I Thessalonians 1:2-8 – The church at Thessalonica was a working church.

• Paul remembered three things:

  • Their work of faith

  • Their labor of love

  • Their patience of hope

The cause of a working church:

• I Thessalonians 1:2; 2:19; 3:13; 4:16-17; 5:23

The effect of a working church

• A good church is made up of people that have faith, love, and hope.

• The effect: I Thessalonians 1:6-7

  • People who follow Christ

  • People who sound forth the Word of Christ

Works that all can do

• Develop yourself in the faith

  • Hebrews 6:1; I Peter 2:2

  • Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 6:1

• Helping others develop themselves

  • Philippians 2:4; Ephesians 4:15-16

  • Ephesians 4:11-12; 3:16; Hebrews 10:24-25

  • It’s hard to help others if you are only concerned with self.

  • Philippians 2:19, 5-8

• We must do what we can.

  • We can at least do what the Samaritan woman at the well did and bring others to hear the Word.

• We can all do the little things.

  • Show hospitality to visitors.

  • Visit the sick. Matthew 10:42

Romans 6:4, 16

I Thessalonians 1:9-10 – This church turned from idols to serve.

Matthew 25:15

There is work that you can do!

II Corinthians 8:12

Matthew 25:14-30 – Four observations

• Praise from our master depends upon proper participation.

  • The difference is between salvation and condemnation.

• The Lord is not interested in excuses.

  • You have to be smaller than a hypocrite to hide behind a hypocrite.

  • Some have not properly participated because they were not encouraged.

    • This is one of the primary purposes of the church.

• All who do their part receive the same reward.

• All who do not do their part will be condemned.

I Corinthians 12:15-30 – Two observations

• All body members have functions

• Not all have the same function

II Corinthians 8:1-5, 12 – Three observations

• We must be willing to do our part.

  • We must avoid grudging service.

• Willingness is contagious.

  • Colossians 3:23 – This kind of service catches on.

  • Indifference also catches on.

  • We are an example to others, so be a good example!

  • Philippians 1:14

• Willingness creates a job-hunting disposition.

Matthew 22:37

Matthew 12:34; Romans 12:2

I Corinthians 2:14-3:4 – You can be spiritually-minded or not. All the problems in Corinth were symptoms of not being spiritually minded.

Matthew 16:23; Acts 8:21 – Problems with the heart!

Instead of putting up a façade, let God’s Word pierce you.

• Acts 28:24-27

• Acts 2:36

• Hebrews 3:7-4:12 – Don’t harden your hearts!

Be assured of God’s control.

• Hebrews 12:3

• Just because things are bad, don’t think God has lost control.

• Hebrews 13:5, 6

• Philippians 4:6

Lay up treasure in Heaven

• Matthew 6:19-21

• Philippians 3:18-20 – Where do I find joy? What am I constantly occupied with?

• Colossians 3:5, 1-4

• We have to fix what’s inside!