‘Transformed by the gospel into a model Church’ (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

In 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, we read the first chapter of the first letter of the Apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica. The church there began through the preaching of Paul, but according to Acts 17:1-9, the Apostle couldn’t stick around too long to make sure that all went well with the believers there. Perecution from the emeies of the gospel drove him away. After some time, Paul sent Timothy to see how the church at Thessalonica was fairing and this resulted in his first letter to the church there, a letter which reveals the depth of the transforming work that the gospel had caused in the lives of these believers – turning them away from worshipping idols to worship and to wait for God’s one and only Son and Saviour, Jesus.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: And Can It Be
00:18 Introduction
00:42 Prayer
06:10 Bible reading: Acts 17:1-15
Song: Be Unto Your Name
08:25 Kids’ Talk
Song: I Can’t Save Myself
12:39 Bible reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Song: How Deep the Father’s Love
Sermon: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Song: O Jesus I Have Promised
14:27 Closing

Outline

The church at Thessalonica – planted by Paul and the circumstances behind this letter.

‘Growing pains’ & the type parents suffer from

The Thessalonians were a ‘model’ church.

Why was Paul so proud of them? Their lives showed…

Genuine faith in Christ (v.1-5)

Strong commitment to Christ (v.6-8)

Living hope in Christ (v.9-10)

‘It’s better higher up’
The marks of a true believer