A Christian’s Growth
Introduction:
N. T.
Wright wrote this about the church in Thessalonica. “The
Thessalonian church was a new community of faith and love where
people from different social, cultural, and racial backgrounds
treated each other with love appropriate within a family.”
Paul
doesn’t want these new Christians to remain babes in Christ. He
wanted them to grow and mature with each passing day. From his own
personal experience, he knew it would take diligence and
perseverance. Philippians 3:12-14
Paul
lays out five areas in which they needed to grow and he describes
them in I Thessalonians 3:9-13.
Text: I Thessalonians 3:9-13
Body:
I. In
Joy (Verse 9)
-
He
stressed the importance of being thankful. Paul’s was an
ever-thankful heart. Difficult times had not hardened his
heart.
-
Their
joy was his joy. This joy was a deep-down sense of well being.
He was so thankful to God for them. Psalms 116:12
-
Paul
knew that a growing Christian was one filled with gratitude.
Colossians 2:6-7, Philippians 4:6
II. In
Prayer (Verse 10a)
-
Paul was
here teaching by example. He had a constant, regular pattern of
prayer for them. There was no neglect or forgetting. It was
not haphazard or just when he remembered.
Colossians 2:6-7, Philippians 4:6
-
His
praying was with a sense of urgency, a fervent desire, an
extraordinary degree. Colossians 1:9-10
-
Paul
felt bound together with these Christians by prayer. It
cemented them.
-
Lesson:
If we are not growing as we should, maybe we need to examine our
praying.
III. In
Faith (Verse 10b)
-
“Perfect” is a complete supply. It was used for outfitting an
army with provisions.
-
Note:
James 1:2-4
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various
trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces
patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may
be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
NKJV
-
All of
us need to grow in our faith. The apostles told Jesus,
“increase our faith.” Luke 17:5
IV. In
Love (Verses 11-12)
-
Paul
reminded these new disciples of God’s working in the world as
providence.
-
“Direct
our way.” Remove all obstacles. Conduct him in a straight
line, not round about. Note: I Thessalonians 2:17-18
-
Paul’s
wish for the Philippian church was to see them or send
Timothy. Philippians 2:22-24
-
He had a
strong desire that their love would increase and abound,
overflow.
-
“Love”
is sacrificial, unselfish, sincere.
John 13:34-35, Galatians 6:10
V. In
Holiness (Verse 13)
-
Strengthen, confirm, support their hearts.
-
“Unblameable,” they were above reproach. There were no grounds
for an accusation. I Corinthians 1:8
-
“Holiness” means set apart for the service of God.
II Peter 3:11-112
Invitation:
Time is
growing nearer for all of us. Seize opportunities. Let us all grow
in all these areas.
Bobby
Stafford
May 29, 2011
