Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

July 17, 2005

THE PROFILE OF A GREAT MINISTRY

I Thessalonians Chapter One

There is something exciting about a new ministry – where you see the hand of God at work and believers are excited in their service for the Lord. Their faith and love are spilling over into their communities (1:8, 9). They are eager to learn and are receptive of the Word of God (2:13). They are living in great anticipation of the return of Christ. This is the kind of congregation that makes a mighty impact for God. This is also the kind of congregation that Satan likes to get into and try to corrupt and destroy by sowing the seeds of discouragement. This was the church at Thessalonica. Chapter one traces the broad pattern of discipleship.

THE COMMENDABLE VIRTUES (verses 1-3)

This chapter opens with Paul acknowledging the commendable virtues that are present in this fellowship. These are vital virtues for a growing healthy church.

1. Work of Faith (v.3). This is work born out of faith. These folk are born again, which is the beginning of the Christian life. Why did our Lord Jesus call it a work since faith is the only thing you can do without doing anything (John 6:28, 29)? It is called a work of faith because this saving faith carried with it confirming evidence as illustrated in James 2:14-26.

2. Labor of Love (v.3). More clearly, labor born out of love. It is arduous, back-breaking toil. When all of your senses tell you to give up yet there is something that pushes you onward, you are laboring out of love. How much would you endure for your child? The difference between work and labor is sacrifice.

3. Patience of Hope (v.3) - the endurance or steadfastness of hope. The picture here is that of the beginning, running and completion of a long race with a prize at the end.

THE CONFIRMING VALUE OF THESE VIRTUES (verse 4)

What do they prove? We can work and labor and persevere because we know that these virtues are but confirming results that we are a part of His eternal plan (Philippians 1:6). Faith works, love labors, hope endures. Faith looks back to the cross.  Love operates in the present. Hope looks to the future.

PAUL’S CONVINCING VISIT AMONG THEM (verses 5-10)

The gospel came to the Thessalonians through Paul. The gospel alone is sufficient to save. There is nothing that can be done to effect or enhance the saving power of the gospel (Romans 1:16, 17).

We all carry credentials to verify our identity (driver’s license, etc.). These are the verifying data of our identity.

The Lord Jesus Christ carried credentials (John 20:31). “Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

The Gospel carries credentials that verifies its authenticity. These credentials are the changed lives of the ones who consistently share the message in their lives.

Faith works, love labors, hope endures.

• Faith is our introduction

• Love is our involvement

• Hope is our incentive.

Bottom line: When God saves you, He intends that you become an example to others - a showcase for the grace of God.

Jesus said, “follow me and I will make you to become fishers of men.” The gospel is the hook that brings folk to Jesus. Our life is the bait that attracts them to the hook. God bless and have a wonderful week.