Faithfulness Matters

Big Idea:

God is building a faithful church.

Intro:

Good morning. Welcome to Church Online. We’re continuing in our “Read the Instructions” series, learning how to GROW as a healthy new church.

All year long, we’ve used Legos as a theme to help us understand how to GROW in Christ. And this series is like opening up a Lego set, pulling the included pieces out, and then looking at the instructions to see what is supposed to be built.

We’ve been going verse-by-verse through 1 Thessalonians, a letter written by the apostle Paul, to a new church that needed help growing. It’s a church that is very similar to our own. Therefore, I believe reading this letter can help us learn what a healthy church looks like.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen God has called us to be:

A thankful church.

An all-in church (bout it, bout it).

And this week, we’re going to add another healthy attribute...

If you have your Bible/app, turn to 1 Thess 3. Let’s start with verse 1...

Exegesis:

1 Thessalonians 3:1–5 ESV

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 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. 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.

I’m about to reveal something that might blow your minds… Did you know the Bible didn’t originally have chapters and verses? Paul didn’t write this letter and think, “Okay, time to begin chapter 3!” That’d be weird...

That doesn’t mean chapter and verses are wrong or bad. Actually, they are helpful! But in this passage, they are less helpful. You see, when the chapters and verses were added, for whatever reason, they placed a division here that unintentionally separated two connecting thoughts.

The “therefore” in chapter 3 connects to the subjects in chapter 2. At the end of chapter 2, Paul finished by saying...

1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 ESV

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.

He was summarizing how much he cared for this new church. A church he was forced to leave before he - or they - were ready. And a church facing severe persecution. Which is what he has in mind when he writes...

1 Thessalonians 3:1–2 ESV

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,

And so, at the beginning of chapter 3, we discover...

Paul was concerned about their faith (vv. 1-5).

Now to fully appreciate Paul’s concern, we got to go outside this letter to other Bible passages. In Acts 17, we find the story of Paul forced out of Thessalonica and going to Berea. He preaches the gospel there too. And just like Thessalonica, the gospel produces awesome results. But the Jews who aggressively forced Paul out of Thessalonica (and were likely part of the crowd persecuting this new church) followed him to Berea. And once again, forced Paul to run.

This time he goes to Athens. And initially, he’s alone. His friends stayed behind in Berea. So, he begins to preach the gospel there too. But this time, there’s little fruit. Little gospel impact. While he’s there, Paul’s traveling companions - Silas and Timothy - catch up to him, but then something happens. It’s mentioned here in verse 1: Paul sends Timothy back to Thessalonica because he’s so worried about them.

Now, we really have to consider where Paul’s “head” is at to grasp the significance of what he’s recounting. Before Thessalonica, Paul was severely beaten and thrown in prison in Philippi. Then, he’s chased out of both Thessalonica and Berea. Then, he’s alone in Athens, and has little success there. His friends join him, but he sends them away - because since he left Thessalonica, he’s worried about this church that he loves with all his heart. Eventually, Paul ends up in Corinth… all alone. Put all that together, and at this point… Paul is a hot-mess! Bet you’ve never been in church and heard anyone refer to Paul that way. It’s not disrespect. It’s real. Paul was a real person.

Actually, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians partially describes his condition at this time...

1 Corinthians 2:3 ESV

And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,

When Paul got to Corinth, which is in Acts 18, Paul is jacked up. And it’s only in considering this, we see how powerful a statement he makes here in chapter 3.

When Paul says that “because he couldn’t bear it anymore, he was willing to be left alone...” what he’s really saying is, “I was messed up. I really needed my friends. I needed their support. BUT… I loved you so much, that I didn’t care about my needs, but YOURS, and so I sacrificially sent Timothy to you.”

And even consider how Paul describes Timothy...

Our brother...

God’s co-worker...

Not only is he letting the Thessalonians know that when he sent Timothy, he was sending the best, but he’s also saying he could’ve really used Timothy’s help for himself.

Timothy was one of Paul’s closest, most trusted friends. Timothy was a blessing to Paul. And Paul could’ve benefited from him at this difficult time. But Paul insists, “I thought it best, to sacrifice what’s best for me, to give what’s best for you!”

I sent Timothy to “establish and exhort” you in your faith. Paul intentionally and strategically sacrificed so this new church could grow in their faith. As much as he needed to be “strengthened and comforted” by Timothy, this new suffering church needed him more!

