PERSEVERE WITH FAITH, LOVE AND HOPE
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 / Keywords 1:3
We continually remember before our God and
Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your
endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1.
Paul greets the young church officially on behalf of Paul’s team
of leaders. He encourages them with Jesus’ grace
and peace, assures them that they are constantly in his prayer, and
acknowledges their dedication to the Lord. Their faith, love and hope were a
model to other believers. Often, we struggle alone in the spiritual battle and
feel no one knows or remembers us. Paul knew this about the Thessalonians, and
this was his impetus to begin his letter writing to churches, known as the
epistles.
2.
Paul reminds them how they came to faith. The underlying truth is that God
loved and chose them. They believed the Word, and the Holy Spirit worked
powerfully in them with conviction. They turned away from polytheism, accepted
the one true God, and imitated Paul’s way
of life joyfully.
3.
The Thessalonians, some of high status, were new Christians. Though they were vulnerable and had much to
lose, they endured fiery persecution, shared the message, and waited for Jesus'
Second Coming. Their story inspires us today. Our simple faith in Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins
and our hope in his resurrection challenges this post-Christian era. To endure
trials, we must live in the light of Jesus’ Second Coming as they did.
Prayer Father, empower us with your Spirit
to believe your words, to joyfully overcome trials with faith, love and hope,
and to share the gospel.
One Word Persevere
with faith, love and hope
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