Faith, Hope, and LoveFaith, Hope, and LoveThe Trinity of Christian VirtuesThe Trinity of Christian Virtues

Faith, Hope, and Love at Thessalonica

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father; 4 knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election, 5 how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake” – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

Faith, Hope, and Love at Thessalonica

• Work of faith Work of faith = faith that works; faith demonstrated by works; works that come from faith

• Not the works of the law (Rom. 3:27-28)

• But the works of an obedient faith (Jn. 6:25-29; 2 Thess. 1:3,11; Gal. 5:6; Jas. 1:3; 2:14-26; 3 Jn. 5; Rev. 2:19)

• Do have a work of faith?

Faith, Hope, and Love at Thessalonica

• Labor of love Labor of love = love that labors; love demonstrated by labor; labor that come from love

• Not an empty love of words only (1 Jn. 3:14,18-19)

• But a love that keeps the Lord’s commands (Jn. 14:15), that serves (Gal. 5:13), and grows in action (1 Thess. 4:9-11; 2 Thess. 1:3)

• Do have a labor of faith?

Faith, Hope, and Love at Thessalonica

• Patience of hope Patience of hope = hope that endures; hope demonstrated by its patience; patience (endurance) that comes from hope

• Not a hope that quits or fails (Rom. 4:18-21; 5:3-5; 8:25)

• But a hope based upon scripture that is firm and endures to the end (Rom. 15:4; Heb. 6:17-20; Jas. 1:3-4; 1 Pet. 3:15)

• Do have a patience of hope?

Faith, Hope, and Love at Thessalonica

• Note their progressionprogression; faith begins the life (foundation), love advances the life (structure), hope completes the life (crowning top stone)

• Note their demonstrationdemonstration; each one produces something of importance

• Note their cooperationcooperation; each one works together with the other; not one-sided (faith without love, hope without faith, love without hope)

Faith, Hope, and Love

• They are three abidingabiding virtues virtues (1 Cor. 13:13)

• The are three influentialinfluential virtues virtues (Col. 1:4-5)

• They are three protectingprotecting virtues virtues (1 Thess. 5:8)

• This triad of virtues is absolutely necessary for the Christian’s life; not one can be missing

• Will you be remembered for your faith, hope, and love?