Faith, Hope, and Love

Introduction: Which do you think is the greatest? Faith, Hope, or Love?
When you need FAITH, probably FAITH!
When you need HOPE, probably HOPE!
When you need LOVE, probably LOVE!
Yet, Paul writes what is called the LOVE chapter (1Cor 13). It is sandwiched in between the spiritual gifts chapters of 12 and 14. Consider the need for all three:
 

1. Do you need an extraordinary dose of FAITH in Jesus today?

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1Cor 13:13)

Faith is…..

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1)

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb 11:6)

We all need “mega” FAITH for these trying days!

However, Jesus said, “Have faith in God. 23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” (Mark 11:22,23)

Faith is not believing God can, but that He will!
 

2. Do you need an extraordinary dose of HOPE in Jesus plan for your life today?

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1Cor 13:13)

“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1Pet 1:3)

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.” (Heb 6:18,19)

Our HOPE is in Jesus!
 

3. Do you need an extraordinary dose of LOVE in Jesus plan for your life today?

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1Cor 13:13)

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Rom 5:3,4,5)

Notice all three words are used in this passage: FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE.
 

Conclusion: Whatever your need, Jesus can meet it. If you need forgiveness, Jesus will forgive. If you need acceptance, Jesus will bring acceptance. If you need peace, Jesus is our peace. If you need grace, Jesus has a storehouse of grace. If you need strength, Jesus is our strength. If you need heaven, Jesus will promise you heaven, and then take you there. If you need encouragement, Jesus will encourage you.

“Faith, Hope, and LOVE”

Jesus is really all we need!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese