| | | | Faith, Love, Hope - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 In the spring of the year A.D. 50, a young Timothy finally arrived in Corinth to give Paul a report of how things were going in the church at Thessalonica. Paul had been forced to leave the city after only a short time (Acts 17), and no doubt he was anxious about how the new believers there were holding up in the face of persecution and an immoral culture. But Timothy's report was a good one; the young Christians were strong, and the church was growing! Paul immediately penned a letter, an epistle we now call 1 Thessolonians, to further encourage the church, and his opening words speak to his heart for them, and their walk of faith:
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father… 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Paul makes four important points that we can apply to our lives today:
"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers"
Paul prayed continually for the churches and the people in his sphere, and we should too. How many people do you know that are young in their faith, and who may slip back into old habits? Pray for them! Do you know of a new church plant that is stepping out in faith? Pray for that church!
"your work of faith"
The church at Thessalonica seemed to be putting their hand to the plow, and working to reach their city for Christ. They had inherited the Apostles heart for the lost, and so should we.
"labor of love"
The church at Thessalonica had learned the "Law of Love" (Romans 13), and so should we. Their love was evident in their everyday lives, loving one another, ministering to one another, putting the needs of others above their own.
"patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ"
The church at Thessalonica had many pressures, not only from the Jews that were upset with Paul about preaching the gospel, but from the rampant immorality that was accepted as normal by the general population. But the church was holding fast in patience against these pressures, and placing their hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, and His return.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
"Lord, help me today to be faithful in my work of faith, my labor of love, and my patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ."
Pastor Clay | | | | | | | |
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