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Article Archive |
2008
These Three Remain
by Jim Morris
The apostle Paul revealed a powerful, three-part, New Testament theme when he said, “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by FAITH, your labor prompted by LOVE, and your endurance inspired by HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).
Paul shared these same potent ideas with the Romans (Romans 5:2-5), the Corinthians (1 Corinthian 13:13), the Galatians (Galatians 5:5-6), and the Colossians (Colossians 1:4-5). Also, the writer of Hebrews mentioned this holy triad in two places (Hebrews 6:10-12, and 10:22-44). Finally, the apostle Peter used them in his first letter to the churches scattered about Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:3-8, 21-22). This triple dynamic of faith, hope and love “in Jesus” empowers Christians to live and work “for Jesus.”
Consider the Lord's own words of encouragement when He said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3).
Jesus called for faith, saying, “Trust in God; trust also in me.” Then he gave His disciples hope by telling them that He was going away in order to prepare a place for them and that He would eventually return for them. Finally, He implied His love for His disciples by the high call to faith, hope and love.
FAITH produces action. Faith can “move mountains” (1 Corinthians 13:2). “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Therefore, we must develop an utmost trust in Jesus in order to do the things He requires of us.
HOPE inspires endurance. It is easy to get discouraged in the midst of trials and tribulations. However, our hope sustains us in the midst of temptation. Our one hope is to enjoy eternity with the perfect person, in the perfect place, with the perfect possessions. That perfect person is Jesus. That perfect place is heaven where Jesus lives. The perfect possessions are the treasures and rewards we have in heaven protected by God.
LOVE prompts labor. We love God because He first loved us. He demonstrated what love is so that we will follow His example. Jesus told His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). Jesus also said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching” (13:23).
If we are not accomplishing the work of Christ in our lives, then we must increase our faith, hope and love in Jesus. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1Corinthians 13:13).
05-21-08
# 21
