We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.,  1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

A. The Fundamental Virtues in the Christian Life

1. These are not of human origin

– Faith: Ephesians 2:8-9

– Love: Romans 5:1-5

– Hope: 1 Peter 1:3

2. They are inseparably linked to another

Romans 5:2-5, 1 Corinthians 13:13, Galatians 5:5-6, Ephesians 4:1-5,

Colossians 1:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, 1 Peter 1:3-9

B. Relational Virtues (Toward God, People, Christ)

1. Faith: toward God: Hebrews 11:1

– Knowledge of the truth: Romans 10:14, Romans 10:17

– Agreement with the truth: John 3:33, 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

– Trust in the truth: John 6:67-69

2. Love: toward God and people

Matthew 22:36-40, John 13:34-35, 1 Thessalonians 3:6, 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:3

3. Hope: toward the Lord Jesus: 1 Peter 1:3-5, Romans 8:18-25, Titus 1:2-3

C. Active Virtues (Evidence of New Birth, First love): 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

1. Faith

– Obedience to God’s commandments: Colossians 2:6-7

– Embracing God’s promises: 2 Peter 1:3-5, 2 Corinthians 5:6-7

2. Love: Deeds of service to others: 1 John 3:16-18

3. Hope: Affirmation/proclamation of the Gospel of hope: Acts 26:1-18