1 Thessalonians 1:1-3

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 “Faith, Love and hope”

INTRODUCTION: Today millions of people will walk through church doors all around our country. Few will be rememberd, few will make a difference, in their church, family or world. But there will be some that will make a difference, some who will turn their lives and the world upside down through the living out of their faith in God. The Thessalonians were those kind of people. As Paul gives prise to them he tells us how we can be one of those people that others will praise God for.

1. WORK IS THE OUTCOME OF FAITH

A. work that comes from faith

B. not working to earn merit or favor from God

C. work that reflects your faith in God and your gifts

D. One church may have the best worship service, another the soundest theology, Other still have great sence of organization.

E. We seem to have a heart for caring others.

F. Camp Daniel, the Food Pantry and many other things

2. LABOR IS PROMPTED BY LOVE

A. Their labor was not promted by guilt or a sence of earning salvation, but love

B. Our labor must flow out of our love for God and our love for each other

C. You can not shame it, or regulate it, What each of us chooses to do as a work of faith must flow freely from our heart.

3. ENDURANCE IS INSPIRED BY HOPE

A. In the face of persecution they endured by the hope they had in Jesus

B. Endured by the hope that their work was not in vain

C. Endured by knowing they made a difference for God.

CONCLUSION: What will we be known for, what will people praise and thank God for?

Will our faith have produced work for God? Will our love for Jesus propt us to labor for the building of the kingdom. Will the hope we have in Christ inspire us to endure? If so than People will remember us as people of faith and praise God for efforts. Will you be part of that church?