Sermon Recap
Read II Thessalonians 1:1-5 First!
Right away we can see that Paul is so proud of the believers in Thessalonica. Why is Paul so proud of them? Well, because their endurance and faithfulness was so evident in the midst of the immense persecution and hardship they were facing. Paul was their spiritual father, he planted this church. And to see this group of believers stay the course remaining faithful and enduring what they were enduring made Paul so proud of them. Let's break three of these Greek words down, found in this passage, in order to give us an even deeper picture of this idea of faithfulness.
First this Word endurance: this is the Greek word hupomene. This word paints a picture of someone who is under a heavy load but refuses to bend, break, step back, or surrender. They stand their ground because they are convinced that the territory, the promise, or the principle under assault rightfully belongs to them. The Thessalonians are refusing to give up their faith and are determined to receive what they hope for and what God has promised them. They refuse to bend from what they know to be true.
Listen if you can’t stand strong in free America even though we are a post Christian society now, how could you ever stand firm if you had to face the persecution and death that the Thessalonians were facing. The same persecution and death that other believers in other parts of the world are facing right now, today.
When the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of faithfulness in our lives it is strong enough to endure even the toughest situations, the uncertain situations, the bleak situations, even those situations that are beyond your control and seem hopeless. The Faith that the Holy Spirit produces is stronger, greater, and without measure. The Thessalonian believers were under intense persecution, yet they were determined to remain steadfast and keep their faith in God. As a result their faith didn’t flounder but grew stronger.
The Word Persecution is the Greek Word Dioko (De-o-ko). This word was first used as a hunting term to describe the actions of a hunter who strives to follow after, to apprehend, to capture, or to kill an animal. This word could literally be termed “to Hunt”. This same word is also translated “to Persecute”. This understanding helps us see the brutal nature of the persecution the Thessalonian believers were enduring. They were literally being hunted or viciously and relentlessly pursued.
In the midst of all this Paul hears of their faithfulness. The Greek Word for this kind of faithfulness is the Greek word Pistos which is derived from Pistis the Greek Word for Faith.
So Pistos or faithfulness in our passage describes a person who is found faithful, trustworthy, reliable, dependable, steadfast, true, and unfailing.
If you are an employer before you promote someone you wait and watch them over a period of time to find out if they are faithful, trustworthy, reliable, dependable, steadfast, true, and unfailing. You are looking to see these qualities in them before you promote them to a position that gives them greater influence and power.
Paul gave us this same idea in I Corinthians 4:2 (NLT) when he said, “Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.
Same Word, Pistos – someone who is trustworthy, reliable, dependable, steadfast, true, and unfailing. This is what it means to be a faithful servant of the Lord. Faithfulness is the fruit produced by the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in your life no matter the situations we are facing, good or bad.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
Name a situation in which you had to rely on faith and stand strong in the midst of adversity.
Why is it hard for people to stand strong in their faith and trust God?
Name several ways that God has been faithful to you. Testify about God’s faithfulness.
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, you have been so faithful to me. And maybe you haven’t always operated in the way I thought you should, but I know you have always had my best interests at heart. I know you have been faithful to me. Holy Spirit, help me to always be faithful to you. In the words I speak, in the actions I take, in the love I show, teach me to rely on You each and everyday. Please give me the strength and equip me with endurance to always be faithful to your Word and your ways. I know my help always comes from you because you are a Faithful God! May my life be a testimony of your faithfulness.
Life Application
This week remind yourself daily about all the moments God has been faithful to you. This should encourage you to remain being faithful to Him. He will never let you down. Put all of your faith, your hope and your trust in Him.
Don’t Forget!
Rhythms of the Spirit, Online Class
Sunday Night Prayer March 3rd
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