Young Adults' Group

Growing A Significant Faith

by Pastor Mark
October 23, 2020

The example of the Thessalonian church

Over the last two months, we have been learning deep lessons of faith from the example of the Thessalonian church. Pastor Charles has been vibrantly teaching us about how the brethren had been diligently growing their faith as they faced the afflictions of life.

It is most vital for us to check our faith against the faith of the Thessalonian brethren. Let us be challenged to understand clearly and honestly where we are in the development of our faith and how we can learn to keep growing and not remain stagnant.

Some vital lessons learnt

1. Genuine faith

The Thessalonian brethren began with genuine faith through the ministry of the gospel by the Apostle Paul. They were able to display three outstanding features of faith…their work of faith, their labour of love and their patience of hope in the Lord Jesus. (1 Thess 1:3) The gospel and the Holy Spirit enabled them to develop these features in their life. Let us ensure that our faith is genuine by manifesting these features in our life too.

2. A Word-centred faith

Paul sought to reason, explain and demonstrate from the Scriptures concerning the Lord Jesus. (Acts 17:2,3) The brethren welcomed the Word from Paul not as the word of men but as the very Word of God, the truth. The Lord’s Word worked effectively in their life, and their faith grew. (1 Thess 2:13) Let us not take the Scriptures for granted but to let the Lord’s Word truly speak to our hearts that our faith may increase in growth.

3. A growing faith

The faith of the Thessalonian church grew significantly through the tribulations of life. The afflictions of life did not shake their faith. (1 Thess 3:3) Their faith, as reported by Timothy, continued to be good and strong. (1 Thess 3:6) They manifested good fruits such as love for each other and having good memories of Paul. (1 Thess 3:6) Let us ensure that our faith continues to grow steadily and significantly as the Thessalonian brethren did.

4. An abounding faith

When Paul wrote his second epistle to the Thessalonian brethren, their faith had grown exceedingly. (2 Thess 1:3) Not only that, their love towards one another was abounding. (2 Thess 1:3) Their faith had grown immensely from good to something greater. When we experience such exponential growth, we would see ourselves coming alive. Our love towards others…to all around us would be real and abounding. Let us be challenged to grow our faith further until it is truly abounding.

The challenge to grow a significant faith

If we follow the example of the Thessalonian church, our faith should continue to grow. If not, we may be struggling with things that are still lacking in our life that need to be addressed, just as the Thessalonian church were lacking. (1 Thess 3:10) If we are lacking in knowledge, understanding or the application of the Scriptures, we would be consistently hindered in our growth. Let us check and deal with those areas that are lacking in our faith and life. Our faith is capable of tremendous growth through the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. Let us be inspired to grow our faith more vibrantly and significantly.

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