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Perfect what is lacking in your faith

Text: 1 Thessalonians 3
12 October 2008

(I) A QUICK RECALL

1. An assessment of the faith of the Thessalonians

a) Genuine

b) Impressive

2. The faith of the Thessalonians

a) Praiseworthy

b) Commendable

(II) APOSTOLIC CONCERN

1. Loving Concern

“But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured more eagerly to see your face with great desire.” 1 Thessalonians 2:17

“Therefore, when we could no longer endure it… and sent Timothy… to establish you…” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2

2. Concern about being established in the faith

“…to establish you…” 1 Thessalonians 3:2a

3. Concern about needed encouragement

“…to…encourage you concerning your faith” 1 Thessalonians 3:2b

4. Concern about being shaken in the faith because of affliction

“That no one should be shaken by these afflictions…” 1 Thessalonians 3:3

5. Concern about knowledge of the theology of suffering for Christ

“…we are appointed for this…would suffer tribulation…” 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4

6. Concerned about the testing that would come from Satan

“…lest by some means the tempter had tempted you…” 1 Thessalonians 3:5a

7. Concerned that all the hard work put in would be in vain

“…and our labour might be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5b

(III) EFFORTS MADE TO ADDRESS CONCERNS

1. Efforts must be made to perfect what was perceived as lacking in the faith

2. Special efforts

a) Prayer

“Night and day praying exceedingly…” 1 Thessalonians 3:10

i) Prayer for increase in love ( 1 Thessalonians 3:12 )

ii) Prayer for establishment of the heart ( 1 Thessalonians 3:13a )

iii) Prayer to be kept blameless in holiness ( 1 Thessalonians 3:13b )

b) Sending an experienced and trustworthy servant of God

“And sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the gospel of Christ…” 1 Thessalonians 3:2

(IV) SUCCESSFUL EFFORT

1. Concerning faith and love

“…good news of your faith and love…” 1 Thessalonians 3:6a

2. Concerning friendship with Paul and Silas

“…good remembrance of us…” 1 Thessalonians 3:6b

3. Steadfastness

“…stand fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8

(V) OUR CHALLENGE

1. To examine our state of faith

2. To perfect what is lacking in our faith

3. To see further significant growth in our faith and life

4. To become firmly established in our faith in the Lord