We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing beloved brethren, your election by God. ( 1Thessalonians 1:2-4)
Paul and his companions prayed frequently for the entire flock at Thessalonica. Meaning his intial converts were Jewsish, but he made it unmistakably clear that the “church” was not only a Jewsih assembly, but rather one which gathered in the name of Jesus, the Son of God. The 3-fold combination of faith, hope, and love is once again the focus of encouragement that Paul is reminding them of what he sees in them. Paul is observing that in the fulfillment of ministry duties has resulted from these three spiritual attributes. Your election by God – The church is commonly called ” the elect ” (Titus 1:1), in salvation, the initiating will is God’s not man’s (John 1:13). Man’s will participates in response to God’s promptings or invitations by receiving the Word, and then like the Thessalonians turned to God from idols (v.9). These two responses describe faith and repentance which God repeatedly calls sinners to do throughout Scripture.
The quality of the message was confirmed by the character of the lives of these early Christians. Paul’s exemplary life served as an open book for all men to read, establishing the credibility of the power and grace of God essential to making God’s message of redemption believable to help others see their own need of repentance from sin, and turn and put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Dear Christian, God is today still looking for men of character and grace filled humility. Committed men and women to His Word, and their families, who are making a difference, an impact in their workplaces, and schools, and communities etc. That the gospel is still coming to others not in word only, but in power of the Holy Spirit (v.5).
May the Lord bless your walk!
this is just perfect!