The Twin Graces: Faith and Love

Sunday, November 8, 2026
Jojo Ma

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. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

2 Cor 4:2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.

For Paul, his ministry was centered not on the ideas of men but on the power of God, the gospel.

I.         The aim of gospel ministry
II.        The way of gospel ministry
III.       The joy of gospel ministry

I. The aim of gospel ministry
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.

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love.

These “twin graces” were the aim of Paul’s gospel ministry to the Thessalonians and every church he planted: faith in Christ and love toward one another.

1 Tim 1:5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Philem 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints.

Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

John Calvin: “In these two words, Paul comprehends briefly the entire sum of true piety.”

It is what Scripture tells us our aim is. We don’t have to get fancy and come up with new ways to draw and entertain people. We follow what Scripture tells us to do and that is to encourage an abiding faith and a growing love.

Remind yourself each day, by God’s help, that your goal is to grow to trust God more and genuinely love others more --- faith and love. If this is the focus, the aim, the goal of your life, you will be a more healthy Christian raising up other healthy Christians that make up a healthy church.

II. The way of gospel ministry
Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

1 Thes 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.

“What you save them with is what you save them to.”

10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

Scripture must be a priority for your daily life.

Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

III. The joy of gospel ministry
8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God.

We don’t convert people, God does. We are just the messengers. If we share Christ faithfully, that glorifies God. The results are up to Him.

8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God.

How will God use you in these ways? There is real joy to be had in the work of the Lord.