Big Idea: Jesus is the source of enduring hope. Hope is the spiritual ability to imagine a better future. 1 Thessalonians 3:1–2 1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, Hope exists where sight does not. 1 Thessalonians 3:3–5 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. What do you hope for? 3 Paradoxes of the Christian Life: We live in the world, but not of the world. We contend for the world, but will often be rejected by the world. We have a spiritual enemy, but we have spiritual victory. Matthew 28:19 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, John 15:20 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. John 17:15 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 16:33 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 1 Thessalonians 3:6–7 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. Who is in your corner? Whose corner are you in? Our hope is found in a victory won. 1 Corinthians 15:57–58 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.