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
A. The Fundamental Virtues in the Christian Life
1. These are not of human origin
– Faith: Ephesians 2:8-9
– Love: Romans 5:1-5
– Hope: 1 Peter 1:3
2. They are inseparably linked to another: Romans 5:2-5, 1 Corinthians 13:13, Galatians 5:5-6, Ephesians 4:1-5, Colossians 1:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, 1 Peter 1:3-9
B. Relational Virtues (Toward God, People, Christ)
1. Faith: toward God: 1 John 1:1-3, Colossians 2:6-7
– By faith, we strive for a life pleasing to God: Hebrews 11:6, Luke 24:25-27, Colossians 1:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 4:1
– By faith, we strive for a life glorifying God: Psalm 40:14-15
Three acts of faith bringing glory to God
– Worship of His Person: Recognizing the Relationship
– Obedience to His Person: Deepening the Relationship
– Prayer to His Person: Enjoying the Relationship
2. Love: toward God and people
– The First and Great Commandment: Comprehensive: Matthew 22:36-40
– The Second Great Commandment: Impartial: Matthew 22:39-40
– The New Commandment: Sincere: John 13:34-35
3. Hope: toward the Lord Jesus: 1 Peter 1:3-9, Romans 8:18-25, Titus 1:2-3
– Generates glad submission to the timing of His return
– Develops patient submission to the timing of His return