Marks of a Model Ministry

Sermon Summary

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Of all the churches that God used the Apostle Paul to plant and shepherd, he only referred to one as a "model church." In the opening chapter of Paul's letter to the church in Thessalonica, he described FOUR MARKS of a model ministry.

1. ELECT - Evidentially experiencing salvation in Christ (vv. 3-5a)
Paul was encouraged because he was convinced that those who made up the church of Thessalonica were truly saved. These believers were chosen by God in eternity past (Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 1:1). The indicator of a healthy church is that it is made up predominantly of people who were sovereignly 'saved' by God.

2. EXEMPLARY - Effectively modeling Christ to Others (vv. 5b-7)
The church of Thessalonica became imitators of Paul and the way he followed Christ. Paul emphasized the way he and the apostles followed Christ so that the church would have a model that could be followed. This was so that they could then serve as a model that could be followed by still others. This is the concept of discipleship (Matthew 28, 2 Timothy 2:2, Titus 2:3-5).

3. EVANGELISTIC - Enthusiastically impacting the world for Christ (vv. 8-9)
The church of Thessalonica was not just inwardly focused - they also had a vision for modeling Christ to the region and world and to evangelize far beyond their own area. This was driven by their genuine enthusiasm and love for Christ and the truth of God's Word.

4. EXPECTANT - Eagerly awaiting the return of Christ (vv. 9-10)
Most in the church of Thessalonica were Gentiles. As such, many grew up in the shadow of Greek mythology. They had turned away from many false idols to serve the one true God and their lives had become consumed with serving Him. They also eagerly awaited His return and the wrath that He will one day pour out upon an unrepentant world. Paul had also told them about the rapture and the coming return of Christ.

Thank God for the example of the church in Thessalonica. Ask Him to continue to radically transform your life like He did their lives by the power of His Spirit through the preaching of His Word.