WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION TO SERVE, AND ENDURE IN THE FAITH?

(1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 KJV)  We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention
of you in our prayers; (3) 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;

WORK = er'-gon; toil (as an effort or occupation); by impl. an
act:--deed, doing, labour, work.

A. NOT FOR SELFISH GLORY OR GAIN GOD'S ATTENTION
B. NOT FOR SOME SPIRITUAL HIGH
C. BUT BECAUSE WE KNOW CHRIST

1. HIS SPIRIT LEADS US
2. WE RESPOND TO THE CALL
3. HE IS MY LORD AND SAVIOUR

D. I WORK FOR THE LORD BECAUSE I BELIEVE WHO HE IS.  (James 2:26)

1. I OWE EVERYTHING TO HIM
2. I TRUST HIM FOR ALL OF LIFE.

LABOUR = kop'-os; toil (as reducing the strength), lit. or fig.; impl.
pains:--labour, + trouble, weariness.

A. WHEN IT GETS TOUGH, WEARY, IN TROUBLE YOU KEEP ON WORKING IS DO TO LOVE.

1. NOT JUST BECAUSE WE KNOW AND HAVE FAITH
2. NOT BECAUSE THIS IS OUR REASONABLE SERVICE
3. NOT MOTIVATED FOR ANY OTHER REASON

B. BUT BECAUSE OF OUR LOVE FOR HIM AND OF HIM

1. HE LOVED US THAT MUCH
2. HE GAVE ALL FOR US
3. HE WENT MORE THAT THE EXTRA MILE FOR ME
4. HE STILL DEMONSTRATES THAT LOVE EACH DAY

PATIENCE = hoop-om-on-ay'; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance,
constancy:--enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).

A. WE ARE IN THIS FOR THE LONG RUN.

1. IT IS NOT A SHORT SPRINT BUT A ENDURANCE RUN.

B. PATIENCE BRINGS A PEACE AND REST IN ONES SOUL

1. HELPS US STAY FOCUSED
2. THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT SATISFY
3. REST OF KNOWING WHERE GOD HAS US RIGHT NOW IS GOOD.

C. PATIENCE SHOWS THAT WE BELIEVE GOD HOLDS THE FUTURE.

1. HE IS A REWARDER OF HIS PEOPLE
2. ALL OUR LABOUR IN NOT IN VAIN
3. GOD WILL AVENGE AND PROVIDE FOR US.

D. CHEERFUL ENDURANCE (1 Corinthians 10:10) (Psa 100:2)

A. HE IS THE BRIDEGROOM OF ONE UNIFIED BODY (Romans 15:5-6) (1 Timothy 6:11-12) (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)