Love Increasingly

Growing in Love: The Fruit of Our Faith

Bible Passage: Luke 19:1–10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12

Summary: In Luke 19:1-10, we see the transformative encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus, illustrating how genuine faith leads to a life of love and restitution. In 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul praises the growing love among the believers as a direct response to their faith, emphasizing that true faith manifests in love for one another.

Application: This message encourages Christians to examine their own lives in light of Zacchaeus's transformation and the growth of love in the Thessalonian church. It reminds us that our faith should not be stagnant but should empower us to love others, fostering community and reflecting the heart of Christ.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that a vibrant faith naturally produces increasing love for others. It challenges the congregation to actively cultivate their faith in a way that overflows into tangible acts of love and support within their communities.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus shows the heart of God reaching out to the marginalized and lost, highlighting His mission to save and transform lives. In the letters of Paul, we see how this saving work prompts believers to love in the same manner they have been loved by Christ, thus unifying the themes of faith, love, and community throughout the Scriptures.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider delving into the socio-historical context of Luke 19 to understand the significance of Zacchaeus' position and transformation. In your Logos library, explore commentaries on 2 Thessalonians to unpack the implications of faith producing love in a communal setting. Additionally, studying how other biblical figures express faith through love could enrich your message.

Big Idea: Love is the natural overflow of a faith that is alive and active, calling each believer to be an agent of transformation in their community.

(What active faith looks like—it's not passive belief, but something that shows itself.)

This active faith begins not in great works, but in a simple, earnest desire to encounter Christ.

Transition Statement): We heard about the radical lengths one man, Zacchaeus went to simply catch a glimpse of a Savior.

1. Seeking a Savior (Luke 19:1–4)

The journey of faith begins by actively pursuing Christ amid life’s difficulties.

Zacchaeus was traveling in Jericho, a city Jesus was passing through on his way to Jerusalem. Zacchaeus was no ordinary citizen; he was a Chief Tax Collector, a very profitable position, though generally despised. His position made him rich.

Despite his wealth and status, Zacchaeus was trying to see who Jesus was. His seeking wasn’t mere curiosity but pursuit of the salvation Jesus offered.

Zacchaeus faced significant obstacles to this encounter.

First, there was the crowd, and Second, he was short.

To overcome these hindrances, Zacchaeus demonstrated an earnestness that surpassed social conventions. He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree.

The sycamore tree, likely a sycamore-fig tree, would have large, low branches, making the climb easier, and could reach a height of about 50 feet.

This was undignified behavior for a man in his position.

His actions illustrate a faith that actively overcomes obstacles, setting the groundwork for transformation.

(Practical Application): We may face obstacles in seeking Jesus, such as busy schedules, affluence that distracts from our spiritual need, or fear of appearing undignified in a professional community.

Zacchaeus was willingness to set aside his reputation to seek Christ.

When we actively pursue Christ amidst difficulties, like Zacchaeus, we pave the way for a life that overflows with love.

(Transition): Zacchaeus sought Jesus, but the true turning point came when Jesus called him by name. His initial seeking was met with instantaneous grace, sparking profound transformation.

2. Salvation Sparks Transformation (Luke 19:5–10)

Zacchaeus was looking to see and hear from Jesus, but Jesus initiated the relationship, calling him by name when he arrived.

Jesus told him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today”.

"Must" implies a divine necessity.

"Today" suggests the immediate arrival of God’s kingdom and the offer of salvation.

Zacchaeus immediately hurried down and welcomed Jesus gladly.

This joyful reception suggests faith on his part.

Meanwhile, [the haters] grumbled, criticizing Jesus for being the guest of "one who is a sinner".

At this turning point where faith meets grace, Zacchaeus demonstrated immediate and tangible repentance, showing a deliberate purpose and ready mind by standing up and addressing the Lord. His transformation bore fruit in two key areas:

Generosity: He promised to give half of his possessions... to the poor.

