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PATIENCE OF HOPE

Text: 1 Thessalonian 1:3
29 January 2012

(I) THE PERSONAL REALITY OF PATIENCE OF HOPE (THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH)

“Patience of hope…” 1 Thessalonian 1:3

1. Combined expressions of faith, love and hope ( 1 Thessalonian 1:3 ) (cf. Colossians 1:4-5)

a) Work of faith

b) Labour of love

c) Patience of hope

2. Content of Hope

a) Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ ( 1 Thessalonian 1:3 )

b) Hope in the presence of our God and Father ( 1 Thessalonian 1:3 )

c) Hope in knowing our election ( 1 Thessalonian 1:4 )

3. Commendation of patience of hope (1 Thessalonian 1:2)

a) Seed of hope

b) Fruit of hope

(II) THE PRACTICE OF THE PATIENCE OF HOPE FROM BEGINNING TO END

1. Persevering at the commencement of hope

“Having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonian 1:6

2. Persevering in the continuation of hope

“For your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure…” 2 Thessalonian 1:4

3. Persevering to the culmination of hope

“And to wait for His Son from heaven…” 1 Thessalonian 1:10

(III) THE CHALLENGE TO POSSESS PATIENCE OF HOPE

1. Following great examples of endurance

a) The Lord (cf. Phil. 2:7-8, Hebrews 12:2 )

b) Paul and company ( 1 Thessalonian 2:1-2 )

2. Affirmation in the promise of the Lord’s return (1 Thessalonian 1:10)

3. Raising our ability to endure (2 Thessalonian 1:4)