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The Church - Silver City Church

Sermon Overview

“The Church,” from 1 Thessalonians 1:1, launches a new series on Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, defining the church’s identity. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy greet “the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The sermon explores what makes a church—the gathered people in union with the triune God through grace and peace. Amid labels and distinctives, the church’s essence is being “in” God: united to the Father and Son by the Spirit. Thessalonica’s young church, planted amid persecution, models vibrant faith. Believers are called to embrace this identity, living as God’s people marked by grace, peace, and covenant union with Christ.

Key Takeaways
Team Ministry
Paul writes with Silvanus and Timothy, modeling plurality in leadership. The sermon emphasizes churches thrive with multiple elders, accountable and united, reflecting New Testament pattern.
The Church Defined
The greeting addresses “the church… in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The sermon defines church as God’s gathered people in union with the triune God—visible locally, invisible universally.
Union with God
The preposition “in” marks close association with Father and Son. The sermon stresses this as Christianity’s core: salvation and identity rest solely in Christ’s person and work.
Grace and Peace
Paul’s greeting offers grace (undeserved favor) and peace (reconciliation). The sermon calls believers to live in this reality, marked by God’s unchanging love, not circumstances.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: Team Ministry

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1a
Devotional Idea: Value plurality in church leadership.
Paul writes with Silvanus and Timothy. The sermon models team ministry for accountability and growth. Reflect on relationships strengthening your faith. The sermon emphasizes elders guiding together. How can you support or seek godly counsel? Ask God to build unity in His church.

Day 2: The Church's Identity

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1b
Devotional Idea: Embrace your identity as God’s gathered people.
Paul greets “the church… in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The sermon defines church as united to the triune God. Reflect on your church membership. The sermon calls for living “in” Christ. How does this shape your view of community? Ask God to deepen your union with Him.

Day 3: Union with God

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1c
Devotional Idea: Rest in close association with Father and Son.
The church is “in” God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ. The sermon stresses this intimate union as Christianity’s core. Reflect on your relationship with God. The sermon calls for living from this position. How does being “in” Christ change daily life? Ask God to reveal His nearness.

Day 4: Grace to You

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1d
Devotional Idea: Receive God’s undeserved favor daily.
Paul greets with “Grace to you.” The sermon highlights grace as the church’s foundation. Reflect on areas needing God’s grace. The sermon calls for living from unmerited favor. How can grace transform your struggles? Ask God to overwhelm you with His grace.

Day 5: Peace from God

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1e
Devotional Idea: Experience reconciliation with God.
Paul offers “peace” from Father and Son. The sermon portrays peace as restored relationship. Reflect on conflicts needing God’s peace. The sermon calls for living reconciled. How can His peace guard your heart? Ask God to fill you with His peace.

Reflection and Application Questions
  • Reflection: How does the greeting’s emphasis on being “in” God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ define the church’s core identity?
  • Reflection: Why does Paul include Silvanus and Timothy, and what does this reveal about healthy church leadership?
  • Reflection: How do “grace” and “peace” in the greeting encapsulate the gospel’s gift to believers?
  • Application: Identify a label or distinctive dominating your view of church; refocus on union with God this week.
  • Application: Share grace and peace with someone struggling, pointing them to life “in” Christ.
Scripture References and Cross-References
  • Main Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1
  • Cross-References: Acts 17:1-10 (Paul in Thessalonica), 2 Peter 1:3 (Scripture’s sufficiency), Revelation 2-3 (letters to churches), 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (elder qualifications)
Westminster Confession Connection

1 Thessalonians 1:1’s greeting to “the church… in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” aligns with the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 25, Section 2, which teaches the visible church consists of all who profess faith in Christ and their children, united under His headship. The sermon’s emphasis on union “in” God reflects this covenant community, marked by grace and peace. Believers are called to embrace this identity, living as God’s gathered people.

Westminster Confession Citation

Chapter 25, Section 2: The visible Church… consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion; and of their children: and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God… [Scripture proofs: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Psalm 2:8; Revelation 7:9; Romans 15:9-12]

Catechism Connections

Shorter Catechism, Q. 54: What is required in the third commandment? The third commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of God’s names, titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, and works. [Scripture proofs: Deuteronomy 10:20; Psalm 29:2; Matthew 6:9]
Larger Catechism, Q. 62: What is the visible church? The visible church is a society made up of all such as in all ages and places of the world do profess the true religion, and of their children. [Scripture proofs: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 15:9-12; Revelation 7:9]

Sermon Resources
1 & 2 Thessalonians