Has a Great Faith
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
This morning I am continuing with the series I began last week titled “A Great Church.” A great church does not necessarily mean a big church. A big church can be great, but not all big churches are great. The same is true for a small or medium size church. Beside that, the definition of big and small is relative. What one person considers big, another may consider small or average.
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word great, when used as an adjective, a number of ways.
great
■ adjective
1 of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average.
▶ (Greater) (of a city) including adjacent urban areas.
2 of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above average.
▶ (the Great) a title denoting the most important person of the name specified.
▶ informal very good; excellent.
3 important or most important.
▶ particularly deserving a specified description: I was a great fan of Hank’s.
One of the attributes of a great church is a body of believers with a great faith. A great faith is demonstrated by what we believe, what we say, and what we do. During His earthly ministry, Jesus met a Canaanite woman. She was broken because her daughter was possessed by a demon. The disciples tried to send her away. In fact Jesus Himself ignored her at first. But she knelt beside Jesus and begged him for help. When Jesus tried to justify his reason for reacting to her the way he and his disciples did, she responded with a answer that expressed her faith in Jesus. She knew He was the only one who could help her daughter. Jesus said “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” This is the only place in scripture where Jesus tells someone their faith is great, while there are a number of places where he identifies little faith.
Each time a person or group is criticized for having little faith, it is the result of being focused themselves and circumstances in the world. He said those who spend their lives worrying about what they will eat, what they will wear, how they will get along in the world are of little faith. He says those who live in fear of one thing or another, either real or perceived are of little faith. He says those who place limits on God are of little faith. In many of those cases, Jesus is talking to an audience that includes believers. In some instances, it is His own circle of twelve 12 disciples. As they grew and matured in their relationship with Christ, their faith would become great. This is what enabled and sustained them in their ministries.
I told you last week that a great church is filled with people committed to growing in their relationship with Christ, thus becoming great disciples. One of the marks of a great disciple, is a great faith.
A great church has a great faith.
Prayer
Great Faith is Not Moved
Great Faith is Not Moved
1 Thessalonians 3:1-3a
English Standard Version Chapter 3
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions.
The “Therefore” in this verse refers to what Paul said in verses 2:17-20. The were separated from the church in Thessalonica and forced by Jewish opposition to leave before they were ready. Paul desperately wanted to go back to them, but was continually hindered by Satan. Why was this so important? Because in Paul’s view, the church in Thessalonica was their glory and joy. When he is standing before Christ, Paul is proud to have the believers in Thessalonica standing next to him. He is proud in the same way father is proud of his children. But he also knows there is a danger that lurks. When Paul said he and his ministry partners were torn away, it is the picture of a parent and child be separated, leaving the child an orphan. That could create a host of problems for the child.
Therefore, when could not endure the feeling of worry and curiosity about how the believers in Thessalonica were doing, they sent Timothy to find out. He sent Timothy to them to confirm and strengthen the faith of the Thessalonian believers. He sent him to support and encourage their faith, so that they might not waver. Paul was facing great opposition everywhere he went. It was coming primarily from Jewish people who opposed the gospel, but it was also coming from non-Jewish groups who opposed the gospel. Paul was concerned that when the Thessalonian church heard about what was going on with Paul and other believers, they might be fearful. He was concerned they might submit to the pressure and abandon their faith.
Why would that be the case? They might feel alone. Imagine how an orphaned child might feel when they have no one to turn to for encouragement, guidance, and companionship. They might be afraid of the what the consequences of maintaining their faith might bring. Thessalonica was on a major trade route, thus they probably received a lot of news about Paul and churches elsewhere. Much of that news was probably not encouraging. They might feel like it is a waste of time. Why maintain my faith? Why serve and be active in the church? It’s not accomplishing anything. It’s not doing anything. Nothing is going to change.
We too are susceptible to losing faith. We too are susceptible to giving up. The opposition Paul faced is the same opposition we face today. You might think that’s not true. We are not being jailed, beaten, or run out of town by angry mobs. That’s true. But the opposition we face today is still rooted in the same thing. Satan and those who are aligned with him, knowingly or not, because they oppose Christ.
While we may not face angry mobs, we do face ideas like political correctness and changing culture. But the real danger is usually in ourselves. We let too many other things get in the way of our relationship with and service to the Lord. I’m too busy to read, study, or pray. I’m too busy to serve in a ministry. Church really isn’t that important anyway. I don’t like my church anymore. I don’t like the music, pastor, brand of coffee they use, or any number of other things. When we start to be moved by those things. When we begin to submit to those thoughts and feelings, our faith is impacted. When our faith is impacted, it has a negative impact on our relationship with Christ. That in turn has a negative impact on our relationship with our church, and the church is less effective.
Great Faith is Withstands Testing
Great Faith is Withstands Testing
1 Thessalonians 3:3b-5
English Standard Version Chapter 3
For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
Great Faith Encourages Others
Great Faith Encourages Others
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
Conclusion
Conclusion