The Basics of the New Testament Church

Temple Baptist Church - 5-3-2015

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Introduction:

A.  Last week, we saw that the church at Thessalonica was born in the fires of persecution.  Thessalonica was the capitol city of the second district of Macedonia and, therefore, a Roman stronghold! 

2 Corinthians 8:1-5  Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;  (2)  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.  (3)  For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;  (4)  Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.  (5)  And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

B.  This church was an overcoming church.  Most churches of our day would close their doors when faced with such persecution. 

1.  Their great trial of affliction brought about an abundance of Joy?

2.  Their deep poverty brought about the riches of their liberality?

3.  Their power brought about beyond their power?

C.  As I pondered these verse, my question was what kept the church there thriving in spite of problems?  This church had some things right!  Paul mentions three of them that are vital to the church’s membership.

1.  A realization that the work of the local church is one of faith!  Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  (The church needs to understand that the power belongs to God.  Matthew 28:18-20)

a.  Trusting the Lord when finances are tight.  2 Corinthians 8:2  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

Philippians 4:15  Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

b.  Trusting the Lord when people leave the church. 2 Timothy 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

1 John 2:19  They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: butthey went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

c.  Trusting the Lord when the church seemingly is not growing. Matthew 13:3-8  And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;  (4)  And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:  (5)  Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:  (6)  And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.  (7)  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:  (8)  But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  (7)  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

2.  A realization that the work of the local church is to be one of laboring in love!  Hebrews 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  (When the work of the local church becomes burdensome, people will quit serving.  We have too many “I used to be” or “I once was” when it comes to the work.  The local church is the work of all!)

a.  Loving the Lord and making Him the Head. Ephesians 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

b.  Loving the church and making it important in your life. Psalms 84:1-2  How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!  (2)  My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

c.  Loving the sinful and trying to win them to Christ. 1 Timothy 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

d.  Loving missions and giving to its cause.  2 Corinthians 8:4-5  Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.  (5)  And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

3.  A realization that the work of the local church is to be one of patience of hope! 

1.  The work belongs to the Lord. Luke 10:2  Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

2.  The results belong to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  (7)  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

3.  The reward will one day come from the Lord. Hebrews 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.