Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4. What does it mean that God has chosen or elected us? Does that mean we don't really have a choice? On the other hand, does it mean that someone who is not chosen by God cannot have salvation even if he or she wants it?

Very interesting question. We always have a choice. God is expressing what he wants for all of us. We all have an opportunity to be saved. Because God has given you the opportunity to be saved you can be his elect. God has done everything necessary for you to be saved. We have to choose the gift He has provided for us. We must choose Christ.

How do the following texts help us to understand that salvation is our own choice? Josh. 24:15, 1 Tim. 2:4, Rev. 3:20.

In these passages we see in detail the choices God gives us. Daily it is put before us the choices of life and death. God is calling us and beckoning us to accept the life He provides. We can either accept or reject. Christ daily stands knocking at the door of our hearts what will your answer be.

Think through what it means to know that you have been "chosen" by God, that God wants you to have salvation, and that to be lost is an aberration from God's desire for all of us. What encouragement can you draw from this wonderful truth?

Knowing that you are chosen means that God is on your side. All the power of heaven is in your favor to be saved. Your salvation is almost guaranteed if you work along with the creator of the universe. We do not have to worry or fear because if God be for us who can be against us. Greater is He who is with us then he who is in the world.

Prayer: Lord we thank you for choosing us. Help us to choose you. In Jesus name amen.

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3. For what things are Paul, Silas, and Timothy giving thanks? What do these things mean in a practical sense? That is, how would they be manifested in daily life? For example, how is the "work of faith" expressed in how we live?

Paul and Silas are giving thanks for the Thessalonians. The thanks for the Thessalonias is centred around their faith hope and love. The Thessalonian’s have a work which is produced by faith.In the Amplified version it reads “A work which is energized by their Faith. The Thessalonians have a labor which is prompted by love. Their labor is a labor of love their and service is motivated by love. The Thessalonians have an endurance which is inspired by hope a steadfastness of hope ,an unmovable hope in the second coming of Jesus. Their faith hope and love are seen in their service, work and endurance.

For us today our work of faith can be seen in the way we live our lives. When we set out to do something for the Lord it take faith. The faith that we have gives power to the work that we do. Our service should be prompted by love. We should not do things for recognition or out of duty, we should do things because we are motivated by love. Our hope should be unshakable. When the world all around us is falling apart. When our own world is falling apart. We can rest our hope in in Jesus and His soon return.

What group of words in 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 has become famous because of the way they are used in 1 Corinthians 13? Which of them has the primary emphasis in 1 Corinthians, and why?

Faith, Hope, Love. In the Corinthian church they were more focused on their spiritual accolades and not the real reason why the gifts were given. Paul had to remind the Corinthians of the most important things. We also can get side tracked. We have to remember that love trumps all.

Prayer: Father we thank you. We desire a sincere faith. We desire hope, we desire your love. Please make our Christianity real. Help us to be steadfast in the reality of your soon coming. Thank you in Jesus name amen.