INTRODUCTION

1. The Biblical Teaching of “Faith”

a) Historical Faith

i) Body of doctrine

ii) Objective Faith

b) Personal Faith

i) Based on God’s word

ii) Subjective Faith

2. Struggles in Faith

a) Struggles in faith are experienced

b) This was certainly experienced by the Disciples of Christ

c) The lessons they learned have gone a long way to help us cultivate our faith

3. Is it possible to have a Strong and Meaningful Faith?

a) One that can cope in troubled times?

b) One that can help us overcome challenges and difficulties?

4. The series of Messages for the months of September and October 2020

a) We will be reading from the Thessalonian epistles

b) We hope to learn how we can cultivate a vibrant and strong faith in the Lord

 

THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH

1. The Macedonian Call

(2^nd Missionary Journey)

a) Vision sent by the Lord to go to Macedonia Acts 16

b) First city visited was Philippi

i) Successful ministry

ii) Jailed wrongfully

iii) Roman citizenship of Paul claimed

2. Important facts about Thessalonica

a) Founded by General Kassender (one of the successors of Alexander the Great)

b) Made it the Capital of Macedonia

c) Conquered by the Romans

d) Made a Free City by Octavian Caesar

e) It was the gateway of Macedonia

f) Paul visited Thessalonica as the next city

3. Ministry in a Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica

a) Paul began his ministry there

b) He spoke for only 3 Sabbaths Acts 17:2

c) A great multitude joined Paul Acts 17:4

4. Opposition to Paul’s ministry

a) The unbelieving Jews were envious of Paul’ success Acts 17:5

b) They gathered a mob and rioted Acts 17:6-9

5. The Disciples who were loyal to Paul

a) They sent Paul away to Berea

b) They did not want to risk Paul being injured by the rioters

 

THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS

1. It was probably written from Corinth

2. It was written for the following reasons:

a) To commend the Thessalonians

b) To comfort the believers there

c) To challenge the believers to continue steadfastly

 

FEATURES OF THE FAITH OF THE THESSALONIANS

1. Their work of faith 1 Thessalonians 1:3a

2. Their labour of love 1 Thessalonians 1:3b

3. Their patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ  1 Thessalonians 1:3c

 

WHAT ENABLED THEM TO HAVE THESE FEATURES OF FAITH?

1. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus

a) Word

b) Power Thessalonians 1:4

2. The Holy Spirit

a) His involvement

b) His instruction 1 Thessalonians 1:5

3. The effective ministry of Paul and his team

a) Reasoned from the Scriptures Acts 17:23a

b) Explaining Acts 17:23b

c) Demonstrating Acts 17:23c

 

OUR CHALLENGE IN CONCLUSION

1. To check our Faith

2. To cultivate our Faith