FLOURISHING FAITH

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your FAITH GROWS EXCEEDINGLY, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other” – 2 Thessalonians 1:3

In addition to flourishing in the Spirit, God wants us to FLOURISH in FAITH! The message of flourishing is not a ‘bread-and-butter’ message, and to flourish in faith is no mere fun. FAITH is a FIGHT before it becomes a REST. Paul wrote to Timothy: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1Tim.6:12). Close to the end of his earthly assignment, he reiterated: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2Tim.4:7). These were the testimonies of a faithful man whose faith flourished. He was a fighter who tenaciously laid hold on eternal life. And He was a finisher whose faith refused to bend or bow to forces of fear, intimidation, and persecution. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb.11:6). Paul pleased God by faith. “Whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our Faith” (1Jh.5:4). Paul overcame the world by faith! Praise God, the Fight of Faith will ultimately lead to the Rest of Faith (Heb.4:1-11).

This man of Faith commended the Flourishing Faith of the Thessalonians: “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your FAITH GROWS EXCEEDINGLY…” (2The.1:3a). The term “grows exceedingly” means: to go beyond the ordinary. Paul wanted them to know that their faith was flourishing, in spite of the challenges and struggles they were facing. The world is an arena of battles against an evil empire and its usurper ruler – Satan. Every Christian is called into military service against all odds to fight the enemy in a world that is currently enemy territory. As they underwent persecution, the Thessalonians needed to be reassured of how the battle will end, with Victory on their side. The members of the fledging church thought that the day of Victory, known as the Day of the Lord, had already come and they had missed it. So, Paul wrote them this second letter to assure them that the Lord of Victory will yet arrive on the scene, and they must never give up, but keep holding on in hope (v.7-10).

Paul commended their “patience and faith” in all the “persecutions and tribulations” that they endured (v.4). They were not just bidding their time until heaven; they were making active use of the time to trust the Lord more and be transformed into His character. He testified of how their love was increasing; and then, how they were cheerfully enduring in spite of pressures and persecutions. The Thessalonian’s testimony proves that Faith flourishes best in the fires of afflictions. They were pressing into the Lord with a joy that came from knowing who was really in charge, and how the battle will end.

Is your faith flourishing? You can use the two criteria Paul mentioned to examine your life: increasing love and continuing endurance and trust. A sure sign of a maturing Christian is a loving, giving and sacrificial life that cares more about the welfare of others than of oneself. When love is abounding, you do not care if you get credit as long as you are a blessing to another. The second sign of flourishing faith is unfailing endurance and trust in God. No matter the challenges, the faithful believer will never become embittered against the Lord and others. The Thessalonians needed to know that the final outcome would be good, no matter what the present circumstances looked like. You can trust that the Lord is working despite what you see. Faith does not flourish when everything goes your way; rather, when things seem to be going wrong, it is an opportunity to let God grow faith, love and trust in and through you! Faith is the ‘spirit sense’ that enables you to remain at rest even when life doesn’t seem to make sense.