authority and paid their taxes. They lived under Pax Romana but they had no religious freedom. Idol worship and immorality were rampant in their society. Persecution and socio-political pressure came from two fronts. They demonstrated that they did not have to compromise their faith to live a victorious Christian life.

Christians either discourage or encourage other Christians. For churches, the principle is the same. Early Christians gave refuge to those in danger and fed and clothed the destitute and hungry. Paul’s network of churches supported his ministry. They were also motivated to collect money and sent to churches elsewhere that had need. The Macedonian churches out of their poverty assisted the church in Corinth (2 Cor. 81-8).

The Thessalonian Christians proved that their faith in Christ works in the midst of hardship. Their love for God and people bore fruit despite resistance. They refused to be defeated as they endured with hope in Christ’s return from heave. Their testimony rang out like a clarion call from a trumpet. Are we known as an exemplary Christian or Church like the Thessalonians? Are we obedient to the Great Commission? It augurs well for a church not to depend on paid staff but loyal and faithful members to be good witnesses and win souls for Christ.

3. The Thessalonians lived in Expectation of the 2^nd Coming of Christ.

It was the primitive Church that geared itself for the imminent return of Christ. He was coming suddenly, coming soon; Coming certainly night or noon! It was this living power that propelled the church to great endeavours for Christ: living under His authority to reach the ends of the world with the Gospel. The teaching and conviction of this subject has since diminished. We need to recapture with constant expectation the 2^nd Advent of Christ. We need to, in order to live holy lives and to accomplish a task yet unfinished – to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world until Jesus comes again.

Conclusion

The Thessalonian Church set us an example to follow.

“The Gospel builds the Church

And the Church spreads the Gospel!”

Would that be an apt description of our Church?

We are the Church!

Are our lives built on the Gospel and are we spreading the Gospel with our lives?

May we possess the cardinal virtues of faith, love and hope!

Let us emulate the Christians from the Church in Thessalonica:

- follow our leaders as they follow Christ;

- be an exemplary Christian to other believers;

- live in expectation of the 2^nd Coming of Christ.