SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
| What is the mission of the church? The mission of the church is missions! Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy authored the first letter to the Thessalonians. These men were officially set apart by the church for the work of church multiplication. When they entered a new city, they proclaimed the gospel of reconciliation through Jesus Christ to the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles and then to the public. Then they gathered those believers together and appointed elders to lead them. This official work of the church through its leaders to multiply churches in new places is what is known as the work of the church as an Institution. The Thessalonian church provided a faithful example of how the church supports the work of missions in another important way. The church as an Organism supports the official work of the church through its many members with their various gifts and callings. The Thessalonians were committed to faith, hope, and love by standing fast through trials, turning from idols to holy devotion to God, and good works. They prayed for the church leaders who were planting churches, they even sent some from their number to support them. But the most important work they did to make the word of the Lord spread was to live holy lives and to do good works. May we also be a church that is committed to church multiplication supported by praying, giving, going, good works, and holiness! Application Questions
Scriptures for Further Study: Psalm 72; Isaiah 2:2-5; Matthew 5:13-16; Psalm 67:1, 7; Acts 17:1-15 |