Three Important Motivators! (part 1 of 3)

Three ideas frequently listed by Paul together in his letters are FAITH, LOVE, and HOPE. (i.e. 1 Corinthians 13:13; Galatians 5:5-6; Ephesians 4:2-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 5:8) Looking at the life of Paul we see these three as signs of his conversion to Christ and as strong supports for all that he did. He also noted their significance in the lives of others.

As Paul began his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he noted the following about them.
"(2) We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, (3) remembering before our God and Father your WORK OF FAITH and LABOR OF LOVE and STEADFASTNESS OF HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ." ( 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 ESV)

Today let us consider the first of these three; FAITH. FAITH is a thing of necessity. ( Hebrews 11:6) What impact did it have on the Christians at Thessalonica? It prompted them in their WORK for the Lord. James noted that WORKS are a natural outgrowth of genuine FAITH; FAITH and WORKS going intrinsically hand-in-hand. ( James 2:14-17, & 26) The WORK in which the Thessalonians were involved was a result of their FAITH!

One of the specific signs of their FAITH was in the fact they had turned away from the idols they had formerly worshipped in order to "serve the living and true God." ( 1 Thessalonians 1:9) Their FAITH in God prompted true repentance as their lives turned to Him and His Will.

FAITH is foundational to our Christian walk. FAITH will inspire from within us, WORKS indicative of our belief in God and our trust in Him to provide the means and strength to fulfill them. May our WORKS reveal the vitality of our FAITH as we seek to glorify His Name and accomplish His purposes.

Have a great day DEVELOPING A FAITH THAT MOTIVATES GODLY ACTION!
Carl

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