What do you hope for out of your faith?

I Thessalonians 1:2-10

Memorial Day: “Good morning, church. Before we dive into the Word today, I want to take a moment to acknowledge something important.

This weekend, our country pauses to observe Memorial Day—a day when we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in military service to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

These were sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, friends and neighbors—ordinary people who made the ultimate sacrifice. And today, we honor their memory, their courage, and their selflessness.

John 15:13 says,

‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’

That verse doesn’t just describe those who’ve died in service to our country—it also points us to Jesus, who laid down His life for us all. Because of Him, we not only have freedom here on earth, but the promise of eternal freedom and peace with God.

So today, we remember with gratitude.

We grieve with those who’ve lost.

We pray for peace in our land.

And we thank God for those who stood in the gap for others. And if you are a current military or retired or have a family member in the armed forces please stand. Thank you

Would you join me in a moment of silence and prayer as we honor their sacrifice?”

(Pause for a moment of silence)

Prayer:

“Lord, we thank You for those who laid down their lives so others could live in freedom. We ask comfort for the families who still carry that loss, and we pray for Your peace to cover our nation. Most of all, we thank You for Jesus, who laid down His life for the world. Help us to live in a way that honors both the fallen and our Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Introduction:

I want to provide an overview of our next series this morning. We begin a series called Keeping the Faith. Based on the church in Thessalonica. Now we know that Hebrews is the book we called the book of faith and share stories of men and women who displayed great faith in the bible. But in I and 2 Thessalonians, this is a great series to show us what type of faith and how to sustain it as a church. Apostle Paul is fascinated with this church. Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians are filled with affection, admiration, and deep spiritual care. He truly loved this young church, and his words show both a pastor’s heart and a parental tenderness. What amazed me is that when you read about his visit in Acts 17 it shares that he only got less than 3 weeks with them and yet with in that little time this church touched His life and you can feel it in the scriptures he wrote to them. Not only that He says in

Their Faith Was His Joy

1 Thessalonians 3:6–7

“But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love… Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you because of your faith.”

Despite Paul’s own hardships, the spiritual growth of the Thessalonians brought him strength and joy.

You Are Our Glory and Joy

1 Thessalonians 2:19–20

“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”

This is perhaps the most powerful expression—Paul sees them as his spiritual reward. The apostle Paul saw the power this church possessed.

Let me provide a little more context to the banners you see around the church. we have love, faith, hope and peace. These will be the 4 pillars this church will stand on.

The apostle Paul said in verse 3 here in 1 Thessalonians, 1 Thessalonians 1:3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. These are characteristics the churched possessed. So its my prayer to project this church with these 4 characteristics. When people come to visit us, they should mention one of these 4. When we are out in the community people should mentioned one of these, on our job, and every opportunity that God affords to us to let our light shine. People should mention one of theses about us.

We finished up love a few weeks ago and now we are ready for faith. A sustainable faith. Without a sustainable faith churches lose hope and direction and site of what thus says the Lord. So Paul, Silas and Timothy are going to witness to us the amazing faith of this church in Thessalonica.

So I know you wondering why I have two banners on the stage. Because I can’t talk about faith without mentioning hope. Hebrews 11:1 says For faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.

Hope is the expectation of something good, while faith is the confidence that what we hope for is real—even when we can’t see it yet.

This verse will help us examine our faith with this question. And is our title today What do you hope for out of your faith? What type of faith do you have? What do we hope for first. Are we looking for something to help our marriage, our finances help me get a job, help me endure my hardships, help me be a better christian in the church, my community? What do you expect from this church? Do you want to see more people in the pews? Do you think thats my job, or my preaching that will fill the pews? What is your responsibility to ensure we keep the faith. And do we know what type of faith is needed for that? Well these and other questions can be answered in this series.

When the Apostle made this statement in verse 3, it was based off a few months he spent with them in chapter 17 of acts. He identified some specifics

Three characteristics of these believers stood out in Paul’s mind.

First, they had performed an important work produced by faith in Christ. Verse 9 mentions that they had turned to the true God from idols. Faith in Christ had produced true repentance.

Second, they performed labor prompted by love for Christ. This consisted in their serving the living and true God (v. 9) in the midst of persecution (v. 6).

