“Full Conviction” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

Introduction:  (v2) “We thank God always for all of you as we mention you constantly in our prayers.”

Thanks for Comfort Meal, dinner in a tree house, elder dinners, the gardeners, VBS crew, Jon mowing

I.        Our Thankfulness

A.     (v3) “because we recall in the presence of our God and Father”

1.      “your work of faith and your labor of love and…”

2.      “...endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” [Read Acts 17:1-15]

3.      Faith, hope, love triad: we reach highest when balanced on this stool. [S Hebrews 6:12]

B.     (v4) “We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,”

1.      Chosen is an odd term applied here.  It was usually reserved for the Jews.

2.      (v5) “in that our gospel did not come to you merely in words…”

3.      “…but in power and the Holy Spirit and in deep conviction.” {S Acts 10:44-47, 1 Corinthians 4:20]

II.       What does Repentance Look Like?

A.     Character: “…you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you.”

1.      What should distinguish that character?  Faith, hope and love to be sure.

2.      John 13:34: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you______________.”

B.     Joy: “…you received the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, despite great affliction.”

1.      “As a result you became an example to all the believers in (your region).”

2.      Don’t fake it.  Don’t plaster on a church smile.

3.      1 Peter 1:8-9, “Even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible you, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

C.     People will talk (about you): (v8) “From you the message of the Lord has echoed forth…”

1.      (…in every place reports of your faith in God have spread, so that we do not need to say anything.”

2.      “For people everywhere report how you welcomed us…”

3.      “…and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living God and true God.”

Conclusion:   VBS theme of Stand Strong

(v10) “to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.