Actions That Please God I Thessalonians 1:9-10 I. Introduction. A. The past, the present, and the future has provoked many studies by all of mankind. B. Several disciplines of the academic world seek answers to what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen. C. The Thessalonians are examples of the past, the present, and the future for those who are disciples of Christ. D. Note Paul's message to these brethren: I Thessalonians 1:9-10. II. Body. In a few words, Paul made them aware of three things a Christian has done, is doing, and will do. A. The past: "Ye turned." 1. It is possible for people to change: idea in turn. a. One turns from something and to something: done whether recognized or not. b. Life is a series of turning. 2. These brethren had turned "to God." a. Becomes their source of strength and hope: Psalm 125:1. b. The apostle Peter asked: "To whom shall we go?" 3. Many turn to: a. Men--yet--Psalm 118:8. b. Fleshly pursuits(moral and immoral). c. False religions(repeatedly warned against in NT). 4. The Thessalonians turned from "idols." a. Had the opportunity to turn to the real: they turned. b. Did not hesitate to leave what was obviously false. 5. Christians need to turn from: a. Any and all religious error: taught by brethren or not. (Do not all apostacies start from within?) b. Idolatry, including: Colossians 3:5. c. All ungodliness, whatever the evil, even though may be approved by the majority of mankind. 6. When one is baptized, turning takes place: from Satan to God. Remember your determination on that day? B. "To serve." 1. Paul speaks to their present activity(what they were doing in their daily lives). 2. Remember Paul's question to the Lord? (Acts 22:10) a. The Lord answered by using Paul for the rest of his life. b. Would we have asked the same question? 3. Note the two sons: Matthew 21:28-31(They were first sons-- then they worked.) 4. The child of God can serve by: a. Active worship: Acts 12:12; I Thessalonians 5:17. b. Daily consecration: I Thessalonians 5:22; 4:7. c. Possessing the right attitude: I Thessalonians 5:16. d. Serving others: I Thessalonians 5:14; Matthew 25:40. 5. How can one be a servant without serving?(Half-hearted service is really no service at all.) C. "To wait." 1. Is this not the anticipation for the reward of labor? 2. "Marking time" and living without purpose makes one miserable indeed. a. Happy Christians are busy Christians, following the guidance of the Lord as they wait. b. While waiting, be working: II Peter 3:9-14. 3. The Christian lives in the present with the future in mind: Philippians 3:20. 4. The hope of the disciple grows from turning and serving. a. Note: Romans 8:25. b. In fact--I Corinthians 15:19. III. Conclusion. A. Happy and contented disciples follow the instructions of Paul. B. It does take all of our time to: turn, serve, and wait.-jy