Study Desk

In the presence of our God and Father, we constantly remember how your faith is active,your work of faith">[fn] your love is hard at work,your labor of love">[fn] and your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ is enduring.the endurance of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ">[fn]John 6:29; Romans 16:6; Galatians 5:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:3,11; Hebrews 6:10; James 2:17;">[xr]

for the gospel we broughtour gospel">[fn] did not come to you in words only, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. Indeed,Just as">[fn] you know what kind of people we proved to be while we were with you, acting on your behalf.Mark 16:20; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 4:20; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Colossians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:1,5, 10-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:7; Hebrews 2:3;">[xr]

You became imitators of us and of the Lord. In spite of a great deal of suffering, you welcomed the word with the joy that the Holy Spirit produces.the joy of the Holy Spirit">[fn]Acts 5:41; 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; Hebrews 10:34;">[xr]

For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in union with Christ Jesus. You suffered the same persecutions from the people of your own country as they did from those JewsActs 17:5,13; Galatians 1:22; Hebrews 10:33-34;">[xr]

For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness.Leviticus 11:44; 19:2; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:14-15;">[xr]

Now you do not need anyone to write to you about brotherly love, since you have been taught by God to love each other.Jeremiah 31:34; Matthew 22:39; John 6:45; 13:34; 14:26; 15:12; Ephesians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:1; Hebrews 8:11; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 2:20,27; 4:21;">[xr]

Brothers, we ask you to show your appreciation for those who work among you, set an example for you in the Lord, and instructadmonish">[fn] you.1 Corinthians 16:18; Philippians 2:29; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7,17;">[xr]

We urge you, brothers, to instructadmonish">[fn] those who are idle,disorderly">[fn] cheer up those who are discouraged, and help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.Romans 14:1; 15:1; Galatians 5:22; 6:1-2; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 12:12;">[xr]