1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 Pt. 2
The Threefold Cord - Silver City Church
Sermon Overview
“The Threefold Cord,” from 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 (Part 2), explores Paul’s thanksgiving fueled by remembrance of the Thessalonians’ work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in Christ. The sermon braids these as a definitive, unbreakable cord—singular work, labor, and steadfastness—marking true church health. Faith knows and guards truth; love labors sacrificially; hope endures trials with certainty in Christ’s return. Believers are called to weave this cord into individual and communal life, rejecting subjective metrics for biblical fruit, living as thankful, prayerful people whose faith works, love serves, and hope holds fast.
Key Takeaways
Paul remembers their singular “work of faith” (1:3)—diligent labor to know, own, articulate, and guard the definite truth of Scripture. The sermon calls for treasuring doctrine, studying God’s Word, and using creeds/confessions as guardrails.
Their “labor of love” (1:3) is sacrificial, cross-like service flowing from faith. The sermon urges love that bears burdens, forgives, and serves the unlovely, not mere sentimentality, adorning the gospel.
Their “steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:3) is endurance anchored in Christ’s return. The sermon portrays hope as confident expectation, refusing despair amid trials, holding fast to the confession.
Faith, love, hope form an unbreakable cord (Eccl 4:12). The sermon urges churches to be known for this biblical fruit, not outward metrics, guarding unity and rejecting subjective error.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: Work of Faith
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Devotional Idea: Labor to know and guard the truth.
Paul remembers their work of faith (1:3). The sermon calls for treasuring Scripture and doctrine. Reflect on your engagement with God’s Word. The sermon urges studying to articulate truth. How can you deepen your knowledge this week? Ask God to fuel your faith through His Word.
Day 2: Labor of Love
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Devotional Idea: Serve sacrificially from faith.
Their labor of love (1:3) flows from faith. The sermon urges cross-like service. Reflect on how you love others. The sermon calls for bearing burdens and forgiving. How can you labor in love today? Ask God to empower your love.
Day 3: Steadfastness of Hope
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Devotional Idea: Endure trials with hope in Christ.
Their steadfastness of hope in Jesus (1:3) endures hardship. The sermon portrays hope as confident expectation. Reflect on trials testing your hope. The sermon calls for holding fast. How can hope steady you? Ask God to anchor your hope.
Day 4: Threefold Cord
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12
Devotional Idea: Weave faith, love, hope together.
The sermon braids faith, love, hope as an unbreakable cord. Reflect on how these virtues interlink in your life. The sermon urges guarding unity. How can you strengthen this cord? Ask God to bind you in Christ.
Day 5: Guard the Cord
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Devotional Idea: Protect faith, love, hope from fraying.
The sermon warns against fraying the cord through error or division. Reflect on threats to your faith. The sermon calls for vigilance. How can you guard this cord? Ask God to keep you steadfast in truth.
Reflection and Application Questions
- Reflection: How does Paul’s remembrance of the Thessalonians’ work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope define true church health?
- Reflection: Why does the sermon emphasize these as a singular, definitive “cord” rather than subjective or isolated virtues?
- Reflection: How does the threefold cord guard against error and division in the church?
- Application: Identify one thread (faith, love, hope) needing strengthening; commit to a specific action this week (e.g., study, serve, endure).
- Application: Encourage someone in your church by naming their faith, love, or hope, thanking God for it in prayer.
Scripture References and Cross-References
- Main Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
- Cross-References: Ecclesiastes 4:12 (threefold cord), James 2:19 (faith of demons), John 13:35 (known by love), Hebrews 10:23 (hold fast confession), 1 Corinthians 13:13 (faith, hope, love)
Westminster Confession Connection
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3’s triad of work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope aligns with the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 16, Section 2, which teaches that good works are the fruits and evidences of true faith, manifesting thankfulness, strengthening assurance, and adorning the gospel. The sermon’s emphasis on this threefold cord reflects faith working through love and enduring in hope, rooted in union with Christ. Believers are called to guard this cord, living as thankful, prayerful people whose lives glorify God.
Westminster Confession Citation
Chapter 16, Section 2: These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith: and by them believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God… [Scripture proofs: James 2:18, 22; Psalm 116:12-13; 1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 5:16]
Catechism Connections
Shorter Catechism, Q. 86: What is faith in Jesus Christ? Faith in Jesus Christ is a saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation, as He is offered to us in the gospel. [Scripture proofs: Galatians 2:20; John 1:12; Ephesians 3:17]
Larger Catechism, Q. 74: What is saving faith? Saving faith is the grace whereby we believe and rest upon Christ alone for salvation, as He is offered to us in the gospel, and is the ground of all our hope and confidence in Him. [Scripture proofs: Hebrews 11:1; Romans 4:5; Galatians 2:20]
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