(1 Thessalonians 1:1-5)

I. I. Work of faith (1:3)

A. Not works of the Law (Galatians 2:16) or works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:11), but works which bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16)
B. True Biblical faith shows itself in obedience to the Word (James 2:20,26; Romans 10:17)

II. Labor of love (1:3)

A. “Labor” indicates an intensity of work accompanied by toil and trouble (Matthew 26:10; 1 Corinthians 15:58)
B. “Love” is seeking the highest good for another individual, even at one’s own personal cost or sacrifice (Romans 5:8)

III. Patience [or steadfastness] of hope (1:3)

A. “Patience” is refusing to waver from truth even in the face of trials or struggles (James 1:2-4)
B. “Hope” is a confident expectation of God to fulfill His promises (Titus 1:2)

IV. Election by God (1:4)

A. God predetermined the plan by which He would save individuals and purposed that plan to be accomplished through Jesus (Ephesians 1:5,11)
B. Through submission, we ensure our election (2 Peter 1:5-11)

V. The certainty of the message (1:5)

A. The word (Romans 10:17)
B. The power (Romans 1:16)
C. The Holy Spirit (Romans 15:19)
D. The assurance of faithful teachers – men who could be imitated because they modeled their lives after the Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)