INTRODUCTION

1. Faith does not always grow well

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

2. Abounds toward each other  2 Thessalonians 1:3d

“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

3. Content of “Boasting”

a) Your patience 2 Thessalonians 1:4b

i) Perseverance

ii) Growth despite heavy odds

b) Your faith  Thessalonians 1:4c

i) Amidst persecution

ii) Amidst tribulation

c) Your endurance 2 Thessalonians 1:4d

i) Ability to cope

ii) Beyond ability to cope

iii) To thrive above expectations

 

GROWING DEEPER IN UNDERSTANDING

1. What suffering may represent

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

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 2^nd 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

 

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