A Christian’s Growth

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