Changed Lives Spur Thanksgiving

I. CHANGED LIVES (THE MARK OF FAITHFUL DISCIPLES) SPUR THANKSGIVING BECAUSE THEY CONFIRM GOD'S ELECTION AND OUR FAITH

Introduction (:2) -- Tone of Thanksgiving

A. Changed Lives Can Be Identified By the Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Evident to the Missionary Team (:3)

Evident to Other Believers (:9b-10)

1. Work of Faith Turned to God from idols

2. Labor of Love To serve a living and true God

3. Steadfastness of Hope To wait for His Son from heaven...

4. Joy of the Holy Spirit in the context of suffering (:6)

B. The Initial Change in Response to the Gospel Proclamation Confirms God's Election (:4-5)

1. The Subjects of Election

a. Brethren

b. Beloved by God

2. The Explanation of Election ("His choice of you")

in what sense and on what basis did God choose us?

3. The 3 Prerequisites for a Positive Response to the Gospel Proclamation (not just words only)

a. God's Power at work (cf. Rom.1:16_18)

b. God's Holy Spirit at work

c. "Full conviction" -- 2 possible explanations here:

1) refers to the confidence of the missionary team in their preaching

2) refers to the Thessalonians coming to a full conviction of the truth

Transition: The changed lives of the gospel proclaimers are consistent with God's election (their motives, manner of ministry, etc.)

C. The Ongoing Change in Modelling the Truth Confirms Our Faith (:6-9a)

1. Imitating the Right Models (=Discipleship) Requires a Commitment to Truth that Rises Above Circumstances

2. The Result of Faithful Imitation will be the Reproduction of True Models that can Impact Others

3. Our Faith is Confirmed as our Changed Lives are Evident to Others