June 07, 2026

BUILT TO LAST: THE CHURCH YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED

June 07, 2026

Senior Pastor Jonathan Falwell

We are beginning a new series focused on the church. Over the next few weeks, we will be studying the letters Paul wrote to the new church at Thessalonica and personal letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Today, we begin at the church of the Thessalonians, which Paul thought was nearly perfect. Have you ever known a church that is perfect? If you thought so, chances are, you were not aware of the deeper problems, for—let’s face it—where there are humans, there will always be sin. We wish that were not so, but we know our own hearts. No matter how we strive to obey God in all things, sometimes it takes only a word, a look, or an action—and we fall. We repent, call out to God for forgiveness, and are made clean. ‘The righteous man falls seven times, but rises again,’ (Prov. 24:16). We will not be perfect until Heaven—what rejoicing that will be!

Focal Passages: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Ephesians 2:10.

The reason we’re here:

  • Background: Paul founded this church in the large city of Macedonia, about A.D. 50-51. By now, Christianity had spread not only to Jews but also to Gentiles. Paul stayed three weeks, getting the church ‘up and running.’ Later, knowing they faced persecution, he tried to encourage them in his letters. This church had strong faith and hope in the return of Jesus Christ and was a major influence on early Christian communities.
  • Read 1 Thess. 1:3. Paul had left Thessalonica at the time of his letter, yet he, Silas, and Timothy prayed for this new church always; would that have been a comfort to these believers? What three areas of the church’s ministry were special, as their reputation grew?
  • What did Paul mean by commending them for their ‘work of faith’? What other Bible passages talk about our ‘work’ that is the fruit of our faith? Give some examples of Bible characters who showed their faith by their actions.
  • What did Paul mean by citing their ‘labor of love’? Read 1 Cor. 2:9. Does anyone remember the meaning of the word ‘labor’? Who benefited from this exhaustive work? What are some ways in which you work, doing hard labor for the benefit of others? Can ‘hard’ be other than physical? Can this hard work affect the reputation of your church?
  • What was meant by their ‘patience of hope’? As we carry on the work Christ has given us for the church and other people, are there days when you are tired, but you know the reward is worthwhile? As you look at your church, do you see the elderly still enjoying their responsibilities? What does this teach you?
  • As you see these three areas where those who love God wish to obey Him, can you see the representation of the ages of past, present, and future? Will someone explain?
  • The statement of faith of Thomas Road Baptist Church reiterates that the members ‘love God and love people.’ The church in Thessalonica was practicing these. Are you?

Secured by His everlasting love:

  • Read 1 Thes. 1:4. Have you given your heart to God at some point in your life and have obeyed Him as outlined in Scripture? Then you can be assured that you were ‘elected’ or chosen by God. Does that encourage you? It should. Whom Christ has been given, He will never lose. Why would that not fill your soul with blessed assurance?
  • Read Eph. 2:10. Are you doing these good works that God has prepared for you alone, before the foundation of the world? Which will give you a happier life, doing those plans and purposes God prepared for you, or doing your own thing?

Empowered by the Holy Spirit:

  • Read 1 Thes. 1:5. When you were saved, what did you receive? What exactly do you mean by saying you ‘received’ the Holy Spirit? If He is God (and He is), then you are saying you received God’s power in your life. Why is it difficult to live like that?
  • Paul wants the Thessalonians to recall what they received at salvation, but what did he mean that they received it ‘in much affliction’?
  • Why is it so hard for a person to give his anxieties completely to the power of Jesus?

Persevering IN JOY through it all because of Him:

  • Read 1 Thes. 1:6. What is a healthy church built upon? To be doctrinally correct, what must the local church do? Read Acts 17:11. Do you care about the doctrine your church hears? Will there always be affliction? Read 2 Cor. 12:9-10. What did Christ promise us?
  • Why must the believers commit to following and totally believing the inerrant, inspired Word of God? If you believe the Bible and follow Jesus, will there be any circumstances you need to worry about? What does Jesus promise? Is Isaiah 26:3 real in your life?

Being the light of the world:

  • Read 1 Thes. 1:7. Because of their faith, love, and hope, what did the Thessalonians become? Are you an example to those in your community because you love Jesus? What does your reputation cause people to reflect upon? Is it possible that you, as an example to others, may cause others to come to church just to find out what makes you ‘tick’?
  • Does your church exist in order to make you happy? Do you understand this when you criticize the music sung or the clothes of those who attend? Who is the church for? What is the reason to have a joyous church? How do you make that happen?

Close: Did you notice how many actions could be packed into the words of “work of faith” in verse 1 of our passage? James is such a wonderful book in the Bible for learning the many practical ways we can show love to others. For instance, can you imagine running into another church member at Walmart and noticing they look rather beaten down? On the checkout belt are a few groceries, though certainly not enough to feed a family. It may be cold outside, but their clothing looks thin. When you finish your greetings, you call out, “See you later! Be warm, be full!” and you leave. You did not give them any money, or your coat—which you certainly could have done. So, what good is your faith in Jesus Christ? James 2:14-17 tells us that your faith without works is dead. God saves us so that we may, in turn, minister to others. Read Philemon, verse 6. God expects us to be active, not apathetic, in our faith.

Sandy Day

June 07, 2026

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