Third, they had endurance “a bearing up patiently under a heavy load”; cf. 2 Thes. 1:4) inspired by hope in Christ. Specifically they were waiting for God’s Son from heaven (1 Thes. 1:10). These three cardinal virtues should be stamped in the heart of every Christian—faith, love, and hope—stood out in the Thessalonian believers’ lives. We know these virtues from. 1 Cor. 13:13)

New Living Translation Chapter 13

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—

Each of these virtues found its object in Jesus Christ, and each produced praiseworthy behavior. The Thessalonians had exercised saving faith in Christ in the past when they had believed the gospel, they were loving Christ in the present, and they were hoping for His return in the future. Their lives were certainly focused on Jesus Christ. No wonder Paul and his companions gave thanks for them. look at verse 4

New International Version (2011) Chapter 1

4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord” The Thessalonians responded to the gospel by modeling their lives after Paul and his team—and ultimately after Jesus. They began to live differently. “for you received the word in much affliction” Even though it was hard and they were persecuted for believing, they still accepted the message. We may not have this type of persecution, but there are people out there that don’t want us to succeed. Are in disbelief that we are able to do what we are doing. “with the joy of the Holy Spirit” Despite the suffering, they were filled with joy—not from circumstances, but from the Holy Spirit. That joy was a sign that their faith was real and Spirit-powered.

Paul is praising the Thessalonians for how they received the gospel. It wasn’t just a message they heard—it changed them deeply. Even in the face of hardship, they responded with joy and began to live like Jesus and the apostles. This is a powerful example of what genuine faith looks like: Spirit-filled, joyful, and transformative, even when life is hard.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, This verse is a testimony of real transformation. The Thessalonians turned away from idol worship and embraced the true God, serving Him wholeheartedly. Their story became so powerful that others were talking about it everywhere. It’s an example of how genuine conversion can speak louder than any sermon—it draws attention and points people to God. In order to ensure we keep these pillars standing tall we still have some transforming to do. We cannot allow complaining and doubt to fill our walls and hearts.

So let’s look at some things we should hope for

1. Hope for Eternal Life

Scripture: John 14:1-3

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms…”

Our faith is rooted in the promise of eternity with God. Jesus reassures us that He has gone to prepare a place—our ultimate hope. This is not just wishful thinking, but a certainty based on Christ’s words. Application:

When life is painful or confusing, remember: this world is not our final home. Our hope is anchored in heaven.

2. Hope for God’s Presence in Our Daily Lives

Scripture: Psalm 46:1

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Faith is not just for the afterlife—it brings hope for today. God is with us in our trials, decisions, and even our doubts. We hope that we are never alone, and faith confirms that truth. Application:

You may feel abandoned, but in faith, you can rest in the hope that God is near. That hope brings peace.

3. Hope for Transformation

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Faith offers hope that we can change—that we don’t have to be defined by our past. In Christ, we are becoming something new every day. every challenge or tough situation is not always based off your transgressions. Application:

Are you struggling with who you used to be? Hope in your faith says God is not finished with you yet.

4. Hope for Others to Know Jesus

Scripture: Romans 10:1

“Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.”

Paul hoped for his people to come to faith. Likewise, our faith is not only about our own salvation, but also about the salvation of others. Application:

Who are you praying for? Faith gives us hope that God is working on hearts—even when we don’t see the results yet.

5. Hope for Justice and Renewal in the World

Scripture: Revelation 21:4-5

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’… ‘I am making everything new!’”

Our hope is that one day, every wrong will be made right in the site of God. The faith we live now is preparing us for a world without suffering, hate, or sin.

Application:

When you look at the brokenness of the world, don’t despair. Let your faith give you hope for the restoration that God has promised.

Conclusion:

What Do You Hope For?

“What are you really hoping for in your faith?” Healing? Direction? Forgiveness? Strength?

Love? Hope in Christ is never empty. Faith fills our hope with power. Final Scripture: Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Are you hoping for peace?

What type of faith do you possess?

You don’t know what type of faith you have until it's tested

Faith is not a quantity but a quality. Its the quality of how you go through it and who you go through it with. Who’s there with you?

In James there are level to your trials. Your tragedy becomes a trial and without God it's just a trial but with God you turn your trial into triumph.

With God You can come out better or stay broken

2 Timothy 2:11-13- 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

“As we remember the heroes who laid down their lives for our country, we honor them not only with our words, but with our gratitude—and with the way we live.

Memorial Day reminds us of something that’s hard to face: that life is fragile, sacrifice is costly, and freedom isn’t free. And for many, this weekend is more than a long weekend—it’s a reminder of deep grief and personal loss.

That’s why today’s message on faith and hope matters more than ever.

Because in a world filled with pain, division, and uncertainty—we need more than comfort.

We need faith that can stand through storms and hope that reaches beyond the a

Yes, we struggle—but not without faith. Because our hope isn’t in what we see—it’s in the God we trust.

So today, as we honor those who gave their lives for earthly freedom, let’s turn our eyes to the One who gives us eternal freedom—and ask: What does it look like to hold on to faith and live with hope, even when life is hard?

I pray that this series will strengthen your faith based off what you hope for in Christ Jesus