I Thessalonians 1, Faith, Love, and Hope

 

I Thessalonians 1 Faith, Love, and Hope

During Paul’s second missionary journey, he became anxious for news about the young congregation begun months earlier in Thessalonica. He sent Timothy to investigate, and was greatly encouraged by what he heard. The Thessalonians, recently converted to Christianity, were faithfully living out the gospel! Like a proud parent, Paul took pen in hand and affirmed their progress in faith, encouraging them to continue. He also expressed tender affection  for this young, excited congregation. Not only had he given them the gospel, but he would have gladly given them his life.

These young believers were being tested by severe suffering, but their solid faith was being talked about in “every place.” That’s what the good news of Jesus Christ does, it makes astounding changes in people’s lives that could not happen any other way. For some, the changes is more noticeable than for others. But whenever Christ enters a life, He changes things. We need to let Christ work in our lives so that we can make an impact on our world.

Paul reminded them to continue their work of faith. Labor of Love and Patience of Hope.

Faith is the response of the soul of man to the Word of God. A faith that is living will manifest itself in the life that is lived. It is acting upon the Wod of God. It is believing in God.

Labor of Love- a little girl carryng a heavy baby. A passerby asked her “isn’t the baby too heavy for you?” “Oh no, she answers, he’s my brother.” Labor isn’t labor when it is a labor of love. It is wonderful to do what you love to do.

Patience of Hope. They waited for Jesus to return. It is the expectation of something better tomorrow. The blessed hope is waiting for God’s Son to return. The time we live in is a time of turmoil. My hope is in God. Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His eternal and Holy purpose.”

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

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Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.