Qualities of a sound church 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Background: Church of the Thessalonians Thessalonica was a wealthy merchant city. Believed to have a population of around 200,000 people during the time of Paul Population with a mixture of Greeks, Romans, and Jews.

Background: Church of the thessalonians Acts 17:1-9; 10-15 The church established on Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey (50-51 A.D.) Paul, Silas, and Timothy were evangelists in Thessalonica. The Christians were being persecuted, but the size and location of the city allowed for the church to grow.

What does “sound” Mean? Free of injury of disease. Free of flaw, defect, or decay. To be healthy, have sound health, or to be whole. Doctrine (Titus 1:9; 2:1) Words (1 Timothy 6:3) Mind (1 Thess. 5:4-8) Faith (Titus 1:13-14; 2:2)

Quality #1 of a sound church Follow the Right Example 1 Thess. 1:5-6 5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

Follow the Right Example Follow the example of the inspired Apostles because they follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 1 Peter 2:21-24

Quality #2 of a sound church Being an Example to Others 1 Thess. 1:6-7 6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Being an example to others Our example is for everyone. Christians here, elsewhere, and those in the world Matthew 5:6 1 Tim. 4:12 Romans 12:1-2

Quality #3 of a sound church Being Evangelistic in Spreading the Word 1 Thes. 1:8 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.

Being Evangelistic in spreading the word Evangelism is not our example, it is spreading God’s Word Romans 1:16-17 1 Peter 3:14-16

Quality #4 of a sound church Continuously Turning to God 1 Thes. 1:9-10 9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.

Continuously turning to god Serving God 1 Cor. 15:58 Serving Others Gal. 6:1-2 Eph. 4:28 Heb. 6:10; Heb. 13:15-16 Eagerly waiting for Christ’s return Phil. 3:17-21 Titus 2:11-15

Takeaway points Being a Sound Church Takes Humility Being a Sound Church Takes Work There are more characteristics of a sound church than the ones we studied tonight. Every quality of a sound church we looked at tonight should also be said of me individually! Follow the Right Example Being an Example to Others Evangelistic in My Everyday Life Continually Turning to God