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Faith, Love, and Hope

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 3, 1872

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 40, No. 25.

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Faith, Love, and Hope.

By A. S. Hutchins

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ!” 1 Thess. 1:3
In the 17th chapter of Acts, we have a brief account of the preaching of the gospel by Paul in Thessalonica, the metropolis of Macedonia; and of the reception given both the preacher and the gospel. “Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.”
The Holy Scriptures was his text-book. He was not rash nor impulsive. He reasoned with his audience. But did the majority act like men of reason? Did they appear like those possessed of, and governed by, reason? Did the greater part even of the professed people of God search the Scriptures prayerfully and diligently, comparing what they heard with the teachings of this sacred volume, and, by its divine truths, withstand and refute the arguments of the apostle? Or did they hold a prayer meeting, and seek counsel of God, and move like men actuated by principles of righteousness, and guided by the Holy Spirit?
No; maddened with hatred to God’s chosen servants, and the truths they proclaimed, and moved with envy, in union quickly with congenial spirits, “certain lewd fellows of the baser sort,” a company is gathered, the city is set on an uproar, and a cry rings out, “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also!”
Now, who was in fault for all this excitement, stir, and confusion? What had been done to justify all this disorder, strife, and persecution? What apology can be offered for the infuriated mob? Why, the gospel had been preached there, not “in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.” 1 Thess. 1:5. Some of the Jews believed, “and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of devout Greeks a great multitude, and of chief women not a few.” With these, reason sits upon her throne, common sense and a sanctified judgment mold their decisions and shape their course. Of them, the apostle testifies, “Ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.” What was the result of this ready reception of the gospel in its purity? Men were “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Here is a change. A breaking up of things. It is felt in the city, in houses, and in families. Henceforth those formerly united, separate, and go two ways. Some continue their practices of idolatry, others rejoice in and help spread the gospel of the Son of God.
The characteristics of their religion are commendable in the highest degree. Says Paul, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” A faith that works, a love that labors, a hope that is patient! Conclusive, indeed, the evidence of the genuineness of their conversion. An active, living, working faith! Not alone; accompanied and made perfect by good works. Yea, more, “it groweth exceedingly.”
Love labors. If possible, it outdoes faith. Elsewhere compared with faith and hope, it is said to be the greatest. It does not soon grow weary, nor seek an easy position. Cheerfully it bears the cross. It runs the Christian race with joy and gladness. It sustains the good soldier in untold hardships and conflicts. It inspires his heart with courage and fortitude in the most severe struggle, while faith holds before him palms of victory and crowns of glory.
Love feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, visits the sick, comforts the dying, labors to promote the usefulness and happiness of all. Amidst scorn, opposition, and bitter persecution, it seeks to honor the Most High, without a murmur, sustained by the blessed hope, “Deliverance will come.”
But hope is patient, not anxious to be quickly relieved of trials and temptations incident to a connection with the cause of God. Patient hope bears up the sinking spirit while traveling the cross-bearing, self-denying, pathway the dear Saviour trod. For his sake, scorn, reproach, and tribulations, are cordially welcomed, and submissively endured.
Paul says to his brethren in Thessalonica, “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.”
The result upon others of the reception of the gospel by the men of Thessalonica, and their joyful obedience to it, amidst the persecution they endured, is worthy of consideration. “For from you sounded out the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not speak anything.” 1 Thess. 1:8.
Suppose they had reasoned as some do now. It will not do to “make a break in society.” “We might better keep together.” “If others would move, I would, but as it is, I think I shall be justified in taking no advance steps.” Had this been their decision, they would have remained in blindness and unbelief, and never reflected the light of the gospel to others.
But God regards the oppressed and the oppressor. With this consideration the apostle comforts his brethren. A reward awaits both classes, seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” 2 Thess. 1:5–10.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Nov. 14, 1872.