1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
With the snow piling up I have noticed driveways that are not cleared and vehicles still covered in snow or stuck trying to drive through the uncleared snow. A car stuck in the driveway is of no use. The problem is that the owner chooses not to use the resources available to clear the driveway for the car. This may mean picking up a shovel or starting a snowblower. There are no shortcuts available. Clearing a driveway of snow requires attention and effort. In much the same way, becoming spiritually mature requires growth in spiritual knowledge, the effort of love and the continued practice of hope. In the first letter to the Thessalonians we see that Paul was able to present the gospel message to them, but then had to leave because of persecution. Paul begins writing this letter after hearing a good report about their spiritual growth. He notes their work of faith, their labor of love and their steadfast hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3). God started the work of faith as they understood the gospel message. The believers then put to use the spiritual resources that they now had and tied their spiritual service to a steadfast hope in Christ. Out of a love for others they spread the message of their faith and held fast to the hope that eternity with Christ is better than the present. There were no shortcuts to their maturity. Likewise our spiritual maturity is measured by our faith, love and hope.
See also 1 Thessalonians
With the snow piling up I have noticed driveways that are not cleared and vehicles still covered in snow or stuck trying to drive through the uncleared snow. A car stuck in the driveway is of no use. The problem is that the owner chooses not to use the resources available to clear the driveway for the car. This may mean picking up a shovel or starting a snowblower. There are no shortcuts available. Clearing a driveway of snow requires attention and effort. In much the same way, becoming spiritually mature requires growth in spiritual knowledge, the effort of love and the continued practice of hope. In the first letter to the Thessalonians we see that Paul was able to present the gospel message to them, but then had to leave because of persecution. Paul begins writing this letter after hearing a good report about their spiritual growth. He notes their work of faith, their labor of love and their steadfast hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3). God started the work of faith as they understood the gospel message. The believers then put to use the spiritual resources that they now had and tied their spiritual service to a steadfast hope in Christ. Out of a love for others they spread the message of their faith and held fast to the hope that eternity with Christ is better than the present. There were no shortcuts to their maturity. Likewise our spiritual maturity is measured by our faith, love and hope.
See also 1 Thessalonians
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