Paul: His Life and His Teachings Thanksgiving (Continuation)
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No.10 Paul: His Life and Teachings – Thanksgiving (Part 3)
No.11 Paul: His Life and Teachings – Thanksgiving (Part 4)
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Previously, we started talking about the things Paul is thankful for about the believers or churches he is ministering to. The premise is that, as we identify the things Paul is thankful for other believers, we could imitate Him, begin to be thankful for one another, and live out a life of thanksgiving. In the previous lesson, we identified two items to be thankful about: (a) the faith that is being talked about; and (b) God’s enriching grace. Let us continue by studying about being thankful for a greatly enlarged faith, and for an ever-growing love (cf. 2 Thes. 1:3-12). Normally we hear of an enlarged heart (love) and an ever-increasing faith. In our passage, it is about an enlarged faith and an ever-increasing love. It might be worth noting here that in the Greek, verses 3-10 is one long sentence. Also, Paul started this Thanksgiving with “ought,” which implies an obligation on his part to be thankful to God for. This is what he believes to be not an option but the “only fitting” thing to do.
The phrase “faith is greatly enlarged” which is in Greek ὑπεραυξάνω huperauxano, means, “to increase beyond measure, or to grow exceedingly.” Despite Paul’s amazing growth, it seems like he was so surprised at the rate of growth that the Thessalonians experienced. This only means that their growth is unexpectedly fast despite some confusions that went around like Jesus already came back (2:1-12), and how some have become busybodies (3:6-13). As they grow in faith, their love to one another grows ever greater. The enlarged faith is inner aspect of growth, while the ever-greater love is the outer manifestation. This means that if we want to increase in love, we can do certain things in an ever-increasing fashion – be it intentional, or both planned and spontaneous. The kind of growth of the Thessalonians that Paul speaks proudly of becomes a cause for boasting in the Lord (v.4). Paul was boasting because the Thessalonians are growing in faith and love despite so much persecution. Enlarged faith is manifested in perseverance amid all afflictions. This is an enduring faith – a lasting faith!
Another thing that we are to be thankful to God for, just like Paul, is the believer’s unbroken fruitfulness as Paul wrote about in Colossians 1:3-12. The passage also talks about being thankful for their faith, love, and hope – the added dimension concerning “unbroken” or “endless fruitfulness.” Notice that a person walking in faith, hope, and love is fruitful. In verse 6, Paul said some things about fruit bearing that is remarkable: (a) That it is universal, meaning, all faith-people have it; (b) That it is a constant to Christian life; (c) That it is increasing, meaning
we should be more fruitful as we advance in our faith, and (d) That it is initiated by hearing and understanding the grace of God in truth. Teaching of the grace of God should always be on the platform of truth, not lies, or revisions that suit cultural evolution. We should learn it from the right people of grace, from faithful servants of Christ; and by welcoming feedback coming from being accountable. We sustain the unbroken fruitfulness through consistent and continuous learning of the grace of God in truth. Also necessary is the unceasing prayer for more fruits, and that we may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Lastly, we are to be thankful to God for choosing other believers. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10, Paul wrote how he always gives thanks to God for all the brethren in Thessalonica. Again, Paul mentioned about their deeds, their faith and their love and hope which is standard in his epistles. Then, in verse 4, Paul said that he is thankful for God because He loves them and He chose them! God showed His choice of the Thessalonians when the gospel came to them in Word and in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction; delivered to them by proven men (Paul and his band). God chose the best for them! This is a divine selection. As we seek to imitate Paul’s thankfulness, we need to also show gratitude for being chosen by God. We can do this by imitating the proven people who brought the gospel to us; continuing to receive the Word with joy in the Holy Spirit; staying away from idols, serving only the One True God; and becoming an example to fellow believers, preaching the Word, and faithfully waiting for Jesus’ return! We need to be faithful to share with others the great things that Jesus has done for us. Praise be to God!