The Three Legged Stool

When we consider the importance of balance in the life a Christian; a good visual representation is the picture of a three legged stool. The Apostle Paul, makes mention of three abiding traits in the life of a believer. This often quoted passage is not the first nor only time Paul connects faith, hope and love. A quick examination of the other mentions of “these three” give us a glance into their importance and place in the life of a Christ follower.

1Corinthians 13:13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Work/Labor/Steadfastness

1 Thessalonians 1:3-4 Constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you;

Colossians 1:4-5 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel

Ephesians 1:15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints,

Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

In context and wording: ACTIVE

FAITH

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

James 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

FAITH is not about what Happens or doesn’t happen to us!

Hebrews 12:2 Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Faith is about believing God and remaining focused on HIM. NOT our life circumstances.

FAITH sees a PURPOSE! God’s PURPOSE!

HOPE

We must ask what kind of HOPE? There are all kinds of Hope, experiential, practical, mystical.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Again; ACTIVE/UNSTOPPABLE
“the Hope of His calling”

Romans 5:2 Through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

HOPE sees a Prospect! Glory! The Glory of God.

LOVE

“the greatest of these”
“If I”?

You don’t have to look hard to see Jesus Christ in every descriptor in the Chapter.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

LOVE sees a person.

JESUS CHRIST

When we are off balance; thinking it is ALL about us; scripture reminds us of the three legged stool.

It’s NOT all about US.

It’s all about what God is doing in and through us. All He has done and will continue to do; His nature and character.

These three Remain!