Mike Mazzalongo #2 – Genuine Conversion

Review Thessalonica 51 AD Run out of town Timothy’s report Preparing for the end

Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. - I Thessalonians 1:1

Chapter 1:1 - Salutation Paul Sylvanus Timothy “Called Out” Grace & Peace God Father Lord Jesus Christ

We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; - I Thessalonians 1:2

constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, 4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; - I Thessalonians 1:3-4

Thanksgiving for… 1. Their work of faith

Thanksgiving for… 1.Their work of faith 2. Their labor of love

Thanksgiving for… 1.Their work of faith 2.Their labor of love 3. Their steady hope Love - Faith God Hope Eternal Life Man

Thanksgiving for… 1.Their work of faith 2.Their labor of love 3.Their steady hope 4. Genuineness of their conversion

Genuine Conversion Message was from God for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; - I Thessalonians 1:5a

Genuine Conversion Messengers were Godly just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. - I Thessalonians 1:5b

Genuine Conversion Message produced a change You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, - I Thessalonians 1:6

Genuine Conversion They became the message so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 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. - I Thessalonians 1:7-8

Genuine Conversion They became the message 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. - I Thessalonians 1:9-10

Summary Paul is thankful because he is sure that they are God’s chosen children for 2 main reasons: 1. Sure of their conversion

Summary Paul is thankful because he is sure that they are God’s chosen children for 2 main reasons: 1.Sure of their conversion 2. Recognizes their growth

Maturity in Christ cycle

Step #1: Conversion to imitation

Maturity in Christ cycle Step #1: Conversion to imitation Step #2: Imitation to example

Maturity in Christ cycle Step #1: Conversion to imitation Step #2: Imitation to example Step #3: Example to conversion

Question: Where am I in this cycle?