Your faith toward God has gone out

Text: 11 Thessalonians 1
19 October 2008

(I) RENOWN FAITH

1. The faith of the Romans

“…your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” Romans 1:8

2. The faith of the Thessalonians

“…Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” 1 Thessalonians 1:8b

(II) REASONS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF RENOWN FAITH

1. The power of the Holy Spirit at work

“…in the Holy Spirit…” 1 Thessalonians 1:5

“…with joy of the Holy Spirit” 1 Thessalonians 1:6

2. The power of the Word of God at work

a) Receiving of the Word

“…having received the word in much affliction…” 1 Thessalonians 1:6

b) Giving out the word

“…from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth…” 1 Thessalonians 1:8

c) Effective working of the Word of God

“…when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

3. Walking worthy of God

“That you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own Kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12

a) Understanding of God’s calling

i) To enter into His own kingdom

ii) To enjoy the glory of God

b) Appreciating the calling of God

i) Appropriate response

ii) Walking Worthy of God

4. Emulating good examples

a) The example of the Judean churches

“…the churches of God which are in Judea…” 1 Thessalonians 2:14a

b) Emulating the ability to endure suffering

“…For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen…” 1 Thessalonians 2:14b

(III) RIGHTFUL PRAYER

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

1. A prayer for complete sanctification

2. A prayer for complete preservation

3. A prayer of complete faith in God