1.3 HERE IS PRESENTED A TRIUMPHANT CHURCH (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

Paul's preaching in Thessalonica, in spite of violent opposition, has had tremendous and triumphant results. When we see gathered together unto Christ, converts out of a pagan, materialistic, humanistic, occultist society, its a manifestation of triumphant grace. Paul analyses the triumph that took place in Thessalonica. The same victory gatherings of the Lord are taking place in the cities of the world today.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 "For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols..."

Victory over sin and Satan is found in turning to God. No one can turn from idols then turn to God. No one can break with sin then turn to Christ. The slave cannot break his chains and run free. He remains a slave and only runs into harm's way. Deliverance is by turning "to God," therefore "from idols." The gospel never starts with "turning from", but "turning to." Mighty deliverance comes by turning to the mighty God and to the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 "To serve the living and true God."

To be saved is to be freed from enslavement to idols, to sin, and Satan. Idols of themselves are dead and useless, but the fetters of sin and Satan that they represent are real bondage. Those saved serve the "living God" in contrast to dead "idols." Freed from evil enslavement to serve a God who is true, genuine, He alone can be served in spirit and in truth. Love holds us to Him. The living God who acts with us and through us in the good service of spreading and demonstrating the good news, bringing benefits of His goodness to the needy. There is no greater way of benefiting our needy generation than by witnessing for Christ, (Proverbs 11:30 ), being a source of life and imparting the wisdom of God.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 "And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."

• The preaching of the gospel births the expectation of the Lord's return.
• The certainty of His coming is guaranteed by His resurrection.
• To believe in a returning Jesus implies that Jesus is in heaven, reigning, interceding, and preparing a place for us. (Revelation 19:6, Hebrews 7:25, John 14:2 ).
• To believe in His return is to believe in a literal place called heaven from which He is to come.
• Believing in His return is accepting God's pledge that the saved in Jesus are safe from coming wrath which is to come on all impenitent sinners.

"The wrath to come" Literally: "which is coming." It is certain, coming wrath - Christ is coming for the salvation of His people, but also there will be the destruction of His enemies. We need to get people to look to the Lamb of God now for their salvation from wrath.

As H.G Jackson has it in the chorus to his hymn:
"Look to the Lamb of God,
Look to the Lamb of God,
For He alone is able to save you;
Look to the Lamb of God."

The church that is looking for Christ will be true to Him, testify of Him, and be triumphant in Him.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. In which way are you to follow Leaders?
   • Are you pressing into the lives of others and leaving the imprint of Jesus?
   • Are you sounding forth the message of life?
   • Can people see that you have turned to God?
   • Can they see that the former idols of your life no longer have power over you?
   • Can they see the living God acting through you in serving love?

2. What are the effects on the local Church that is looking for Christ's return?
   • How is your daily life affected by expectancy of His coming again?