CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIANITY
I Thess. Chapter 1
I. Background
A. Paul came to Thessalonica and taught in the Jewish Synagogue
B. After preaching the scriptures for 3 Sabaoth days , a few Jews , a large numbers of Greeks , and a large number of prominent women believed
C. Due to persecution Paul had to leave the city
D. The recent converts from paganism needed spiritual support provided
by Paul's letters
II. Attributes Of The Contagious Thessalonian Church
A. Energetic
i) Paul remembered their " work " of faith , " labor " of love , and
" patience " of hope - vs. 3
ii) their conversion was real : turned from idols - turned to God
- waited for the Lord
B. Established
i) were not only in the word but in power , Holy Spirit , and had much
assurance ( of their salvation )- vs. 5
ii) their assurance came from the Gospel and Paul giving his life to them -
vs. I Thess 2:8
C. Enthusiastic
i) having received the word in much affliction with " joy " of the Holy
Spirit - vs. 6
ii) they came through affliction and had joy that God saved them
iii) they left idols and were so joyful that they were saved
D. Evangelistic
i) you sounded the word in Macedonia , Achaia , and in every place -
vs. 8-9
ii) 2 years away from worshipping idols , they are now telling others
about Jesus
iii) the church must be evangelistic or it will die - they had a passion for
the Lord
E. Expectant Attitude
i) waited expectantly for the Lord's return - vs. 10
ii) the Lord's return brings reward and punishment
III. Conclusions
A. This church must share God's word or die
B. They were energetic and enthused about Jesus; they were firmly
convinced in heir faith and their salvation ; and they were
enthusiastic about their faith
C. This caused them to be evangelistic and expectant of the Lord
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NOTE: Please see the announcement on The Back Page in regards to the
Upcoming Corporate meeting later this month.