THE EVIDENCE OF AN EMPOWERED CHURCH (I Thess.1:8-10)

The Church of Thessalonica was both a "reflector" (v.5) and a "transmitter" (v.8) of the gospel. They had a faith which was Godward, a love which was outward, and a hope which was inward. Verse 8 tells us that "the Lord's message rang out." This word is only found here in the N.T. It is a metaphor that describes a "blast"of a trumpet or a "clap of thunder" that keeps reverberating.

Too often today's church is content to pay a staff to do the witnessing. In the New Testament Church, everyone was involved in sharing their faith. Their consistent walk with Christ authenticated the message they shared. There are three reasons for this:

I. THERE WAS A CHANGE IN DIRECTION - (v.9a)
The word "turned"(Gr. aorist tense) means "they turned once and for all."
A. They Turned To God - That is first step leading to salvation. Their turning to God
made them aware of their sinful condition. That made them aware that only through
Christ was salvation possible. Their lives were changed through faith in Him (2 Cor.5:17).

B. They Turned From Idols - The evidence of authentic Christianity is repentance. True
repentance leads to self-dethronement. Today's Christians too often want God along with
their idols. Is that authentic faith? A faith that doesn't demand repentance may be a bogus
faith. You may be religious but not truly born again.

II. THERE WAS A CHANGE IN PURPOSE - (v.9b)
Verse 3 stated that theirs was a "labour of love." Their service was prompted by love
A. They Had A New Master - "the living God" Their former master, Satan, kept them
enslaved by the idols of fear, retribution, habits, and death without hope. But when
they met their new Master, Jesus Christ, they were freed from the past, the present
and the future. Their lives drastically changed (2 Cor.5:17).

B. They Had A New Message - "the true God!" Their whole motivation changed because
they experienced authentic love. The gospel (1 Cor.15:3-4) is not only the power of God
unto salvation to everyone who believes, but it is that "love that constrains/motivates us"
(2 Cor.5:14) to share the gospel with our world.

III. THERE WAS A CHANGE IN FOCUS - (v.10) "wait for his Son from heaven"
The word "wait" means "to await someone with patience, confidence and anticipation."
Waiting involves activity and endurance. Some of the Thessalonian Christians quit work
and became lazy, inactive, and busybodies. In his second Letter Paul had to rebuke them
and strengthen their misinterpretation of that word "wait." Waiting doesn't mean quitting
or being lazy.
A. Jesus Must Be Central In Our Living - "Jesus whom he raised from the death"
He must be our focus if we are to win others to Christ. Its not about us, our church of
our programs. Its all about Him and for His glory alone.

B. His Coming Must Be Crucial In Our Serving - "wait for his son from heaven"
While waiting we pray and serve. His imminent return, out of love for Christ, must be our
incentive. But we must never forget that "the wrath to come" is the warning for those
who refuse His wonderful salvation. The "great commission" (Matt.28:19-20) call for
our involvement in His kingdom ministry.