Faith Gone Forth

“Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

“To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

“Grace to you and peace.

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you [there], but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere… For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

The salutation was warm, effusing from hearts saturated with love and care and gratitude. The vibrant faith of this church was colorfully evidenced in powerful transformation, lively joy, generous hospitality, and meaningful testimony. Those who had by faith planted, ministered among, and prayed for them were naturally full of delight to learn of the Thessalonians’ ongoing labor of love, steadfast hope, and loud, potent faith.

In the Body of Christ, the working of faith by the hand of God has many components, and can be seen, heard, and felt in a variety of ways. It is expressed in individuals, the church, and culture in ways visible and invisible, silent and spoken, gripping, changing, releasing, and compelling. Active faith results in personal boldness, encouragement in prayer, comfort in distress and affliction, joy in assurance of loved ones’ security and progress in Christ. Are we experiencing this going forth of God’s gift? (Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10; 3 John 4)

In a culture punctuated with persuasive and perverted voices, what priority does a growing, widespread faith take for me? Am I more concerned with expanding knowledge, notoriety, and worldly success, or living out and speaking forth the gospel? How am I pursuing and exercising faith in Christ, and how has He worked in response?

How often do I ask others about and speak good news of faith, expressing thanks for all God has done? How can I direct conversations to encourage this gracious gift, and exalt the sovereign Savior? If this is my desire and earnest prayer, God will open opportunities. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)

“Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
Hell’s foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise!” ~S. Baring-Gould (1865)

Lord, please increase my faith and multiply its effective going forth in Your kingdom, for Your glory.