FAITH
Read it
1 Thessalonians 3:6-7
But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
Discover It
“Faith” is one of the most used, most important, and most misunderstood words in the Bible. More than just intellectual belief in God, a true saving faith means to “trust in” or “adhere to” God. And the only way you can do that is through Jesus Christ. And when you have the faith to radically surrender your life to Jesus, it affects your life, opening the door to forgiveness, peace, and guidance here on this earth. But also, your sincere faith can affect others, encouraging them and leading them to the Savior.
Ask It
1. Thessalonica was a church troubled with trials, persecution, grief, and questions. Why do you think these troubles made Paul concerned about their faith? How do you think you can bolster your faith in times of trouble?
2. We see in this scripture that a young pastor, Timothy, brought Paul good news that this church was remaining faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. Can Christians fall away from the faith? List some ways you can keep that from happening.
3. Finally, Paul wrote in verse seven that the knowledge that they had kept the faith gave him encouragement, even though he was going through distress and persecution. How can your faith help others have confidence and keep their faith through troubled times?
Live It
1. BEGIN A FAITH-WALK with JESUS. You do not need a great faith to do this, but only enough faith to take the step to give your all to Jesus Christ. Then the Lord will take over and walk with you in your faith all the way!
2. LIVE in FAITH. You live the Christian life the same way you were saved – through faith in Jesus Christ. You are not good enough, wise enough, or strong enough to live the Christian life on your own. You can only live a consistent life as you yield your life to Jesus each day.
3. LIVE OUT your FAITH before OTHERS. People are watching you, especially if you have publicly professed your faith in Jesus. So, be consistent, kind, and confident as you live out your faith in public, in your family, and in your workplace. It will encourage them exercise their own faith and come to Jesus!
Pray It
Lord, grant me the fortitude I need to persevere in you, the peace I need to rest in you, and the joy I need to live out my life before others. As I trust in you wholeheartedly, I pray that others in my life are able to follow suit. When those around me stress and panic, may there be a calmness in me that quells any worries. This is because I know You would never abandon me. So, help me to find all that I need in you, so that others may follow you and find you faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.