Acts 17:1-9 & 1 Thess. 1:1-3
Affirmation and encouragement are two very powerful motivators.
At the core of affirmation is gratitude.
Paul has three primary purposes for his letter:
- To encourage
- To challenge
- To clarify
The Greeting:
“Grace” – The typical Greek greeting
“Peace” – The typical Hebrew greeting
Following this greeting Paul immediately expresses words of encouragement and praise.
Principles for keeping praise in proper perspective:
- Praise is to be directed toward God
- Praise is to be expressed as thanks
- Praise is to be engaged in continually
Three praiseworthy characteristics of the Thessalonians:
- Their faith that produced repentance
- Their love that produced a servant’s heart
- Their hope that produced patient endurance
When you think of our church, what comes to your mind as praiseworthy? What things are you thankful for?
- Give thanks for the faith that is evident
- Give thanks for the love that is expressed
- Give thanks for the hope that is embraced