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Your work of faith

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1
5 October 2008

(I) IMPORTANT HISTORICAL DETAILS

1. A brief ministry in Thessalonica (Acts 17)

a) Three Sabbaths ( Acts 17:2 )

b) Preaching from the Scriptures concerning the Lord Jesus Christ ( Acts 17:2-3 )

i) Reasoning

ii) Explaining

iii) Demonstrating

2. Successful though Brief

a) A greatly successful ministry ( Acts 17:4 )

b) Envious unbelieving Jews attacked the believers ( Acts 17:5-9 )

c) Paul and Silas were sent away to escape assault ( Acts 17:10 )

(II) SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN FAITH

1. The growth of the Thessalonians despite adverse circumstances

a) Recall

i) Having received the word in much affliction ( 1 Thessalonians 1:6 )

ii) You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God ( 1 Thessalonians 1:9 )

b) Rejoicing

i) Proof of faith

“…your work of faith…” 1 Thessalonians 1:3a

ii) Fruit of faith

“…your…labour of love…” 1 Thessalonians 1:3b

iii) Patient hope (perseverance)


“…your…patience (perseverance) of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…” 1 Thessalonians 1:3c

2. Remarkable attempts at emulation

a) Emulating the example of Paul and Silas

“…you became followers of us…” 1 Thessalonians 1:6a

b) Emulating the Example of the Lord Jesus Christ

“…and of the Lord…” 1 Thessalonians 1:6b

3. Results of growth in faith

a) Great Joy

“…joy of the Holy Spirit” 1 Thessalonians 1:6c

b) An Example to others

“…became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia…” 1 Thessalonians 1:7

c) A renown faith

“…Your faith toward God has gone out…” 1 Thessalonians 1:8

(III) REASONS FOR STRONG GROWTH IN FAITH

1. Genuine salvation

“…election of God.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4

2. Great Gospel message

3. Great power at work (1 Corinthians 1:18)

“…in power (of God)…” 1 Thessalonians 1:5a

4. Holy Spirit’s ministry

“…and in the Holy Spirit…” 1 Thessalonians 1:5b

(IV) A VALID CHALLENGE

1. To check our faith

2. To cultivate our faith