A MODEL OF AN EXEMPLARY CHURCH I THESSALONIANS 1:1-10 PART II

Paul, the established writer of I Thessalonians, wrote this first letter to believers at Thessalonica after founding the church there and moving on to Berea, Athens, and Corinth (Acts 17:1-18:1).  This first epistle was written by Paul from Corinth about A.D. 51.  This epistle was written during Paul’s second missionary journey.  Paul’s aim in writing this letter was to confirm the converts he had made during his second missionary journey. There were no obvious fractions among the Thessalonian believers, thus this church served as a model of an exemplary church. I Thessalonians 1:1-10 may be outlined as follows:  I. An Exemplary Church Commended – I Thessalonians 1:1-4; II.  An Exemplary Church Committed – I Thessalonians 1:5-10. An Exemplary Church Committed – I Thessalonians 1:5-10 In verses 5-6, despite the believers being persecuted for their belief, they received the gospel with joy of the Holy Spirit.  They could readily receive the gospel because Paul and co-workers’ preaching among them was supported by their honest report.  It has been often said: “I’d rather see a sermon lived than preached.”  Our message among others must be backed by a life of purity.  Preaching and a pure life is a powerful testimony!  What we...