This sermon, delivered by Stephen on May 7, 1973, focuses on Acts 17 and the early church in Thessalonica. Paul and Silas preached in the synagogue, leading many to believe in Jesus as the Christ. However, their success incited jealousy among some Jews, resulting in chaos and persecution. Paul and Silas were forced to flee to Berea, where they continued to spread the Gospel. The letters to the Thessalonians were written by Paul to encourage and strengthen this young church, which was experiencing persecution. Despite their immaturity, the Thessalonians demonstrated a vibrant faith characterized by three key evidences of life: turning from idols to serve the living God, actively serving Him, and eagerly awaiting Christ's return. Paul commended their work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope, emphasizing that true life in Christ produces tangible results. The freshness of their faith was a testament to the power of the Gospel, which brings new life. Stephen concludes with a prayer for the church to maintain this freshness and vitality in their spiritual lives.
1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.