Growing in Unity
Growing in unity and love requires a deep reverence for God's Word, a willingness to convict and tear down fleshly ambitions, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide us.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the remarkable growth of the Thessalonian Christians in faith and love, as highlighted by Paul's commendation in 2 Thessalonians 1:3. He illustrates how their spiritual maturity made them exemplary among other churches, showcasing a unity that transcended ethnic and social barriers. The preaching they received inspired them to deepen their relationship with Christ and reject false teachings, fostering a community that honored God's Word. Wilkerson encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to identify areas of weakness, allowing God to nurture their spiritual growth. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to love and unity within the body of Christ.
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"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth" (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
What a great compliment Paul paid the Thessalonian Christians! Here's the full essence of what he was saying: "It's incredible to see how much you've grown, both in your faith in Christ and in your love for one another. Everywhere I go, I brag to others about your spiritual growth. How I thank God for you!"
In this short passage, Paul gives us an amazing picture of a body of believers growing in unity and love. Both individually and corporately, the faith and love of the Thessalonians outshone that of all other churches. It is obvious that they were learning, moving, growing -- and their lives offered evidence to that fact. According to Paul, they were the talk of every church in Asia.
Apparently, the preaching these believers heard was provoking them to an even deeper walk with Christ. It was melting their fleshly ambitions and convicting them of habits that were not like Christ. And the Holy Spirit in them was tearing down all ethnic barriers and color lines. They were discovering how to embrace any person, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, while they offered great love to each other, preferring one another in love.
A most important feature of this church was that they highly honored and revered God's Word, nor did they allow false teachers to come into their midst and lead people away with new religious fads.
Do you want to grow spiritually? If so, ask the Holy Spirit to shine his light on an area of weakness or sin in your life. God is watering your spirit, feeding your soul, putting down his strong roots in you as you seek him.
Sermon Outline
- Growing in Unity
- Faith and Love Growth
- The Power of Preaching
- Breaking Down Barriers
Key Quotes
“It's incredible to see how much you've grown, both in your faith in Christ and in your love for one another.” — David Wilkerson
“The preaching these believers heard was provoking them to an even deeper walk with Christ.” — David Wilkerson
“They were discovering how to embrace any person, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, while they offered great love to each other, preferring one another in love.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Ask the Holy Spirit to shine his light on areas of weakness or sin in your life to grow spiritually.
- Prioritize a deep reverence for God's Word and a willingness to convict and tear down fleshly ambitions.
- Show love to others by preferring one another in love and embracing people from all walks of life.