1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
The Mold - Silver City Church
Sermon Overview
“The Mold,” from 1 Thessalonians 1:5–10, explores how the Thessalonians became a visible model church. The gospel arrived in word, power, Holy Spirit, and full conviction, with Paul, Silas, and Timothy as godly examples. Amid affliction, they imitated the Lord with Spirit-given joy, becoming examples to Macedonia and Achaia. Their faith sounded forth everywhere, turning from idols to serve the living God and wait for Jesus, who delivers from wrath. The sermon presents this as a mold—faith, love, hope shaping transformed lives that echo the gospel. Believers are called to accept their role as models, repenting openly and imitating Christ so others may imitate them, advancing God’s kingdom.
Key Takeaways
The gospel came not only in word, but in power, Holy Spirit, and full conviction (1:5). The sermon shows this as evidence of God’s work, transforming lives through the Spirit.
They became imitators of Paul and the Lord, receiving the word in affliction with Holy Spirit joy (1:6). The sermon highlights joy as supernatural amid trials, modeling Christlikeness.
Their faith sounded forth everywhere, becoming an example to believers in Macedonia and Achaia (1:7-8). The sermon portrays their reputation spreading, outpacing Paul’s report.
They turned from idols to serve the living God and wait for Jesus, who delivers from wrath (1:9-10). The sermon presents this as the mold: repentance, service, expectant hope.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: Gospel in Power
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Devotional Idea: Seek the gospel’s transforming power.
The gospel came in power and Spirit (1:5). The sermon shows this as God’s work in lives. Reflect on where you need the Spirit’s power. The sermon calls for openness to change. How can you yield to the Spirit today? Ask God to make His gospel powerful in you.
Day 2: Joy in Affliction
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:6
Devotional Idea: Receive the word with Spirit joy amid trials.
They received the word in affliction with Holy Spirit joy (1:6). The sermon highlights supernatural joy. Reflect on trials testing your joy. The sermon calls for imitating Christ. How can joy mark your suffering? Ask God for Spirit-given joy.
Day 3: Becoming an Example
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:7
Devotional Idea: Live as an example to others.
They became an example to believers (1:7). The sermon shows transformed lives echoing outward. Reflect on who watches you. The sermon calls for imitation of Christ. How can you model faith? Ask God to make you a faithful example.
Day 4: Word Sounding Forth
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:8
Devotional Idea: Let your faith sound forth.
Their faith went forth everywhere (1:8). The sermon portrays reputation spreading. Reflect on your gospel witness. The sermon calls for bold living. How can your faith echo? Ask God to amplify your testimony.
Day 5: Turned, Serving, Waiting
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
Devotional Idea: Turn from idols, serve God, wait for Christ.
They turned from idols to serve God and wait for Jesus (1:9-10). The sermon presents this as the mold. Reflect on idols in your life. The sermon calls for repentance and hope. How can you serve and wait? Ask God to mold you.
Reflection and Application Questions
- Reflection: How does the Thessalonians’ joy in affliction (1:6) challenge your response to trials?
- Reflection: Why does their faith sounding forth (1:8) show the gospel’s power beyond words?
- Reflection: How do turning from idols, serving God, and waiting for Christ (1:9-10) form the “mold” of a true church?
- Application: Identify one idol to turn from this week; replace it with serving the living God.
- Application: Live in a way worth imitating; encourage someone by sharing how Christ shapes your life.
Scripture References and Cross-References
- Main Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
- Cross-References: Acts 17:1-10 (Thessalonica visit), John 16:33 (tribulation and peace), Ecclesiastes 4:12 (threefold cord), Romans 1:16 (gospel power), 2 Corinthians 5:21 (Christ became sin)
Westminster Confession Connection
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10’s portrayal of the gospel’s power and the Thessalonians’ transformation aligns with the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 10, Section 1, which teaches God’s effectual call draws His elect by Word and Spirit, producing real change and conviction. The sermon’s emphasis on imitation and joyful endurance reflects this, calling believers to live as models of gospel fruit.
Westminster Confession Citation
Chapter 10, Section 1: All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, He is pleased, in His appointed and accepted time, effectually to call, by His Word and Spirit out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation, by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God, taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and, by His almighty power, determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ: yet so, as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace. [Scripture proofs: Romans 8:30; Romans 11:7; Ephesians 1:10-11; 2 Corinthians 3:3, 6; Ezekiel 36:27; John 6:44-45]
Catechism Connections
Shorter Catechism, Q. 31: What is effectual calling? Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, He doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel. [Scripture proofs: 2 Timothy 1:9; Ephesians 1:18-20; Acts 26:18; Ezekiel 11:19; John 6:44-45]
Larger Catechism, Q. 67: What is effectual calling? Effectual calling is of God’s free and special grace alone, not from anything in us, whereby He doth, in His accepted time, invite and draw them to Jesus Christ by His Word and Spirit; making them willing to come freely. [Scripture proofs: 2 Timothy 1:9; Ephesians 2:4-5; John 6:44; Romans 8:30]
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