Turning to the Lord | Baptism Sunday
Turning to the Lord
1 Thessalonians 1:9
Big Idea:
Only the Lord will satisfy. Only the Lord will I serve.
Introduction: Our Formula for “The Good Life”
Everyone wants a good life, and we all carry a formula for how to get it:
“If I just find the right balance…”
“If I just keep improving myself…”
“If I just make that much…”
“If I just get that job…”
“If I just get that relationship…”
We may not say it out loud, but in our hearts we believe:
“If I just ______, life will be good.”
The Thessalonians had a formula too: idolatry. Idolatry was the cultural system for getting the “good life.”
The Passage
1 Thessalonians 1:9
Paul highlights a turn in the Thessalonians’ lives — and it had three dimensions:
1. A Parting Turn: They turned from idols.
They parted with their old life and abandoned their old formula.
This was not a small adjustment — it reshaped everything.
2. A Purposeful Turn: They turned to serve the living and true God.
Not just turning away — but turning toward.
Their lives now had a new purpose: serving God.
3. A Public Turn: Their faith became widely known.
Their example spread throughout Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thess. 1:6–8).
Their turn blessed many, but also brought persecution.
Baptism and the Turn
Though 1 Thessalonians 1:9 does not mention baptism, baptism symbolizes this exact reality.
Romans 6:3–4, 11
Baptism portrays:
Death to sin and burial of the old life
Resurrection to new life in Christ
Those being baptized today are declaring:
A parting turn from their old formula
A purposeful turn toward serving Christ
A public turn before the church
Impact for Us
1. If You’ve Never Turned
Repent of your sin and turn from your old formula.
Trust in Christ’s death and resurrection on your behalf.
Devote your life to serving Him.
2. For All of Us: Beware of Modern Idols
We may not bow to statues, but we still build formulas.
An Idol is whatever we believe will give us meaning, security, and happiness if we have it.
Common idols: Career, money, reputation, influence, children’s success, comfort, health, pleasure
3. The Contrast: Paul calls God the “living and true God.”
Idols are dead — they bring death to their worshippers. God is living — He gives life.
Idols are false — they cannot deliver what they promise. God is true — He always provides and always keeps his promises.
Only the living and true God can carry the weight of your identity, happiness, and security.
A Better Formula
Not necessarily an easy life — but a good one:
Only the Lord will satisfy.
Only the Lord will I serve.
Reflection Questions
What parting turn do you need to make?
What “formula” have you trusted too much?What purposeful turn can you make?
How can you more intentionally serve and find satisfaction in the Lord?What might be public about your turn?
Who would notice?
How might your obedience bless someone else?