Now, we find something interesting in verse 4 & 5… Paul had already warned them about this coming persecution. In his short time with them, he tried his best to prepare them. Something “normal” in the Kingdom of God - persecution, suffering, and trials.

Jesus Himself said...

John 16:33 ESV

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

But, it’s one thing receive a warning, it’s another thing to actually endure it. Paul knew that, which is why he was so concerned about their faith.

And something else needs to be clarified, when Paul is concerned about their faith, he’s not talking about salvation here. He wasn’t afraid they would “lose” their salvation - what they had received by faith in Christ. He’s actually referring to faithfulness.

He didn’t want them to stop trusting in Jesus, even when times got difficult. He didn’t want them to lose their passion for sharing Jesus, even when people persecuted them for doing so. That’s what he feared!

And that makes me think of a couple applications for us:

Being alone is never a healthy choice, but only an option as a strategic sacrifice. Paul didn’t want to be alone. He knew God didn’t create people to be alone. But Paul sacrificed (for a season), so those he loved could live!

We understand that, right? Don’t we have an example of that in our society right now? Social distancing can’t be a new way of life. It’s ultimately not healthy. We need each other. We need contact. We need relationship. But… we strategically sacrifice to be alone - so that the vulnerable neighbors we love can live!

However, in all other times… we need to press into community. It’s healthy. It is not good for man to be alone. Church family - if you’re alone, it’s not good for your faith. Isolation is where the tempter (Satan) is most effective in destroying our lives. Just like on the Discovery channel, the Bible says the devil is like a lion trying to pick off the isolated vulnerable ones!

TRC family, make sure you are not alone, especially in this season. Get into a Life Group. Participate in the WhatsApp groups we have. Comment on the livestream! Find relationship wherever you can! Get connected with people who can “establish and exhort you in your faith.”

In the church, we need to be willing to talk about the “hard things.” Paul talked about suffering, not because he was fun, but because it was healthy. It equipped them to face the future. Church, we may not currently be suffering like them (or our other brothers and sisters around the world), but we need to be aware that Jesus-followers are not exempt from hard times. In fact, we need to prepare for them. We need to expect them. We need to talk about them. Especially since we have an enemy who is seeking to destroy our faith - or faithfulness.

One of the devil’s strategies is to make life so difficult that it shakes our faith. That’s what Paul refers to in verse 3 when he says, “that no one be moved by these afflictions.”

Satan wants to shake your world and make you give up. And stop trusting God.

And if we’re unaware of this strategy because we don’t talk about the hard realities of faith, then we WILL give up.

Paul was worried about this for the Thessalonians. And that’s why he sacrificed and sent Timothy to them. To find out how they were doing. And, look what happens next...

1 Thessalonians 3:6–10 ESV

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— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

When Timothy returns, he brings good news! He brings GOSPEL news! When he got to Thessalonica, he found this new church anchored right where Paul left them - standing in Jesus! Satan had not shaken them!

And, despite the false accusations people made about Paul, the church didn’t believe any of them. They only remembered how much Paul loved them. And they couldn’t wait to see Paul again!

And here’s a principle I think we can all learn from this, but especially us leaders - who are entrusted with the care of other people’s souls...

We can trust God is working, even when we can’t see it. In fact, it’s these seasons that teach us, “When we put things in God’s hands by faith, we aren’t dependent on our personal touch.”

This connects to my heart so much right now. Right now, in-person meetings are very limited. I can’t see people come to church. I can’t see people serve. I can’t see people face-to-face. And as the pastor, I get worried about people’s faith (or faithfulness), just like Paul.

But in this season, God is teaching me that He is in control. That if I - as the pastor - trust Him by faith, He will make sure the family of The River Church will stand strong - no matter what! We will be found faithful, just like the Thessalonians...

That’s good news to me! Faithfulness is good news! Which brings us to this next principle...

Faithfulness matters (vv. 6-10).

Faithfulness is a major part of a healthy church. That’s why Paul was concerned about it. But, look at this…

1 Thessalonians 3:7–8 ESV

for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.

Faithfulness matters not just to our individual and personal lives, but it also matters to the leaders over us!

Earlier, we talked about Paul being a hot mess. Ministry had beat him down. But when he got this faithfulness report, it supercharged his ministry. It gave him new life! And it helped him press on with the mission God had given him.

I believe most biblical church leaders aren’t in this for the money, power, or influence (not that there’s much of those available anyways). We sacrifice, work, suffer because we love God and love people. We believe God has called us to equip people to be all God created THEM to be! And it’s difficult and exhausting! But, when we see gospel results, it gives us life! And we press on!

