Marks of a Great Church: Receiving, Living, Spreading, Expecting the Word

Devotional

Day 1: Faith That Works—True Faith Produces Good Works

A great church is marked by a faith that is not passive but active, as genuine faith in Jesus Christ naturally results in good works that flow from that faith. The Thessalonian believers were commended for their “work of faith,” demonstrating that their trust in Christ was visible in their actions and service. This is not about earning salvation, but about the evidence of salvation—when faith is real, it transforms lives and leads to deeds that honor God. As James reminds us, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Let your faith be seen in the way you live, serve, and love others today. [36:34]

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (ESV)
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today that would demonstrate your faith in Jesus to someone around you?

Day 2: Love That Labors—Serving Jesus Out of Love for Him

The motivation for serving and laboring in the church is not simply duty or even love for others, but first and foremost love for Jesus Himself. The Thessalonians were recognized for their “labor of love,” a phrase that means working to the point of exhaustion, driven by their devotion to Christ. True service is not about recognition or reward, but about pouring ourselves out for the Lord because He first loved us. Like the missionary who served the leper, we are called to serve not for gain, but for Jesus, letting His love compel us to acts of sacrificial service. [37:29]

1 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV)
...remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense Jesus inviting you to serve Him out of love, even when it is difficult or unnoticed?

Day 3: Hope That Endures—Steadfastness Rooted in Christ’s Return

Endurance and steadfastness are possible because of the living hope we have in Jesus Christ, especially the hope of His return. The Thessalonian church was praised for their “steadfastness of hope,” a perseverance that was anchored in the promise that Jesus is coming again. This hope is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation that shapes how we live, endure trials, and encourage one another. As we look forward to Christ’s return, let that hope give you strength to remain faithful and steadfast, no matter what you face. [41:49]

1 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV)
...remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection: How does the hope of Jesus’ return encourage you to persevere through a current challenge or hardship?

Day 4: Living the Word—Becoming an Example for Others

A great church not only receives the word but lives it out, becoming an example for others to follow. The Thessalonians imitated Paul and the Lord, and in turn became a model for believers throughout their region. Living the word means letting the character of Jesus be increasingly seen in your life, so that others can see Christ in you. You may not realize who is watching, but your faithfulness can inspire and encourage others in their walk with God. Strive to be a living example of Christ’s love, grace, and truth in your daily interactions. [53:13]

James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Reflection: Who in your life might be watching your example of faith, and how can you intentionally reflect Christ to them today?

Day 5: Expecting the Word—Living in Anticipation of Christ’s Return

A great church lives with an eager expectation of Jesus’ return, allowing that hope to shape daily life and encourage one another. The Thessalonians were commended for “waiting for his Son from heaven,” living in anticipation of the day when Christ will gather His people and make all things new. This expectation is not passive, but active—motivating us to live holy lives, share the gospel, and encourage each other with the promise of His coming. Let the certainty of Christ’s return fill you with hope, purpose, and encouragement as you look forward to that glorious day. [01:01:42]

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (ESV)
For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Reflection: What is one way you can encourage someone today with the hope of Jesus’ return?

Sermon Summary

In 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, Paul paints a vivid picture of what makes a church truly great—not in terms of buildings or programs, but in the character and faithfulness of its people. The church is not the steeple or the structure; it is the people, the living body of Christ. This truth is foundational: we are the church, called to embody Christ in our daily lives.

Paul’s gratitude for the Thessalonians is rooted in three qualities: their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in Jesus. True faith always produces action; it is not passive. Our works are not the means of salvation, but the evidence of a living faith. Love, too, is not a mere sentiment but a labor—sometimes exhausting, always motivated by our love for Christ, not just for others. The story of the missionary serving lepers illustrates this: we serve not for reward, but for Jesus. And hope in Christ’s return gives us endurance. The promise of Jesus’ coming again is not just a doctrine to be believed, but a hope that sustains us through trials and calls us to steadfastness.

Paul also reminds us of the mystery and assurance of God’s choosing. The evidence of being chosen is not found in abstract theology, but in how we respond to the gospel—with conviction, by the Spirit’s power, and in a life transformed. Repentance—turning from idols to serve the living God—is the mark of genuine conversion.

