1 THESSALONIANS 3:1-10
THE QUESTION I FAILED TO ASK
Over the years I've asked a lot of questions. Some of the questions have included:
Who won the Little League game last night?
How's your garden doing?
Did you get any rain last night?
Are you having regular devotions?
How are you doing with that problem you told me about?
When do you plan to get married?
How is your marriage doing?
When is the baby due?
How's your prayer life?
Are you sleeping well?
Are you worrying?
Have you forgiven him? Have you forgiven her?
When I talk to people, especially in counseling type situations I ask a lot of questions.
But I must confess there is a question that I should have asked, but have never asked. The question is, "How's you faith?"
Now your reaction might be "Huh? Why should you be asking me about my faith?"
First of all, as you probably know, it is only by faith that a person receives forgiveness of sin and eternal life.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Secondly, our whole lives are to be lives of faith. Romans 1:17 says, For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Thirdly, the only way we can have victory over sin, sickness, Satan or trials is by faith. Jim Cymbala, in his book Fresh Faith says, "When most people break down in their Christian Life, they simply 'try harder.' Lots of luck! I've looked inside of me - and stopped looking. There's nothing in there that's good or usable. On the other hand, if I turn the other way and begin 'looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith' (Hebrews 12:2 KJV), I find everything I need." Jim Cybala with Dean Merrill, Fresh Faith, ©1999 by Jim Cybala, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids Michigan, Page 45
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
John 15:4-5 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
People measure churches in a variety of ways. Most frequently a church is measured by attendance. But people also measure churches by the size of the budget, the quality and size of the choir, the amount of money given to missions, the number activities going on in a week and the size of the youth program and Sunday School.
According to Jim Cymbala, the question we don't ask about a church is "How great is their faith?" It is only when true faith, true dependence upon God is present, that a church will be successful where it counts - in God's eyes.
The Apostle Paul once spent about 3 weeks establishing a church in a city called Thessalonica. After three weeks he was run out of town by persecution.
Because he loved the new Thessalonian Christians, and knowing of the persecution that they would receive about their faith, Paul dispatched young Pastor Timothy to Thessalonica to check on the new church. We have the story of Timothy's visit in
1 Thessalonians 3. And in talking about Timothy's visit, we find that Paul's greatest concern was over the faith of the Thessalonians. The word faith is mentioned five times, and we learn that:
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGED - Vs. 2
FAITH IS TO BE EVALUATED - Vs. 5
FAITH IS TO BE EXPRESSED - Vs. 6
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGING - Vs. 7
FAITH IS TO BE ENLARGED - Vs. 10
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGED - Vs. 2
1 Thessalonians 2:14 tells us of the salvation of the Thessalonian Christians and also about the persecution they suffered.
For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
Vss. 1-2 - When Paul couldn't wait any longer to send help to the Thessalonians and to know how they were doing he sent Timothy to Thessalonica.
Notice that Timothy was sent to "establish and comfort" them concerning their faith. Paul felt that the Thessalonians needed their faith strengthened and encouraged.
Let me tell you something folks. With the uncertainty of the economy, and the amount of violence in the world, and the nature of Christians' problems, and the inability of Christians to cope with their problems, we are certainly in need of having our faith encouraged!
What kind of man did Paul send to encourage the Thessalonians? Timothy was a young man saved early in life, who worked as an assistant to Paul. He was a brother in Christ, true Christian. Only true Christians can encourage us.
Timothy was also a minister or a servant of God. Christians who serve God are the only ones who can truly encourage us.
Timothy was also a fellow-laborer. He was a partner with Paul.
He knew how to work along side of people!
Timothy was also a man who had a caring heart for people.
Philippians 2:20 - For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
How do you think Timothy went about encouraging and strengthening the Thessalonians? I believe He did it through the Word of God!
Romans 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Romans 15:4 - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
In order to have your faith strengthened and encouraged, you need to be under the sound of God's Word.
Vs. 3 - According to Warren Wiersbe, the word "moved" means to 'wag the tale, to fawn over.' "The idea is that Satan often flatters the believer in order to lead him astray." Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, ©1989 by SP Publications Inc., Victor Books, Wheaton, Illonois, Page 172
I think Satan tries to deceive us into thinking that we don't deserve the afflictions we are under. I also think that he tries to deceive us into thinking that we are being mistreated by God. Satan wants us to have a good case of the "poor me's"!
And yet, as Paul points out in verse 3, God plans for our trials. When properly handled, they strengthen our faith!
Philippians 1:29 - For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
James 1:2-4 - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [3] Knowing this, that the trying of your
faith worketh patience. [4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGED - Vs. 2
FAITH IS TO BE EVALUATED - Vs. 5
Vs. 5 - Are you glad when someone is looking out for your well being?
Are you glad when someone wants to know that you are okay, especially when you're going through some difficult times?
Are you glad when someone really cares about you?
I have a friend named Ed Apgar. I was his pastor for almost five years. I know of very few people who care and look out for friends as well as Ed Apgar does. I praise God for him.
Paul realized that because of the tough times that the Thessalonians were facing, it would be easier for Satan to come in and rob them of their faith.
So, Paul wanted to make sure that the faith of the Thessalonians was still strong. He was looking out for the well being of his friends and "spiritual children" that he had led to the Lord.
God has appointed church leaders, particularly pastors and elders, with the duty of watching you faith. They are to look out for your spiritual well being. They aren't to judge your ministry, only the Lord can do that, but they should check to make sure your faith is strong, and then help strengthen that faith.
