CONSTANTLY BEARING IN MIND: mnemoneuontes (PAPMPN):

Hiebert notes that

A reading of the Pauline epistles makes clear that Paul assigned a high place to thanksgiving in the Christian life. Bicknell boldly asserts, "He seems to have made a rule never to offer a petition for himself or others without first giving thanks for blessings previously received."' In this rich paragraph of thanksgiving, Paul first sketches the character of the thanksgiving (v2) and then elaborates three grounds for the thanksgiving (vv 3-10). In the original, verses 2-10 form one long, involved sentence that presents some difficulties of punctuation and interpretation. (Hiebert, D. Edmond: 1 & 2 Thessalonians)

Constantly bearing in mind (remembering without ceasing, calling to mind) is placed emphatically at beginning of 3 phrases and probably should be taken as modifying each phrase.  Paul calls to mind the circumstance for giving thanks. We need to kindle our memory so that we do not neglect prayer. Here Paul and his team remember three outstanding spiritual virtues of the Thessalonians. The character and convictions of the Thessalonians brought them regularly to minds of Paul's team when they went to prayer.

F F Bruce comments that Paul, Silvanus and Timothy...

rejoice that these graces (work of faith, labor of love, steadfastness of hope) are manifested in the life and activity of the Thessalonian Christians. “The triad of faith, hope and love is the quintessence of the God-given life in Christ” (Bornkamm, Paul, 219). (Bruce, F F: 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated. 1982 or Logos) (Comment: In short, these work...labor...and steadfastness are the aspects of faith... love... and hope that can be seen as fruit indicative of genuine conversion. These Thessalonians are not mere professors but possessors of new life in Christ as manifest by the outworking of each of these attributes in their lives.)

Constantly (89) (adialeiptos from a = negative + dialeipô = leave off, cease, leave an interval whether of space or time) means uninterruptedly, without omission, without ceasing and was a word used to describe that which was done continuously.

An Egyptian papyrus letter written in the apostles' days uses adialeiptos to describe an "incessant cough."

And so the idea is not so much that of uninterrupted prayer, but of constantly recurring prayer (not a "hacking cough" but a "sweet savor"), praying every time you have a "tickle in your throat" so to speak, praying every time an opportunity presents itself. Jesus told "a parable to show that at all times (we) ought to pray and not to lose heart." (Lu 18:1) 

Paul gives thanks to God that faith has produced work and love has produced labor and hope has produced endurance. If you took those words all by themselves you might treat faith, hope and love as very general psychological forces that have inevitable effects on our productivity and durability. You might say, for example, that faith in yourself produces hard work, and love for family produces labor to earn food, and hope for victory produces endurance to finish the race. And, of course, that would be true. But it wouldn't be Christian. It wouldn't be of any spiritual or eternal value. It wouldn't be what Paul is talking about here.  

Hiebert comments that "constantly" presents

a problem of punctuation and consequent interpretation... because of the position in the original of the adverb rendered "continually" (constantly in NASB). Does it go with what precedes or with what follows? if the former, it connects with the making mention of the readers in prayer and emphasizes (by position) that this is without ceasing. If the latter, it properly describes the missionaries' unfailing remembrance of the Christian virtues of the readers.  (Hiebert, D. Edmond: 1 & 2 Thessalonians)

The NASB, NIV and most other modern translations interpret "constantly, continually" as modifying "bearing in mind."

Bearing in mind (3421) (mnemoneuo from mimnésko = recall to one's mind) means to keep in mind, exercise memory, call something to mind or recollect. The present tense signifies that this was their lifestyle.  The meaning is not that this memory occupied the missionaries to the exclusion of everything else but rather that their remembrance of it constantly recurred. 

YOUR WORK OF FAITH: humon tou ergou tes pisteos: (1 Thes 2:13,14; Jn 6:27-29; Ro 16:26; 1 Co 15:58; Gal 5:6; 2 Th 1:3,11; Heb 4:11; 11:7,8,17,24-34; Js 2:17-26; Rev 2:19) (Torrey's Topic Faith)

your work produced by faith (NIV)

how you put your faith into practice, how your love made you work so hard, and how your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ is firm (Today's English Version)

your work produced and characterized by the faith which is yours (Wuest)

not merely faith, hope, and love. It is faith which works, a love which labors, and a hope which endures (Stedman)

How did Paul become aware of the qualities he describes in this section? In chapter 3 he explains that

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you (see note 1 Thessalonians 3:6) (Comment: Remember that Paul was concerned that persecution might have led them to be tempted by the tempter and that his labor with them would prove vain. But with Timothy's return, his spirit soars with joy and thanksgiving, and so he opens this letter with thanks to God for the news of their work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of faith, for these three "signs" clearly indicate his labor among them had not been in vain but that they were authentic saints as evidenced by their fruit - work, labor and steadfastness - clear evidence that they possessed genuine Christian character.)

Green adds that...

Far from being passive or hidden virtues, their faith, love, and hope could be witnessed in the Thessalonians’ conduct...Although the object of their faith was God (1.8), this faith was given active expression in their work. (Green, G. L.. The Letters to the Thessalonians. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich.; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos)

Ray Stedman observes that

these phrases, the work of faith, the labor of love, the persistence of hope constitute an outline of chapter one: The work of faith is explained in Verses 4-5 and Verse 9; the labor of love is described in the latter part of Verse 5 through Verses 6, 7 and 8; and the persistence of hope is found in Verse 10. ...

