Exceeding Faith

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4).

Introduction

Despite the ongoing persecution and problems they were facing, the faith of the Thessalonian Christians was growing. From this we understand that there were some in the church who refused to compromise what they believed. True faith is often called “unmoveable”, but in reality it moves in one direction, that is, towards God, and as such gets stronger.

Praise God

The ministry team, Paul, Timothy and Silas, were delighted to learn that a number of believers were remaining steadfast in the faith. They rejoiced at the news. Paul uses the word “bound” to express that they had no choice [obligated] but to thank and praise God for them. They did this every time mention was made of Thessalonica in prayer. “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers” (1 Thessalonians 1:2) … “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:15-16). Paul was not flattering them with hollow words; rather he was affirming the great work God was doing amongst them. His rejoicing over them was “fitting” or well-deserved.

Exceeding faith

Theirs was not a stagnant faith, but a faith that grew in power and strength. Christian faith is not set in the concrete of denominational rules and regulations; instead it grows and expands as the light of God’s word illuminates the understanding. This type of faith produces everlasting fruit. “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

Abounding love

Paul called this the “labour of love” in (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Such a work of love for the cause of Christ will be blessed and abound. “Aboundeth - Like water that overflows its banks, and yet increaseth still” (John Wesley). Their love found new ways to express itself, both in the fellowship and the wider community.

The result

Their faith and love gave Paul an opportunity to boast about them wherever he was called to preach, especially in Achaia and Macedonia. He could report how well they were doing despite the persecution, and thus encourage others to do the same. Their perseverance testified to the fact that God was real and had not forgotten any of His people. Such endurance brought hope to those who heard Paul preach or read his letters.

The Christians in Thessalonica suffered greatly for their faith in Christ. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Nevertheless, they were assured that none of it could separate them from the God who loved them. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:35-37). They were in the midst of a battle but were standing firm and victorious. “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Conclusion

Here are the signs of a growing, vibrant and blessed church. No glitz and glamour, nothing to outwardly make a song and dance about, just simple faith, love and hope in Christ. These are the ingredients that transform lives and make an impact on the world round about.