Four marks of a great church emerge from this passage. First, a great church receives the word, even in affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Second, it lives the word, imitating Christ and becoming an example to others. Third, it spreads the word, so that faith and testimony echo beyond its walls. Finally, a great church expects the word, living in anticipation of Christ’s return, which shapes our present hope and conduct.

These are not just ideals, but a call to action. We are entrusted with the gospel, called to live it out, to share it, and to encourage one another with the hope of Christ’s coming. In difficult times, these truths become even more vital. May we be a people who receive, live, spread, and expect the word, holding fast to the grace and sufficiency of Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith produces action, not just belief True faith in Christ is never idle; it naturally results in works that reflect our trust in Him. We are not saved by our works, but genuine faith cannot help but express itself in tangible acts of love, service, and obedience. This is the living evidence of God’s work within us, and it challenges us to examine whether our faith is merely intellectual or truly transformative. [36:34]
2. Love labors to exhaustion for Christ The labor of love is not about mere feelings or even about loving others first—it is about being so moved by Christ’s love for us that we are willing to serve Him sacrificially. True Christian service often costs us something, sometimes even to the point of exhaustion, but when it is rooted in love for Jesus, it becomes a joyful offering rather than a burdensome duty. [38:33]
3. Hope in Christ’s return sustains endurance Endurance in the Christian life is not self-generated; it is fueled by the living hope that Jesus will return. This hope is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation that shapes how we face trials, loss, and uncertainty. The promise of Christ’s coming gives us the strength to remain steadfast, knowing that our present struggles are not the end of the story. [41:49]
4. The gospel transforms and sends us Receiving the gospel is not a one-time event; it is a continual turning from idols and sin to serve the living God. This transformation is visible in how we live and in how the word of God “sounds forth” from us to others. We are entrusted with the gospel, not to keep it to ourselves, but to let it echo through our lives and communities, becoming examples and witnesses to the world. [57:34]
5. Expectation of Christ’s return shapes daily living Living in anticipation of Jesus’ return is not escapism; it is a call to live with purpose, hope, and encouragement. The reality of His coming again should comfort us in grief, motivate us in holiness, and unite us in mission. Our future hope is meant to transform our present, making us a people marked by steadfastness, encouragement, and readiness. [65:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:28] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
[30:52] - Early Church Memories and Playing Church
[33:07] - The Church Is the People
[34:22] - Paul’s Greeting to the Thessalonians
[34:59] - Paul’s Prayer and Thanksgiving
[36:34] - Work of Faith, Labor of Love, Steadfast Hope
[38:33] - Motivation: Love for Christ
[41:19] - Endurance and the Hope of Christ’s Return
[43:01] - The Doctrine of Election and Assurance
[45:16] - Four Marks of a Great Church
[47:35] - Receiving the Word Amid Affliction
[49:24] - Living the Word: Imitation and Example
[57:34] - Spreading the Word: Faith Echoes Outward
[60:37] - Expecting the Word: Living in Hope
[65:53] - Encouragement in Christ’s Return and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (ESV) —
> Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
> To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
> Grace to you and peace.
>
> We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Observation Questions

According to Paul, what three qualities does he remember about the Thessalonian church in his prayers? ([36:03])
What does Paul say is the evidence that God has chosen the Thessalonians? ([43:24])
How did the Thessalonians receive the word, even though they were facing affliction? ([45:37])
What happened as a result of the Thessalonians turning to God from idols? ([48:17])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul connect faith, love, and hope together as the foundation of a great church? How do these three qualities work together in the life of a believer? ([36:34])
The sermon says that true faith always produces action and is never idle. What does this mean for someone who claims to have faith but doesn’t show it in their life? ([36:59])
The Thessalonians received the word “in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” What does this teach us about the relationship between suffering and joy in the Christian life? ([47:46])
Paul says the church became an example to others. What does it look like for a church or a believer to be an example, and why is this important? ([52:49])

