Title: Let the Word of Faith Spread
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Let the word of faith spread Theme: 20. Faith. 2008. 12. 28.
◎ Introduction
: The Thessalonian Church describes the model church for all churches.
※ Rumors of faith spread everywhere.
1. Rumors of the Ministry of Thessalonians (1-4)
2. Rumors of the Thessalonians' faith (5-10)
1. Rumors of the Ministry of Thessalonians (1-4)
※ It is an image of a strong church carrying out the ministry entrusted to the Lord.
One). Epistle to the Church of the Thessalonians (1)
※ The three loyal people continued to share news with the church, giving advice through visits and letters.
① The Church Established in God and the Lord (1)
* A strong church is a church built up “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (John 3:16).
* A false church is just a man-made ① communion, ② meeting, ③ meeting, ④ group, ⑤ assembly, and ⑥ worship.
② Church of the People (Thessalonians) (1)
* The “church of the Thessalonians” wrote the letter not to the local church, but to the church of the people there.
* The “church” does not exist without those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
* The church is ① made up of people, ② built on people, ③ recognized the importance of people, ④ people participate (use of gifts)
⑤ It is a place where the existence and contribution of people is recognized and respected.
③ A church with grace and peace (the highest gift) (1)
* “Grace” refers to the grace and blessing of God that we receive even when we do not deserve it. (Titus 2:11~15, Romans 4:16,)
* “Peace” means to be bound, connected, and woven together. This means having assurance, assurance, and security in God's love and care.
2). Rumors about the Thessalonians (2-3)
① A church that awakens to prayer (2)
* A very important characteristic of a strong church is a praying church.
* This is because prayer has been blessed by God and has been ordained as a channel to act on behalf of people.
(Matthew 21:22, John 15:7, James 4:1~3)
② A church that awakens to ministry (3)
* A strong church is a church that awakens to ministry and a church that rises to work.
① Faith awakens the church to work. (Eph 6:16, James 2:14-17, 1 John 5:4-5)
② Love awakens the church and makes it work. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Matthew 22:39, John 13:34-35, Romans 12:9, ...)
③ Hope awakens the church so that it can carry out its ministry with patience.
③ A church where God’s election is acknowledged (4)
* The word “elect” means that the church was chosen by God to be ① God’s beloved people and ② his beloved brothers.
* If the church is truly chosen by God ① members must act like God's beloved people and
② Treat each other as loving brothers.
2. Rumors of the Thessalonians' faith (5-10)
※ The example is primarily found in the dramatic conversion and strong preaching of the Lord's Word (5-10).
One). There were ministers who preached the gospel in the proper way. (5)
※ In the exemplary church, there were ministers who preached the gospel in the way it should have been preached.
① Paul didn't just preach with words. (5)
* Paul did not depend on such things as ① the fluency of his speech, ② his noble thoughts, ③ his abilities, ④ his influence, ⑤ his wisdom, ⑥ his appearance.
② Paul preached the gospel with power, the Holy Spirit, and great conviction.(5)
* Preaching with “power” means preaching with the power and power of God.
* Preaching with “the Holy Spirit” means that the Holy Spirit also works in the hearts of people.
* Preaching with “confidence” is an extremely important point. Confidence comes from submission.
③ Paul lived as he preached. (5)
* He lived, moved, and existed in Christ, and he always lived in close proximity to Him.
2). Rumors that became examples of believers spread everywhere. (6-8)
(1) They accepted the Word despite persecution and opposition. (6)
※ The persecution was so threatening that Paul was forced to flee the city.
① The Jews incited the citizens to join forces with them to block the spread of the gospel and destroy the church. (6)
* Even in the midst of persecution, ① the gospel bears fruit. ② He gave a reward to those who devoted themselves to the believer.
② The believers became imitators of Paul and Christ. (6)
* “Imitate” means to imitate. It is right to imitate and follow preachers and leaders.
(2). Set an example for other believers. (7-8)
※ This newly established church is so devoted to the Lord that their witness has spread all over the world.
* Because Thessalonica was a major commercial center, visited by sellers, traders, and business people from all over the world.
* Consider the Thessalonian church evangelizing every day.