Healthy Church

Introduction

What are some characteristics of a healthy church? Let’s make it a little more personal.

What are some characteristics of a health Youth Group?

Is health analyzed from a wide view or a closer look?

Many people measure a “healthy group” by looking with a wide lense. I believe we the true health by looking through a microscope to the heart of the individuals in the church.

We are about to read 2 Thessalonians. This is a letter from Paul to those on Thessalonica. Often times you’ll hear that Paul’s letter were to the “church in [location].”

Let’s read 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

2 Thessalonians 1:3–4 (ESV)

3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

From the first letter to the second, there were some continued problems in the church. Persecution was rising and there was confusion about the return of Jesus. This second letter exists to help guide and encourage them. Before Paul gets into correction section, he addresses the hope in their health. Let’s look at three areas of their health and see where out health is.

Growing Faith

“your faith is growing abundantly”

The first measure of a healthy church has growing faith. How is their faith growing over time?

Paul first visited Thessalonica in AD 49 and stayed their three weeks. This letter was written in AD 51-52. There has been 2-3 years of growth in their life. What are some characteristics of growing faith

Growing faith is recognized

Growing faith is talked about

Growing faith contagious

As we analyze and test to see if our group is spiritually healthy, we must look at out own life to see if this fits our heart.

Is your faith seen all the time, even when it is difficult?

Are people talking about your faith? Do they come to you for prayer and spiritual support?

Are people around getting excited to follow Jesus because your faith is so evident?

Something to be aware of when it comes to growing faith being recognized, talked about, and contagious — — our faith is not in people and their abilities. Our faith is in Jesus and His abundant grace.

Love Others

“the love of every one of you for one another is increasing”

This is more than just a change of words but this is a change of direction. Faith is upward. Love for others is horizontal. Not only were they good with God but they were good with those around them! This is a huge statement by Paul because he previously taught Timothy that people will be lovers of themself.

2 Timothy 3:2 ESV

2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

What gives us the ability to love others? — — The Love of Christ is within us. If you struggle to love people, that should be a marker for you to check and see if the Love of Jesus is truly in you. Take a second to look at those around you… do you love them?

What does it take to love other believers? — — You have to know them! [Look at everyone around you again-do you know them?]

Is our love for others in this group growing? This is evident by becoming closer to those you know AND reaching out to those you don’t know. Let’s be a group that loves other because of the love of Jesus that lives within us.

Steadfastness in Persecution

“your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring”

I believe these first two areas of growth greatly impact the third area that Paul addresses. Because of their growing faith and love for each other, they are equipped to be steadfast against persecution. PERSECUTION = punishment/harassment because of one’s beliefs.

Where are you going to face persecution?

SCHOOL | There are going to be people who don’t like you’re a Christian

EXTRA-CIRRICULARS/HOBBIES | If you are showing your faith, it’s likely that you will be persecuted for your faith

HOME | It’s possible that some in this room do not come from a Godly home.

ANYWHERE

What can you do to prepare for persecution?

Grow in your faith: this equips us for spiritual battles

Grow in loving believers: this encourages accountability and support.