Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1
Now that we’ve finished our study in Acts I’d like to move into 1 and 2 Thessalonians. I did a Precept Bible study on these books a couple of years ago so I may use some of my notes from that study as we go along.
Thessalonians is a letter from Paul to the church at Thessalonica. He starts with his prayer for them:
2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers…
He commends them for their:
- Work of faith
- Labor of love
- Steadfastness of hope
Let’s see how these three things fit into our lives.
Work of Faith
If you’re saved by grace then it’s through your faith in Jesus. We’re His workmanship, and we’re created for good works as a result of this faith.
Labor of Love
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
1 Corinthians 13:7-8
Love takes work, but it should stem from our love for the Father and His love for us. We show His love by loving others.
Steadfastness of Hope
Be steadfast. Be immovable.
…always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Having these qualities in our lives does take work, but it’s a work that produces eternal fruit. If we have faith, love, and hope in the Lord we can be assured that our work is not in vain.
Journal: Write a prayer asking for these qualities to shine in your life: faith, love, and hope.
Move: Run 3 miles at your 10k pace. That’s a pace that feels like work, but you could sustain for a few more miles.
{Beginner’s run #20: Walk 5 minutes to warm-up, then run 8 minute/walk 1 minute x3, then walk 5 minutes to cool-down.}
Praise the Lord, and just show up.
Free and Fearless 