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1 Thessalonians 1:2-5
The ministry/evangelism group of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, after greeting the church at Thessalonica with the grace and peace of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, let the people of the church at Thessalonica know that they have been in the prayers of the ministry/evangelism group. Noted is their “work of faith, labor of love, and patience in hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:3, NKJV). It is also important to note that their work of faith, labor of love, and patience in hope is “in our Lord Jesus Christ” and “in the sight of our God and Father” and that they have been chosen/elected by God (1 Thessalonians 1:3b). The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, “5For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.”
This is a promise and example of our “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
This beginning note to the people of the congregation of the church at Thessalonica is a great example of the works that we do unto salvation are not of ourselves but through our salvation in our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. This is a great promise and example that our labor of love that has changed our hearts to be compassionate for the needs of others is due to our salvation in and through our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. And this is a wonderful reminder that our hope rests surely in our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. What is the common denominator is this lesson. . . our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul declares in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
To acknowledge that it is our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus who gives us our strength, even in weakness, is our first step in growing in our relationship with Him. Put your works, hope, and love in Jesus today and you too will feel the power of God’s Holy Spirit begin working in your life.
Dear LORD,
There is much that can be said in this short Bible lesson today, but as we could expand it, please put within our hearts the place in which it all leads to, and that is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that all we are comes through and from Him. Thank You Jesus for saving us from sin that we too may be Your elect. In Jesus name I pray, amen.