2 Thessalonians 1:1-3 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:… To increase in faith is — I. A SUBJECT FOR DEVOUT THANKSGIVING. Paul gave thanks because — 1. The blessing of increased faith is of unspeakable value. Little faith will save, but strong faith is that which builds up the Church, overcomes the world, and glorifies God. 2. The blessing came at a seasonable time — the time of persecution. Such a time tests the reality of faith. If sound it will grow in spite of obstacles, as Israel in Egypt. The present is a time of trade depression, abounding vice and grievous departure from the faith. What need to be rooted in the faith when the days are so evil. 3. If there be any growth in faith it is the work of God's spirit. Faith is all through the gift of God. In nature we ought to admire God's hand as much in growth as in creation. So progress in faith reveals the same power as its commencement. Let God have all the glory from its Alpha to its Omega. If thou be a strong man in Christ do not sacrifice to thine own net, glorify thine own experience as if thou madest thyself strong and rich in the things of God. II. AN OBJECT FOR DILIGENT ENDEAVOR. If you have it not labour to attain it. 1. Why? Because — (1) The proof of faith lies in the growth of faith. A dead faith will not grow. If you have not more faith it is to be feared that you have none. (2) God's truth deserves it; we, as children, ought to believe our Father by instinct even as the eyes see and the ears hear. (3) It will be so much for our own spiritual health and joy. As your being an Englishman does not depend on your health or wealth, so neither does your salvation turn upon the strength and joy of your faith, but much does depend on it. Why not have foretastes of heaven. These you cannot have without growing faith. 2. How? By the Holy Spirit: but still He uses us for the increase of our faith. If we are to grow — (1) Negatively — (a) avoid continual change of doctrine. If you transplant a tree often it will yield scanty fruit. Those who are "everything by turns and nothing long," are "ever learning, but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth."(b) Do not give up the ground in which your souls should grow. If you dig away the earth from a tree you impoverish it. So doctrine after doctrine is given up until nothing is held to be important. The experiment of the Frenchman who had just brought his horse to live on a straw a day when he died is being repeated among us, faith being literally starved to death. (c) Do not overshadow your faith by worldliness, tolerated sin, love of riches, pride and care, and so prevent its growth. You cannot expect a sapling to grow under the shadow of an oak. (2) Positively. Faith grows by — (a) an increase of knowledge. Many persons doubt because they are not instructed — They doubt whether they shall hold on to the end: despair because they find evil in their hearts, etc. Study God's Word, and you will find how vain they are. (b) Experience. When a man has proved a thing his confidence is increased. When you have tested a promise again and again nobody will be able to shake you, for you will say, "I have tasted of this good word."(c) Meditation and walking with God. If you want to believe in a man you must know him. So with God: when your communion is close and stedfast your faith will grow exceedingly. (d) Prayer with faith and for faith. (e) Obedience. A man cannot trust in God while he lives in sin. (f) Exercise. The man who uses the little faith he has will get more faith. Brick by brick up rose the pyramids. III. THE SOURCE OF OTHER GROWTHS. Increasing faith promotes — 1. Increasing love. If we are not filled with brotherly love it is because we are not firmly believing that truth which worketh by love. 2. Unity. Who shall separate men who are one in Christ by the grip of a mighty faith? 3. Patience. Some Christians make large demands on our patience; but faith in Christ and the possibilities of grace will work wonders. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: |
    |