Sermon Outline June 22, 2008 Morning Service

Topic: A Church Worthy Of Imitation  

Text:     1 Thessalonians 1:6-10   

Introduction

I.        A good role model is very important.

II.       Christians are blessed to have many role models.

III.      Among the many churches described in the New Testament, the church of Thessalonica proved to be a congregation worthy of emulation.

Text

I.        They were a church worthy of imitation because of their imitation of Paul and the Lord (vs. 6a).

A.       Interestingly, they were imitators themselves (1 Thessalonians 2:14;

1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17).

B.       So, how about us today; are we seeking to imitate the good example of others?

II.      They were a church worthy of imitation because of their reception of the word (vs. 6b).

A.       Note how they received the word.

1.       First, it was “in much affliction” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-4; 2:14).

2.       “…with joy of the Holy Spirit” (Galatians 5:22).

3.       As God’s word, not man’s (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

4.       If we don’t properly receive God’s word we aren’t worthy of imitation.

B.       So, how about us today; are we “A Church Worthy Of Imitation” when it comes to the word Of God?

III.     They were a church worthy of imitation because of their spreading of the word (vs. 8).

A.       Note how they had proclaimed the word.

1.       From them, the word had “sounded forth”.

2.       From them the word spread to other places.

3.       Such was clear indication of their “faith toward God”.

4.       “A Church Worthy Of Imitation” will have an evangelistic focus.

B.       So, how about us today; do we fill that great need?

IV.     They were a church worthy of imitation because of their service to God (vs. 9).

A.       They made a major change “to God from idols”.

B.       So, how about us today; we can be just as guilty of idolatry today.

V.      They were a church worthy of imitation because of their anticipation of Jesus (vs. 10).

A.       They lived in anticipation for His return (Philippians 3:20).

B.       So, how about us today; does the return of Jesus even enter our minds?

Conclusion

I.        Is this a congregation worthy of imitation?

II.       Remember that the church in Thessalonica was very young.

A.       It had been established only a short time before Paul penned these words, yet their positive influence was recognized beyond Thessalonica and even beyond Greece.

B.       New Providence is 119 years old.