Sermon: 1Thessalonians 1:5-10

Followers of the Lord

1. How the gospel comes to us.
   1. "Our gospel": apostolic stewardship for our benefit. [2 Corinthians 4:3]
   2. The gospel comes as the living and active word of the Lord. [V. 8; Heb 4:12: 1Cor 1:17]
   3. It came to them in Thessalonica not "in word only" but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance... [1Cor 2:4-5; WSC Q. 86; Ps 19:7; Rom 15:16; Mk 1:8; WLC Q. 58]
   4. Summary: the gospel comes to us through stewards of the oracles of God, as a living weapon of God to root out sin, to convert repentant sinners, and to promote the healing of righteousness. The gospel comes to us with the power of God's Spirit giving us assurance of faith.
2. We become followers of the Lord.
   1. Christianity requires imitating and following our Master Jesus Christ.
   2. "And you became you became followers [imitators, NIV, NAU] of us and of the Lord." [1Cor 4:16; 11:1; Heb 6:12; Col 1:24; 2Cor 4:17; 1Thess 2:14; Acts 5:41; Rom 15:13; 1Pet 1:8]
   3. Followers become examples. [Deut 5:26; 2Cor 6:16; John 17:3]
   4. They ring forth the word in their own turn.
3. Following the Lord until the end.
   1. A weariness can set it during life. The Thessalonian example directs us how to be renewed in strength.
   2. Affliction will set in during life. The Thessalonian example directs us to look up and forward to the return of Christ.
   3. The Holy Spirit will be our Comforter in every situation. Hunger and thirst and rest for the soul; direction in life to glorify and enjoy God.