Message Notes

MORNING WORSHIP 4 October 2020
Text: 2 Thessalonians 1
Title: Continuing Growth of Faith

INTRODUCTION

1. Faith does not always grow well

a) It is not easy to grow faith

b) We falter and stumble

2. On the contrary

a) Faith can stagnate

b) Faith can take a downturn

c) Faith can take a wrong turn

3. Continuing Concern

a) Would the Thessalonians continue to grow in their faith?

b) How would they fare with the passing of time?

c) How would they turn out if opposition does not abate?

BOUND TO GIVE THANKS

1. Giving of thanks

a) Normal

i) Work of faith (1 Thessalonians 1:3a)

ii) Labour of love (1 Thessalonians 1:3b)

iii) Patience of hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3c)

b) Special

i) We are bound to give thanks (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

ii) It is fitting (2 Thessalonians 1:3b)

c) Reasons

i) Growth of Faith
“Your faith grows exceedingly” (2 Thessalonians 1:3c)

ii) Love of everyone
“Abounds toward each other” (2 Thessalonians 1:3d)

iii) This love was evident and palpable

2. “Boasting” of you

a) Not a negative kind of “boasting”

i) Unwarranted pride

ii) Self-centredness

iii) Not of Paul’s work

b) A positive kind of “boasting”

i) Among those who understand

ii) Among the churches of God (2 Thessalonians 1:4a)

iii) The wise and faithful would comprehend this

3. Content of “Boasting”
(Three aspects)

a) Patience (2 Thessalonians 1:4b)

i) Perseverance

ii) Growth despite heavy odds

b) Faith (2 Thessalonians 1:4c)

i) Amidst persecution

ii) Amidst tribulation

c) Endurance (2 Thessalonians 1:4d)

i) Ability to cope

ii) Going beyond ability to cope

iii) To thrive above expectations

GROWING DEEPER IN UNDERSTANDING

1. How suffering may be understood

a) The righteous judgment of God (2 Thessalonians 1:5a)

i) God is not unrighteous

ii) We must never blame God

iii) We must trust God’s judgment as righteous

b) The sufferer is

i) Counted worthy of suffering (Acts 5:41)

ii) Counted worthy of suffering for the Kingdom (Matthew 5:10-12)

iii) A deep faith enables one to understand suffering (e.g. Habakkuk)

2. Trust in Divine justice and plan

a) God will repay those who make others suffer
experience tribulation (2 Thessalonians 1:6)

b) God will give rest to those who suffer (2 Thessalonians 1:7)

3. The Return of the Lord Jesus Christ

a) The 2nd Coming of Christ is not to be feared

b) It is an event that should bring much joy to the heart (2 Thessalonians 1:10)

c) This is not to be feared at all

d) This Doctrine is to be carefully and correctly understood

CONCLUSION

1. Let Faith be further deepened

2. Let Love abound even more

3. Let Perseverance continue to be practised

4. Grow further

a) In knowledge

b) In understanding

c) In trust

Our faith is capable of growing very significantly!