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.
- What does it say about God and us?
Those who are chosed are loved by God; the gospel comes to unbelievers by power and the Holy Spirit; believers become imitators of the Lord with the joy of the Holy Spirit. God is living and true and He raised His Son, Jesus, from the dead, who delivers us from the wrath to come.
- Are there any cross references?
no.
- What is the main verse of the passage? Write it in your own words.
vs. 6: So you became imitators of us and Christ, because you received the gospel with much affliction, with the joy of the Spirit.
- Is there a command?
There is not a direct command, but there is a command that has been acknowledged.
- What is the command?
Work in faith, labor in love, have steadfast hope, become imitators of Christ, have joy in the Holy Spirit, set forth an example, turn to God from idols, and wait for his Son from Heaven.
- How can I follow this command?
1) Work in faith that God will accomplish the task for you. Whatever God needs done, He will accomplish Himself. God does not need us to accomplish His will.
2) labor with a love for God and your neighbor
3) ALWAYS hope in Christ
4) always ask the question: "What would Jesus do?" before anything you do and therefore, become an imitator of Christ
5) be joyful, rejoice in everything
6) set forth an example: live in a way that shows Christ in your life; actions speak louder than words
7) Every idol in your life set aside for God.
8) anticipate Christ's coming
