1 Thessalonians 1:2-5
Work, Faith, Love, and Hope
In this sermon from 1 Thessalonians, we learn about Paul's thanksgiving for the Church in Thessalonica's faith, work prompted by love, and steadfast hope in their labor.
PAUL'S THANKSGIVING
Paul is thankful for three things that he saw in the Thessalonian Church that confirmed, in his mind, that they were truly Christians full of the Holy Spirit.
#1: WORK OF FAITH
"We Put Blood on the Ground"
- Work is a part of life. Those who don’t work don’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
- Sin brings thorns and thistles to hinder our work (Genesis 3:17-19).
- Our faith in Christ, however, compels us to continue putting blood and sweat into our work.
#2: LABOR OF LOVE
"We Love The Work"
The blood and sweat of the work of faith is a labor of love.
God’s people engage and stay engaged because they love God and love other people whom they want to know their God.
These are the two greatest commandments according to Jesus (Matthew 22:34-40).
God’s people engage and stay engaged because they love God and love other people whom they want to know their God.
These are the two greatest commandments according to Jesus (Matthew 22:34-40).
#3: STEADFASTNESS OF HOPE
"We Won't Quit"
- The storms of life rage (John 16:33; Matthew 7:25).
- Human life is so incredibly difficult at times.
- It is the unwavering firmness of our hope in Christ that keeps us from quitting in the lows and valleys of life (Hebrews 12:1-3).
CONVICTING APPLICATION QUESTIONs:
Your “Work of Faith”
What is the evidence of your blood and sweat for the Gospel? What would you like it to be?
Your "Labor of Love"
What is the evidence of your love for Gospel work? What would you like it to be?
Your "Steadfastness of Hope"
What is the evidence of your refusal to quit Gospel work? What would you like it to be?
What is the evidence of your blood and sweat for the Gospel? What would you like it to be?
Your "Labor of Love"
What is the evidence of your love for Gospel work? What would you like it to be?
Your "Steadfastness of Hope"
What is the evidence of your refusal to quit Gospel work? What would you like it to be?