And who is the one who overcomes the world, but He who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1Jo 5:4–5
Gene Cunningham - February 20, 2003
The Word Working In You #3
Well-rounded Christian life Faith, Love, Hope. The work of Faith is transformation. It takes a family (Spirit, Father, Son) to illustrate love - "Mother" (1TH 2:7), "Father" (1TH 2:11), and "Child" (1TH 2:17- see JOH 14:18). See also EPH 3:15. Note the book of Ruth ends with a mother, father and child! Five crowns: (1) Incorruptible crown (1Co 9:25-27); (2) Crown of Life -- for faithful endurance (Jam 1:12, Rev 2:10) ; (3) Crown of Joy -- faithful witness (Phi , 1Th 2:19); (4) Crown of Righteousness - love His appearing -- to live in the light of eternity (2Ti 4:8); (5) Crown of Glory -- for faithful ministry (1Pe 5:4). Chapter 3 (1Th 3:1-13) concerns the steadfastness of Biblical hope; illustrated Ruth chapter 2:17-20. Ruth is a picture of thoughtfulness -- from her service she begins to have hope - confidence in the future. "Stand fast" (1Th 3:8)
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Ephesians 3:15, John 14:18, Revelation 2:10, James 1:12
From Series: "1st Thessalonians - The Word Working in You - Uniontown PA 2007"
The Word Working in You' is a study in 1st Thessalonians recorded at Uniontown PA on 19-20 October 2007. The primary focus of the Paul's epistles to the Thessalonians written A.D. 50-51 is Christian living in light of eternity which results in balance. The 'bookends' of 1Th 1:3 and 1Th 5:8 reveal the book's theme: the well-balanced Christian life. The book also teaches that God's Word works through faith. Interestingly this epistle is closely related in content to the Old Testament book of Ruth which provides a perfect biblical illustration of the practical truths of this book.