📖 You’ve Got To Love The Church
Scripture Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20
Speaker: Rev. Danny Chiew
“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
(1 Thessalonians 2:19–20, NIV)
Introduction
Rev. Danny Chiew began the message by pointing us to Paul’s tender words to the Thessalonian believers. He explained that Paul considered the church his hope, joy, and crown, showing us how deeply the apostle loved God’s people. Rev. Danny emphasized that we too must learn to love the church with such devotion, seeing our brothers and sisters as our joy in Christ.
1. Separation does not necessarily mean disconnection
Rev. Danny Chiew highlighted that though Paul was separated from the Thessalonians, he never disconnected from them in spirit. His concern was so strong that he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them (1 Thess. 3:1–2). Rev. Danny reminded us that true love for the church is not passive—it shows itself through tangible actions such as calling, visiting, praying, and following up with one another. Even when distance or obstacles arise, our care for the body of Christ should remain steadfast.
2. The church faces its own challenges
Rev. Danny Chiew taught that Paul recognized the church was facing spiritual opposition, as Satan himself hindered his travel (1 Thess. 2:18). Yet, Rev. Danny cautioned us not to blame everything on Satan alone. Many struggles arise from misunderstandings, wrong thoughts, trials, and persecutions. He drew our attention to the theology of suffering, using Scripture to show that persecution is part of discipleship:
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“If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20)
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“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)
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“For it has been granted to you…to suffer for him.” (Philippians 1:29)
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“Everyone who wants to live a godly life…will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
Rev. Danny stressed that suffering is not meaningless; it refines our faith and builds perseverance, teaching us to endure as a church together in Christ.
3. The goal and true reward of loving the church
Rev. Danny Chiew then pointed us to Paul’s ultimate vision for the church: a body overflowing with love, and a people who are blameless and holy at Christ’s return. He read from 1 Thessalonians 3:13:
“May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”
Rev. Danny reminded us that the real reward of ministry is not fame, numbers, or recognition, but to see fellow believers standing firm in holiness and love. Loving the church means investing in one another’s growth and preparing each other for Christ’s return.
Conclusion
Rev. Danny Chiew concluded by reminding us that to love the church is to embrace its struggles, bear one another’s burdens, and pursue holiness together. He urged us to see fellow believers not as obstacles but as our crown and joy in Christ. For Paul, his greatest glory was to present the Thessalonian believers before Christ blameless—and that should be our joy too.
🏷️ Take-Home Message
Rev. Danny Chiew’s message calls us to love the church practically and sacrificially. True love for the body of Christ means enduring trials together, strengthening one another, and living blamelessly in holiness as we await Christ’s return. Our greatest joy is to see our brothers and sisters remain faithful to the end.
Reflection & Personal Responses
1. Share a particular situation when you felt abandoned by someone? How did you overcome it?
There was a time when I felt forgotten by friends during a difficult season. Like Rev. Danny Chiew reminded us, separation does not mean disconnection. I overcame it by turning to prayer and holding on to God’s promise that He will never leave me (Hebrews 13:5). God also provided comfort through new support in the church family.
2. What is your opinion on the present situation of our local churches? Do the church and its members care/love each other? How about you?
I see many local churches showing care, but often this is limited to programs rather than personal connection. Rev. Danny Chiew reminded us that Paul followed up tangibly, not just from afar. In the same way, I can be more intentional by calling or visiting those in need. For example, I can encourage a struggling member with prayer and words of Scripture, showing practical love.
3. What is your personal view on suffering? Can we avoid suffering/persecution? How do we handle suffering if need be?
Rev. Danny Chiew taught that suffering is part of the theology of discipleship. Scripture confirms that persecution cannot be avoided (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet suffering draws us closer to Christ, as He Himself said: “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). To handle suffering, we must rely on God’s Word, pray continually, and lean on the support of the church community.
4. What is the one thing that the Lord has spoken to you today in order for you to be blameless and holy in his presence when the time comes?
Through Rev. Danny Chiew’s sermon, the Lord reminded me that to be blameless and holy, I must love His church not only in words but also through action. Holiness is not only personal but communal—it involves building others up in love so that together, we will be ready when Christ comes.
