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Significant Growth of Faith

15 January 2011

THE SAYINGS OF JESUS

Subject: Concern about having little or no faith

But He said to them, 
“Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
Mark 4:40 

1. Context

a) Jesus and His disciples in a boat

b) A sudden storm arose

2. Two different reactions

a) Fear of the disciples

b) Calmness of Jesus

3. Questions of Jesus

a) Why are you so fearful?          Mark 4:40a

b) How is it you have no faith          Mark 4:40b

4. Our Challenge

a) To examine our faith

b) To cultivate our faith

c) To possess a genuine faith

d) To possess a great faith in time to come

YPG MESSAGE

Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

Topic: Significant Growth of Faith

GREETINGS
Paul, Silvanus and Timothy          2 Thessalonians 1:1a

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:2

1. Grace

2. Peace

3. Joint Givers (Father and the Lord Jesus)

ADDRESSEE

1. The Church of the Thessalonians          2 Thessalonians 1:1b
Reference to the geographical location of the church

2. The Church in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ          2 Thessalonians 1:1c
Reference to the spiritual dimension of the Church

3. Significance
Both aspects are important! The spiritual dimension must be emphasized because it is often overlooked!

REASON FOR WRITING

We are bound to give thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward one another.

So that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

1. To give thanks to God for the Thessalonians

2. To share the fact that Paul and his team “boast” of the Thessalonians and their wonderful testimony

a) Boast – Positive connotations

b) Boast- To speak strongly and favourably

A FURTHER LOOK AT THE FAITH OF THE THESSALONIANS

1. Faith
Excellent growth of faith

2. Love
Abounding of love towards one another

3. Patience
Perseverance

4. Endurance
Amidst persecutions and tribulations

GROUP DISCUSSION

1. Compare 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4
Topic: Growth of Faith

a) Faith of the Thessalonians when Paul ministered to them before he was forced to flee          Thessalonica Acts 17:1-9

b) Faith of the Thessalonians without Paul’s presence and ministry

c) Growth of their faith despite difficult circumstances

2. Development of our Faith and life

a) How may we develop our faith?

b) How may we develop our Christian life?

3. Praying and Planning- 2011