Hebrews 13:17 - Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Peter 5:2-3 - Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; [3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
And because pastors are to be examples to the flock, you should be able to watch them and see faith at work in their lives.
Be thankful when fellow Christians are concerned enough to make sure that your faith is strong!
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGED - Vs. 2
FAITH IS TO BE EVALUATED - Vs. 5
FAITH IS TO BE EXPRESSED - Vs. 6
Vs. 6 - Timothy brought good news back to Paul. In spite of the persecution and hardship being dished out by Satan, the Thessalonians were strong in their faith. And not only were they strong in faith but in love as well. And they also had a fond appreciation for their mentor, the Apostle Paul.
Faith should show.
John Rice, who with his wife is visiting us today, has been a friend of mine since 1971 when we were in Vietnam. Somewhere around 1976, we added our wives to this
friendship. Dottie and I have watched as John and Marilyn have faced many trials on the mission field and in their family over the last 25 years, and I can honestly say they have modeled for us what it means to walk by faith. One time the birth mother of their adopted daughter tried to take Debbie back so they could sell her on the black market. And on another occasion, thieves poisoned their dog and tried to forcibly enter their home in Suriname.
How do we go about expressing faith?
Yes, we can talk about it, and share our trust in the Lord with others.
But our faith must go deeper than talk. People need to see that what we are saying is real in our lives.
People need to see us leaning on God alone, when we face the trials and troubles of life.
People need to see us trusting God for the strength to obey Him. Think about this. We will only be obedient to God if we believe Him!
Every obedience problem is a faith problem!
We will only be obedient to God when we have faith that He will give us the strength to do as He says.
Some examples:
· When we believe God that unsaved people are going to Hell, we will rely on him for strength to share the Gospel with others. We will rely on God for strength to invite people to church, Sunday School, Youth Group, and Good News Club
Terry McKinley handed out 60 invitations to 5-Day Club.
· When we believe God that lying and stealing are sin, we will rely on God for the strength to be honest in all our dealings.
· When we believe God that we are to love our wives, we will rely on God for the strength to love our wives.
· When we believe God that immorality is wrong, we will trust God for the ability to remain pure.
· When we believe God that he wants us to pray, we will trust God for the strength to pray without ceasing.
How about you? Are you expressing your faith?
Can others see the reality of Jesus in you?
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGED - Vs. 2
FAITH IS TO BE EVALUATED - Vs. 5
FAITH IS TO BE EXPRESSED - Vs. 6
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGING - Vs. 7
Vs. 7 - Have you ever tried to comfort somebody and ended up being comforted yourself? Some people have so much faith during their tough times, that they encourage others.
The Apostle Paul was having his own problems with affliction and persecution. And when He heard about the faith of the Thessalonians, he was encouraged.
There are certainly examples in Scripture of people who encouraged others with their faith. When David was running from King Saul, Saul's son, Jonathan went out of his way to encourage David.
1 Samuel 23:16 - And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
When the Apostle Paul was a prisoner headed for Rome he was on a ship in the middle of a terrible storm. He encouraged those with him that God had promised that all lives would be saved.
He encouraged them with these words found in Acts 27:25
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
So, who needs to be encouraged by your faith?
Is there someone who needs to see your example of faith?
Is there someone who needs to hear your words of faith?
Is there someone who needs to receive good deeds from you so that their faith will be encouraged?
I have found that sometimes people who need our encouragement will enter our lives in unusual ways. Doug and Linda Winn became part of our lives through a forwarded email message from our friends. If has been Dottie and my privilege to encourage their faith while Dour has been in and out of hospitals since February.
Allow God to be creative in your life! Ask him to show you whose faith you need to encourage.
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGED - Vs. 2
FAITH IS TO BE EVALUATED - Vs. 5
FAITH IS TO BE EXPRESSED - Vs. 6
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGING - Vs. 7
FAITH IS TO BE ENLARGED - Vs. 10
No matter how strong our faith, it can always be made stronger!
Vss. 9-10 - Paul was thankful for the amount of faith that the Thessalonians did have. But as he prayed for them continuously he asked God for opportunity to return to them and help them perfect their faith.
Have you ever stopped to think, "What enlarges or increases our faith?"
I thought of four things that will enlarge our faith.
· TEACHING
Being taught the Word of God as Paul was planning to do for the Thessalonians will increase their faith.
The more you are under the sound of the Word of God, and the more you apply it to your life, the more your faith will increase.
God will also teach you as you open the Bible on your own and study it. God will strengthen your faith as you read and by faith obey!
· TRIALS
None of us like trouble. None of us like difficulties. But God has chosen to allow trials in our lives so that we will mature in Christ.
Romans 5:3-5 - And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
As we trust God through these trials that our faith increases.
Paul at one point in his life had a "thorn in the flesh", a physical problem. Three times Paul asked God for relief.
The reply Paul received is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul wasn't healed, but his faith increased.
· TEMPTATIONS
Our temptations to sin should enlarge our faith. It is only in relying on the Lord Jesus that we will have victory.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
· TALENTS
God has given you spiritual gifts and abilities that need to be used. Your faith will increase as you use those abilities God has given you. 1 Peter 4:11 - If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Now let me ask the question that I've not asked you before.
How's your faith?
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGED - Vs. 2
FAITH IS TO BE EVALUATED - Vs. 5
FAITH IS TO BE EXPRESSED - Vs. 6
FAITH IS TO BE ENCOURAGING - Vs. 7
FAITH IS TO BE ENLARGED - Vs. 10
· TEACHING
· TRIALS
· TEMPTATIONS
· TALENTS