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The Model Church

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
Preacher: David Horita
Date: May 4, 2025

Tagline:

A model church is known not by its size or polish, but by its faith in God, love for others, and hope through hardship.

Sermon Summary:

David Horita opened with a personal story of secretly ordering Bible correspondence courses as a young teen, marking the beginning of a lifelong love for the church. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 1 and Acts 17, he described the Thessalonian church as a “model church”—not because of age, structure, or resources, but because of its identity and action. Paul commends their deep-rooted identity as those “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” and their response to the gospel in “faith, love, and hope.” Though planted under pressure and persecution, the church didn’t shrink. It grew in influence and conviction.

Using the image of diamonds formed by pressure, Horita called the church to embrace trials as a forge for gospel strength. He challenged churches to prioritize the mission over preferences, knowing who they are in God. A church becomes a model not by trying to be trendy or comfortable, but by responding to God’s call with costly love, courageous faith, and enduring hope. Like the Thessalonians, our lives should “ring out” with the sound of gospel transformation.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Questions

  1. When have you seen something beautiful or strong emerge from pressure?
  2. What’s something in your life you used to think was essential, but have since realized was just a preference?
  3. Share about a time when your faith inspired someone else—or someone else’s faith inspired you.

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 together and discuss any questions that arise from the passage. Then use a few of these questions for further reflection.

Discussion Questions

  1. David Horita described the Thessalonian church as being “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” What does it look like for a church to have its identity rooted in God rather than in programs, buildings, or affiliations?
  2. Paul commends the church for their “work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope.” Which of these do you find most challenging right now? What would it look like to grow in that area?
  3. Horita said the gospel came to them “not only in word, but in power and conviction.” How can we open ourselves more fully to the Spirit’s power in our response to the Word?
  4. Their faith “sounded forth” into the surrounding region. What would it mean for the gospel to “sound forth” from our church in the Comox Valley? What might need to change?
  5. Paul says they turned from idols “to serve the living and true God.” What are some modern idols—personal or cultural—that we might need to turn from in order to serve God fully?

For Further Study

  1. Acts 17:1–10 – Paul’s visit to Thessalonica
  2. 1 Corinthians 13:13 – Faith, hope, and love
  3. Romans 1:8 – A faith spoken of throughout the world
  4. Colossians 1:3–6 – The gospel bearing fruit
  5. Hebrews 10:23–25 – Holding fast our confession with hope
  6. 1 Peter 1:6–7 – Faith refined through trial
  7. Matthew 5:14–16 – Let your light shine before others
  8. Philippians 2:14–16 – Shining as lights in the world
  9. Romans 12:1–2 – Worship and transformed living
  10. 1 John 5:21 – Keep yourselves from idols

Gospel Connections

Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus

  • God: What does it mean to be “in God the Father”? How does this ground your personal identity?
  • The Church: How can we be a church known for gospel fruit—faith, love, and hope—in action?
  • Our Group: What pressures are we facing, and how can we help one another endure them in hope?
  • The City: Where is the gospel already “ringing out” from our church—and where might God be calling us next?
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