This promise of giving half of his belongings was a thank offering, expressing his change of heart.

Restitution: He promised to pay back four times as much if he had defrauded anyone.

This immense restitution payment required by Old Testament law (Lev 6:5) went far beyond the required 20%.

His actions of restitution and generosity reveal his repentance.

Jesus responded by declaring: “Today salvation has come to this house”.

This was not merely due to Zacchaeus’s physical descent, but because he brought forth fruit in keeping with repentance, demonstrating that even a formerly extorting rich man can be saved by God's power.

The incident summarizes Christ’s mission: "For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost".

(Practical Application): Transformation moves us toward acts of love and reconciliation in our communities.

Salvation must be evidenced by change of our ethics and faithful stewardship of entrusted resources. We must use our possessions wisely, viewing them as a temporary loan to alleviate the misery of the poor.

If professional life or business dealings have involved defrauding or questionable practices, genuine repentance requires costly, four-fold restitution, not just words.

(Transition): Zacchaeus’s transformed faith resulted in actions of love and generosity. Faith not only transforms individuals; it acts communally, fueling our fellowship, especially when life is difficult.

3. Faith Fuels Fellowship (2 Thessalonians 1:1–4)

In his letter to the Thessalonian Christians, Paul commends them for their remarkable spiritual growth even amidst ongoing affliction and persecution. Paul expressed thanks to God, noting that he felt obligated to praise them because their conduct warranted it.

Paul noted two interconnected areas of growth:

Growing Faith: Their faith (pistis) was growing abundantly, exceeding expectations.

Increasing Love: “The love (agapē) of every one of you for one another is increasing.” This love directed toward fellow believers balances the vertical dimension of their faith.

Their deepening love was inspired by faith in God. Paul specifically boasted to other churches about their steadfastness and faith during all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring.

These persecutions were numerous, varied, and ongoing. Their ability to persevere (hypomonē) through these trials demonstrated their genuine faith and commitment to the kingdom of God.

The growth of their love fosters a supportive and loving community regardless of their affliction.

(Practical Application): The contemporary pressures in Yardley may not equate to the religious persecution faced by the Thessalonians.

We face "afflictions" and "trials" common to modern life (e.g., professional stress, societal polarization, and relationship breakdowns). Our faith must fuel a resilient fellowship.

When trials hit, we should be known for increasing love for one another and its steadfast perseverance, demonstrating genuine faith to the wider community.

(Transition Statement): Genuine faith generates love and strengthens community. But how can we sustain this growth and purposeful living? Paul concluded his introductory section with a prayer for divine empowerment.

4. Purposeful Power for Love (2 Thessalonians 1:11–12)

Paul constantly prayed for the Thessalonians.

His prayer was that God would (a) count them worthy of his calling (the call to salvation and participation in the glories of the kingdom), and (b) that God would fulfill every good resolute commitment and every act prompted by faith.

Paul lovingly prayed that God would fulfill these good purposes by his own power. These external works of faith were not their own achievement, but the product of God's power.

The pursuit of Godly living is necessary to validate God’s call.

The ultimate purpose of this empowerment is so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ is glorified when believers are obedient and generous, and when they live in harmony with one another.

Christlike behavior is more important than words of praise.

This transformation and glorification are only possible through grace.

(Practical Application): We must actively seek God's strength to act on faith.

This means recognizing that our good purposes—such as starting a community ministry, fostering genuine reconciliation, or giving generously—are fulfilled by God’s power, not solely our own effort or affluence.

We are called to let love be the evidence and outcome of our faith, thereby glorifying Christ in all we do today.

If we live lives transformed by Christlike behavior, we bring true glory to His name.

(Concluding Statement): Zacchaeus sought Christ and was transformed; the Thessalonians endured persecution through communal love.

Both are examples that show when faith is truly alive and active, love—in seeking, in transformation, and in fellowship—becomes the natural overflow.

We are also called to be agents of transformation in our community, glorifying Christ through the powerful manifestation of His grace.