Growing Series

Growing in Faith

Sunday November 1, 2026 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

1 Thessalonians 1

GROWING IN FAITHFULNESS | HELPING OTHERS GROW - Read v.1

Paul opens with three names: Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy- disciples and disciple-makers. Nurture relationships that help others grow in Christ.

GROWING IN VISIBLE FAITH | WORK, LOVE, AND HOPE - Read v.2-4

He identifies three connected marks: work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. People see your faith through your actions, your sacrificial love, and your patience

GROWING IN THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL | THE HOLY SPIRIT - Read v. 5-6

Paul is clear: the gospel did not come in word only. Words matter. We must tell people who Jesus is, that He died and rose from the dead, and that we are called to turn to Him.

We need the Holy Spirit to produce conviction, assurance, and lasting change.

GROWING AS AN EXAMPLE | FROM FOLLOWERS TO MODELS - Read v.6-7

Notice the movement in these verses. The disciples became disciple-makers.
Do not merely follow Jesus; help others follow Jesus.

GROWING IN GOSPEL WITNESS | LOCAL FAITH, GLOBAL REACH - Read v.8

This is a remarkable statement about a young church. The Word of the Lord sounded forth from them.

What we do locally can travel globally.

GROWING IN TRANSFORMATION | TURN, SERVE, WAIT - Read v.9-10

The Thessalonians turned from idols to God, began serving the living and true God, and waited for His Son from heaven.

When your life turns around, people notice. A transformed life becomes a testimony.

The question is not simply, "Do I believe in Jesus?"
It is, "Can others see Jesus in the way I live?"

• 1. If someone followed my example, would that person grow closer to Jesus?
• 2. Am I relying primarily on my own strength, or on the Holy Spirit to help me live the gospel?
• 3. Where does my faith most need to become visible-in my family, workplace, church, relationships, or community?

ONE NEXT STEP: Choose ONE person and ONE intentional action this week: encourage, serve, follow up, pray together, or share the good news of Jesus.