1.1 HERE IS PRESENTED A TRUE CHURCH (1 Thessalonians 1:1-4)

It has a spiritual location.

1 Thessalonians 1:1 "To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ".

It must never be lost sight of that a true local church is not a place of bricks and mortar in some town.

Families who are born again and are the Father's children - quickened by the Holy Spirit, reconciled by the death of God's Son, and living in the power of His risen life. The true church has a spiritual address:

1 Thessalonians 1:1 "In God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" .

Two separate and distinct Persons of the same divine essence are mentioned as the "in" place of a redeemed people. A local church can be locked out of a town address, but change of circumstances or persecuting storm cannot affect its permanent spiritual but actual address where the door is double-locked, and thoroughly secure "in God, in Christ."

It has a spiritual supply.

1 Thessalonians 1:1 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

First, there is forgiveness through grace, then follows peace through forgiveness, but the supply of God's favour and peace is unending, not because of merit in us, but because of merit obtained for us in Jesus Christ. Peace that resists the disturbing influences from without. The Father is the source of unending favour and peace, and the Lord Jesus is the channel, so the blessings are from both. His favour is upon the faithful saints actions and His peace brings action in childlike confidence. Invoking this spiritual supply upon the whole church will make the church mighty in God to accomplish exploits, because the church has unfailing divine support and undisturbed confidence, to achieve the divine purposes.

It has spiritual supporters.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 "Making mention of you in our prayers".

These pioneer leaders were not at Thessalonica, they were busy serving at Corinth. Yet they were spiritually supporting the new church there. They were exercising their highest christian service as priests representing them before God. Are you exercising your believer priesthood? Bringing sacrifices of thanksgiving for your fellow saints, and mentioning their need before the throne of God? It is by prayer support that a church advances. What joy to present a local body of the Lord's people, and know that not one can be left out of the thanksgiving, because "all" are living right and witnessing mightily.

It has a spiritual service.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father."

The Thessalonians were not taken up with dead works - theirs was "work of faith" (Hebrews 6:1 ), working out faith in living action. They were toiling because they were loving. "Labour of love." Love is not just a passive state, it is active serving. They endured in their labour because of hoping. Patient because of hope of Christ's return, gave strength to their work efforts. So verse 3 could read, "faithful work," "loving labour" and "hopeful patience." It is wonderful to have in one's life faith, hope and love; they contribute to wholeness and enjoyment. They are also essential aids to the fulfillment of our calling in Christ Jesus, for without faith, hope and love, we cannot glorify God in service. Operating in them His commission will become our mission and we will carry out His assignments successfully.

It has special selection.

1 Thessalonians 1:4 "(O) brethren beloved by God, we recognise and know that He has selected (chosen) you." (Amplified Bible)

The word "chosen" "selected" is used of men or agencies for special missions or attainments. God selected Saul for His own high purposes.

Acts 9:15 "But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.'"

Saul who became Paul, was selected for a special mission to be the apostle to the Gentiles. In the pursuance of his mission he would witness before kings and to Israel. All believers are selected to confirm their profession of faith by godly living.

2 Peter 1:10-11 "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ".

As believers then, we are selected for special attainments of christian character, to which we must attain with diligence. Those who make it their all-out aim to be Christlike in character will assure themselves the reward of an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom. Our grace character lived out now, will return supplies of abundant entrance when the Lord returns. Paul had pleasure in the Thessalonian believers because their conduct was in line with that for which they had been selected - this all pointed to this church being specially used in the purpose of God.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you believe that to be a true Church a local Church must have a spiritual address?
   • Can you explain what this means to you?
   • What do the words grace and peace mean to you?
   • How did the absent pioneer leaders support the Thessalonica Church?
   • What is your highest service as a believer priest?

2. Do you believe that operating in faith, love and hope is the way for you to successfully carry out the assignments the Lord has for you?
   • For what special purpose has God selected your local Church?