Application Questions

Paul says the church is not the building, but the people. In what ways do you personally identify as “the church” in your daily life, not just on Sundays? Are there areas where you tend to “play church” instead of being the church? ([33:41])
The sermon describes a “work of faith” and a “labor of love.” Think about your own faith—what is one specific action you can take this week that would show your faith is alive and active? ([36:34])
The “labor of love” is described as serving to the point of exhaustion, motivated by love for Jesus. Is there a place in your life where serving others feels hard or tiring? How can remembering Christ’s love for you change your motivation or attitude in that area? ([38:33])
The Thessalonians’ hope in Christ’s return gave them endurance. When you face discouragement or trials, what helps you keep going? How can you remind yourself of the hope you have in Christ this week? ([41:49])
Paul says the evidence of being chosen by God is a life transformed by the gospel. Is there an “idol” (something you put before God) that you need to turn away from? What would repentance look like for you right now? ([48:32])
The Thessalonians’ faith “sounded forth” and became known to others. Who in your life needs to hear or see the gospel through you? What is one step you can take to let your faith echo beyond the church walls this week? ([57:34])
Living in expectation of Christ’s return is meant to shape our daily lives. How would your priorities or choices change if you really believed Jesus could return at any time? Is there something you would start or stop doing? ([01:05:53])

Sermon Clips

The problem is, it's so wrong. Here's the church, here's the steeple. Open the door, and here's the people. That's not right. Watch this. Here's the building, and here's the steeple. Open the door, and here's the church. The people, you, are the church. Not this building. You are the church. Now, I want you to keep that in mind. As we look at this passage today. [00:33:27] (34 seconds) #YouAreTheChurch

I wonder if you and I could learn a lesson from that. Do you do that today? Number one, do you pray for others? But if you are praying for them, do you let them know what you're praying for them? Imagine yourself getting a note in the mail or getting an email or something like that or a text from someone that says to you, I prayed for you this morning and here's what I prayed. I prayed that the Lord would strengthen you as you face whatever you're facing today or whatever it might be. Wouldn't that be a great encouragement to you? [00:35:49] (33 seconds) #PrayWithPurpose

Our works always flow out of our faith. That's very important to remember that. In James chapter 2 verse 17, James said, Faith by itself, if it does not have works, it's dead. Now we're not saved by works, amen? We're saved by grace through faith and that is not even of ourselves. That's a gift from God to us, the faith that we believe in him. But James made it clear that if we have true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will have good works that follow that faith. Works flow out of faith. [00:36:34] (37 seconds) #FaithInAction

How do we know whether someone is chosen or not? How do we know whether someone is, quote, elect or not? The answer is very simple. By what they do with Jesus. Do they respond to the gospel in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Then you can know that that person has been chosen by God. What is your response to the gospel today? Have you responded to him, to the gospel, in word and power and the Holy Spirit and full conviction? Has that happened in your life today and in the life of your church? [00:43:49] (37 seconds) #PowerOfGrace

People receive the word. Notice that they receive the word. No matter the cost. In verse 6. For you receive the word. In much affliction. With the joy. Of the Holy Spirit. Wow. What a juxtaposition of ideas. This church was. These people were being persecuted. For their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But in the midst of that affliction. In the midst of that persecution. They were full of the joy of the Holy Spirit. [00:47:28] (34 seconds) #HealthyChurchGrowth

When one truly receives the word. That person turns from their sin. To Christ. There's a word in the original language of the New Testament. It's a Greek word. And the word is metanoia. It literally means a change of mind. But what it means in the biblical sense. Is a change of mind. That results in a change of life. We translate that word metanoia. Into the word repentance. Repentance. That's what Paul is describing. That this church did. [00:48:29] (34 seconds) #ImitateJesus

If you, wherever you work. Wherever you live. Wherever you go to school. If you, if you are known as a Christian, you are the best Christian somebody knows. You may be the only Christian somebody knows. So, the question is, since you have been entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ, are you spreading that word to those around you? Are you living that out day to day? [00:59:51] (44 seconds) #JesusIsComingAgain

What's going to happen? Those who've died already died. They're buried here. And the Lord is going to get their souls. At the instant of their death, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. So their soul, their spirit, went to be with the Lord. When Jesus comes again, he brings their spirit with him, and their bodies rise from the dead, and he reunites them in their new glorified body to be with him forever. [01:03:50] (24 seconds)

And then it says, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds. 1 Corinthians chapter 15 tells us that if you're alive at the moment of Jesus in return, in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, you will be changed. Your body will be changed in that new glorified body. And we'll be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. [01:04:13] (30 seconds)

What we're looking forward to in the future is what ought to tell us and guide us and lead us in the way we live right now. And Jesus is coming again. Hallelujah. So Watermark Church, you want to be a great church? Receive the word. Live the word. Spread the word. And finally, keep expecting the word. Keep looking for Jesus to come again. [01:05:39] (38 seconds)

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