ESOCS Devotional 16 February 2025 – What Will You Be Commended For?
MEMORY VERSE: “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3 KJV
TEXT: 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-10
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
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The Thessalonian Church excelled in three areas of discipleship that exemplified them as a truly converted group of people: (a) work of faith – they carried their faith into action with an obedient response to the grace of God (2 Corinthians 4:15). Their faith moved them into action (John 6:29; James 2:14-26). (b) Labour of love – in their relationship with one another, they were moved into action to care for one another (Romans 16:6). (c) Patience of hope – because of their hope of heaven, they remained committed to Christ. Hope of eternal life in heaven moves one to remain committed to that which is necessary to arrive at one’s eternal dwelling in heaven. Summarily, their work, labour and patience were all in Christ. (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:26, 27). This was as a result of coming into a covenant relationship with God through obedience to the gospel.
One great lesson is that once one gives up hope, he loses his incentive to maintain a life that is governed by the principles of Christ.
The work of faith, labour of love and patience of hope of the Thessalonian Church earned them commendation. What will you be remembered for to earn commendation?
CHALLENGES
- Commendations are earned and not forced.
PRAYER POINT
- Holy Spirit empower me to work to earn commendation to be fit for heaven.
FURTHER READING: Romans 8:24 –25; 2 Thessalonian 1:3; Hebrew 6:1, 19
ESOCS Devotional 16 February 2025
