Your Faith; Their Perception

1 Thessalonians 1:8-10

The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia – your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven whom he raise from the dead – Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Facts:

_Paul was thankful for the Thessalonians’ faith

_What was their faith like?

:: became imitators of Paul and of the Lord // v. 6

:: welcomed the message of joy // v. 6b

:: became a model to all believers in Macedonia & Achaia // v. 7

:: the Lord’s message rang out of M&A but everywhere // v. 8

_turned to God from idols

_to serve the living and true God

_to wait for Jesus from heaven; whom God raise from the dead and the one who rescued from the coming wrath.

Lessons:

_Are other people thankful for our faith?

_Can they prove that we have the faith?

_Are we an encouragement to those who brought the faith to us?

_How do we describe our faith right now?

_Is the Lord’s message ringing out around through us?

Belle:

_I ought to be faithful no matter what happens because I know that in the end, I will reap a harvest. I must continually be faithful in the work and labor in the Lord knowing that if I endure and hope in the coming of the Lord, God will reward us faithful.

_I do hope that people are thankful for my faith especially those who admonish and serve over me. My faith right now is doing its best to persevere and endure, getting back on the right mindset and right track knowing that this is what is important. I also need to work on ringing the Lord’s message out – not only around me but also beyond my “neighboring” relationships. I have to really work on evangelizing to others and doing my best to win them for Christ; letting them understand what God’s love is and how it can do well for their souls – the salvation from God’s wrath and eternal damnation.

Lord, right now, You know I am trying to get things back in order and better than what they used to be. I pray that You will continue to help me as I improve in my faith - to never waiver or shrink back from what is excellent and praiseworthy. I pray that my faith in You will be a great example to others and that they will understand your purpose – your love and you salvation – through the excitement of my faith. Thank you for the awesome example of the Thessalonians. I pray that I will be the same. Thank y for Your love that never changes. I live my life for Your glory, honor, and pleasure. In Jesus’ name, amen.