Young People's Group

Your Progress and Joy of Faith

by Mitchell Tan
August 23, 2018

THANKING GOD FOR A GOD-BLESSED ANNIVERSARY

Our hearts are filled with joy as we reflect on our 40+5 anniversary celebrations last Sunday. It was indeed a special time of lifting up the Lord’s name and seeing how the Lord has blessed us the last 40+5 years. The videos shown sought to give honour to God and God alone. Pastor Charles brought a stirring message of “Is there anything too hard for Me”. He challenged us to take time to review, to understand revelation, to recognise the Lord’s hand in our life and to respond from our hearts to God. It was wonderful to see the Pines being involved in worship, in the exhibition and the photo booth. It all turned out really well. Let’s thank God for speaking to hearts and for blessing this special occasion.

THE DANGER OF SPIRITUALLY “GOING SOUTH”

Even though our anniversary is over, this is not a time to rest on our laurels. If we are not careful, it is easy to take things for granted and to allow ourselves to “go south”. We can either make progress in faith or we can make progress in degenerating. Paul wrote in his second pastoral epistle to Timothy of how “evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13). The phrase “grow worse” comes from the Greek word “prokopto”. It means to “advance”. In this context, it is to advance towards being worse and worse. Young people, let’s ensure that we will never “go south” spiritually. Let seek to make progress for the years ahead.

THE CHALLENGE TO MAKE PROGRESS

“And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith …”
Philippians 1:25

1. PROGRESS OF FAITH

The word “progress” in Greek is the word “prokope”. It means to make definite advancement. In this context, it has a positive idea. The apostle was most confident that he would remain behind in this world and would seek to be with the Philippians. He would bring about further progress for their faith. The Philippians were already considered one of the best churches that Paul ministered to. Yet they could still advance further in their faith. They needed to abound in love with knowledge and all discernment (Philippians 1:9). They needed the Lord to work further in their life. There was a need for them to focus on progressing further. The apostle was going to help them do this. Young people, let’s also seek to make progress in our faith and life.

2. JOY OF FAITH

There was also the need for the Philippians to have joy of faith. Paul wanted to stay behind so that he could help the Philippians to have greater sense of joy from their faith. As they sought to make progress in their faith, they too can have a greater sense of joy. There are deeper levels of joy that the Philippians can go towards. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). We need to cultivate our faith further that the Spirit of God would fill us with joy from within.

LEARNING TO REJOICE ABUNDANTLY FOR EACH OTHER

“… That your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.”
Philippians 1:26

The word “rejoicing” in Greek has the idea of “boasting”. Paul was hoping to be with the Philippians soon. And through this, they would rejoice even more with reference to Paul. Their rejoicing in Paul was in the sphere of the Lord Jesus Christ. There was such a closeness of relationship between Paul and the Philippian Church. This was one of the things that they could boast and rejoice in Christ. Young people, let’s learn to rejoice in each other who love the Lord. Let’s abound in this as we seek to minister to each other.

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