The Direction of Faith

The Direction of Faith.

2 Thes. 3:3-5

When the Apostle Paul wrote these encouraging words to the church in Thessalonica, it was on the heals of a dreadful time of testing. Some were teaching that the day of Christ was at hand. They believed that the day of judgment was upon them. They were negligent in the daily ministrations and duties, and were obviously “shaken up” by it all. They began to fall apart and loose hope!

I see a similar loss of hope and faith among our people right here.

Many of you are overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the economy! Some of you have lost their first love!!

Some are too busy to commit to the church.

Some put Jesus on and off like a winter coat.

Some of you have had unfulfilled expectations, and have retreated from a full commitment to this body.

Some of you are hardened to the Word of God and resistant to it’s healing balm.

In short, our church suffers from the loss of a fervent spirit of dedication and commitment to fellowship and service in the body of Christ.

It is marked by…

            A less than enthusiastic anticipation of worship!

            Tardiness to the times of gathering!

            Absence of attendance!

            And, Contentment with your giving!

Paul shares the remedy for this complacency, but is only applicable to those who exhibit repentance; they are as follows…

I.                   The merciful blessings of God. Vs.3

A.    To establish you.

The stablishing which Paul speaks of, is like every stablishing in the Bible, which is manifested only in the spiritual cooperation of the Christian and Spirit of God.

B.     To keep you from every evil.

II.                The trustful receiving of duty. Vs.4

The confidence which the apostle here speaks of, can only exist, not in the hopeful attitude of the apostle himself, but in the confidence that has proven to be the case for one who is changed and conformed into the image of Christ.

Yes, believers are different and should exhibit that difference in their attitude of obedience.

III.             The direction of faith. Vs.5

A.    Into the love of God. (Psalm 119:105; 2 Tim.3:16)

It is here that we find the love of God, in obedience to His Word!

Far too many Christians are waiting for God to do all the work in motivating them, creating feelings of cooperation and compliance, when it is they who need to be faithful!

Does not the scripture say, Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you?(James 4:8)

B.     Into the patience of Christ.

The patience of Christ is to wait till He comes for His bride!

Are you His bride?

            Are you one of the beloved?

                        Are you free from the penalty of sin and death?