Conquering Faith Over Affliction

Life Changing Faith – series:

Conquering Faith Over Affliction – Part 1

There are two powerful forces given to us in this verse for the acquisition of conquering faith.

The first is… The imitating of Paul and his company by the Thessalonians.

The second… The joy of the Holy Ghost over tribulation.

I.                   Imitating spiritually mature believers is the God approved method by which conquering faith is had.

Not just followers, but mimics (Greek = )

A.    The first response of the new Christian is to imitate the walk (spiritual) of seasoned believers.

B.     This pre-supposes that there must be something to imitate.

II.                The joy of the Holy Ghost tramples over tribulation.

The joy of the Holy Ghost is precious indeed. It alone will cast down all doubt and fear!

A.    He is a powerful witness to God’s love and care for us.

John 16:33 (KJV) 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

B.     As we walk in the Spirit we find the strength to overcome anything the adversary throws at us.

Acts 16:22-25 (KJV) 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Conclusion:

Here is the secret to great missions work! And the best part of it is that it has nothing to do with the economy!       

Why my friend are you not in the battle, running the race, enduring with much patience and affliction this wonderful opportunity and demand of God?

When will you awake out of sleep and taste and see that the Lord is good?