I know I feel that way. I don’t care how many hours I work. I don’t care how much money I make. I don’t care where I live or even if I eat. If people walk in faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ, it’s worth it! Like Paul, it fills me with thanksgiving, praise, and joy!

And I mention this to encourage you: Be faithful! Your faithfulness matters! Faithfulness is contagious.

And KEEP being faithful, because the mission of God is an on-going war for souls!

That’s why in verse 10 Paul continues to pray for them and desires to “supply what is lacking in their faith,” even though they were doing so well! He knew they need to keep growing, to keep enduring… because the spiritual battle isn’t over!

And that’s our final principle...

Keep growing in faithfulness (vv. 11-13).

1 Thessalonians 3:11–13 ESV

Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Until Paul could come to them, he prays for them. And notice the emphasis of this prayer, Paul says:

“I’m asking God to personally step in!”

“I’m asking Jesus to personally make you grow!”

“I’m asking He personally “establish your hearts blameless in holiness” - perfect your faithfulness!

Here’s the point: Growing in faithfulness is completely dependent on God!

God is calling us to be a faithful church. And we need His help to do this. Which is why we pray.

Prayer is asking God for help. It’s bowing our hearts and minds to the Lord and saying, “I need you to step in, because I can’t do it myself.” I love the way King Jehoshaphat said it...

2 Chronicles 20:12 NLT

O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

Growing in faithfulness requires prioritizing prayer. Warren Wiersbe (a pastor of old) said, “If there is all preaching & teaching, but no prayer, then the people will have light, but no power.” You will know what to do, but have no ability to do it. Growing in faithfulness is a divine work. It requires God’s power and help. It requires us to PRAY.

Response:

As we “Read the Instructions” this morning, we discover God’s design involves faithfulness. A church that trusts God no matter what. One that understands that faithfulness matters. And one committed to growing in faithfulness.

That was Paul’s heart for this church he loved. No matter what it cost him, he wanted to see them faithful to Jesus. He sacrificed, suffered, and prayed for faithfulness.

And it’s my hope we too will be a faithful church. And while there are many responses I could suggest, I want to focus on one: Prayer.

Let’s respond in prayer! As God’s people, we have the promise of prayer.

God promises us we can ask Him for anything.

God promises us He will hear us.

And God promises us that He has the power (and desire) to act on those prayers.

Everything we need in life can be had in prayer...

But many times, we ignore it. We neglect it. I NEGLECT it. It’s similar to what the prophet Isaiah said...

Isaiah 55:1–2 NLT

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.

If we apply this to promise to prayer, God’s saying, “I can give you all you need. Just come and ask! But you won’t. Instead, you exhaust yourself. You spend your resources and time on things that won’t help you find LIFE! Or faithfulness in Christ!”

As we close this morning, I want to leave you with two things:

God is calling you to be faithful. Trust God no matter what.

God is calling you to grow in faithfulness through prayer. Will you humble yourself and ask for His help? I guarantee He is waiting with a listening ear!

Here’s some options for you to consider this week:

Jump on the Zoom prayer calls Thursday morning and Sunday morning before Church Online. Let’s pray together.

Ask 2 people if you can pray for them. And then do it! Imagine how God would begin to move if we began praying this way for one another!

Spend at least 5 mins a day praying. And if you don’t know what to pray about…

Start by pouring out your heart the same way you would to a friend.

Or, open up your Bible (to 1 Thess 3:11-13) and pray what you read. Personalize it. Tell God, “I want this in my life. I want to be faithful.”

With that, let’s pray...

Father, we thank you for prayer. We thank you that You are not a God who is far away, but a God who is close. Who loves us. Who listens to us. Who answers us.

And Father, together, we ask you help us to be a faithful church. We need your help and power for that.

And maybe right now this prayer for faith is for someone who’s never trusted you before, but ready to do that today. I pray you’d do a good work in their heart. That they would trust the work Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of sin. And that they’d believe You raised Him from the dead, which gives us the hope of eternal life too. Help them, from day one, walk in faithfulness to you!

And we ask these things in Jesus name, amen.

Thanks for joining us for Church Online. If this was your first time, fill out a Connect Card. We’d love to say hi and send you a gift. Also, if you have prayer requests, would like to join a Life Group, or gave your life to Christ, we want to hear form you! There are easy ways to do all of that on our website (riverchurchct.com) or follow the links in the comments below!

Have a great day - God bless you!