What is this work of faith that Paul speaks of? He sums it up himself in Verse 9. There he speaks of how the Thessalonians had "turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God." That is faith at work. Faith is not merely belief; it is something that changes you. Faith makes you turn from what is wrong to what is right, from dark and hurtful things to right and true and healthy things. And, especially, faith will turn you from the worship of idols to God. Notice the direction of this action: to God, from idols. It is not put the other way around. You do not leave your idols for some reason and then painfully try to find God. What happens is that you discover something of the beauty, the glory and greatness of God, and, seeing that and wanting it, you are willing to forsake the cheap and tawdry things you have been trying to satisfy yourselves with. (Changed Lives)  (Copyright © 1972 Discovery Publishing, a ministry of Peninsula Bible Church.)

Work of faith - Their work originated from, emanated from or sprang from their faith. Faith alone saves but genuine faith is evidenced by corresponding good works in the Spirit. Notice the pattern in Ephesians 2...

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (See notes Ephesians 2:8; 2:9; 2:10)

Notice that in this famous passage, faith alone saves but bears the fruit of good works which believers are to walk in. The work of the Thessalonians was the result of their faith and just as important was also the evidence that their faith was genuine and not simply an intellectual assent to an emotional, persuasive message to "believe". The principle of good works as the fruit of real faith is seen repeatedly in Hebrews 11...

By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. (Comment: Abel's faith was genuine as evidenced by his "better sacrifice". Yes, Abel offered a blood sacrifice, but that was not the real reason it was better. The primary reason it was better was because of his authentic faith which led to true sacrifice, true righteousness and true witness declaring "Righteousness is only obtained by faith.") (See notes Hebrews 11:4)

By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. (See note Hebrews 11:7) (Comment: Was Noah's faith genuine? Clearly it was as demonstrated by his "works" in obedience to God's instructions.)

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. (see note Hebrews 11:8) (Comment: Abraham demonstrated his faith by his obedience.)

James teaches this same association between genuine faith and good works writing...

What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? (Comment: The construction expects a negative answer "No it cannot save him". Then James illustrates such a futile, spurious faith in verses 15-16) 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? (Comment: The answer is obvious - warm words with cold deeds are worthless!) 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. (Comment: "Even so" or just as a profession of compassion without works is a "dead" compassion, so too is a faith that lacks works) 18 But someone may well say, "You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. (Comment: The point is that even the demons have faith but that faith is not saving faith). 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified (here the verb means shown to be righteous) by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God (Comment: Abraham's salvation was by faith alone, many years prior to his offering Isaac. Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac was proof to all that his faith was genuine). 24 You see that a man is justified (shown to be righteous) by works, and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not Rahab the harlot also justified (shown to be righteous) by works, when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead (Comment: Most of us have seen a corpse. The corpse lacks the person's spirit and is thus lifeless. In just the same way, a faith has no works shows itself to be a dead faith or a faith that cannot save the individual) (James 2:14-26) (Comment: Paul is thanking God for the faith of the Thessalonians which is clearly a live, vibrant, authentic faith as evidenced by their works. A faith that is dynamic, active and real rather than static and lifeless will produce good works)

Calvin said

Faith alone saves, but faith that saves is not alone.

Moody said

It is to him that worketh not, but believeth. We work because we are saved; we don’t work to be saved. We work from the cross but not towards it.

Work (2041) (ergon) refers to active work and can also refer to the results of the activity, i.e., "achievement." Ergon in context pictures the whole Christian life work, energized by faith, empowered by His Spirit.  The phrase here is more literally "the work of the faith", and describes the work or activity that faith inspires or that springs from and is motivated by faith.

Utley writes that...

Each of these three phrases is in a grammatical construction that asserts that the work is produced by faith, the labor is produced by love, and the steadfastness is produced by hope. The focus is on active, faithful believers. Faith is always a response to God’s initiating activity. (Utley, R. J. D. Vol. Volume 11: Paul's First Letters: Galatians and I & II Thessalonians. Study Guide Commentary Series Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International)

A T Robertson adds that

We are justified by faith, but faith produces works

Earnest Best (A Commentary on the 1st and 2nd Epistles to the Thessalonians)  remarks

For Paul faith is the total response of man to the goodness of God seen in the death and resurrection of Christ through which man is redeemed; such a total response includes man's obedience to God and must therefore result in activity on the part of man.

Barnes comments that...

Works of faith are those to which faith prompts, and which show that there is faith in the heart. This does not mean, therefore, a work of their own producing faith, but a work which showed that they had faith. (Albert Barnes. Barnes NT Commentary)

Hiebert adds that in the phrase work of faith...

the emphasis is on the work that faith produces. If there were no faith there would have been no work. The faith of the Thessalonians was no mere speculative belief; it was energetic and productive. Paul fully agreed with James that faith without deeds is dead (James 2:26). Paul's reference is not to the initial work of saving faith but rather relates to the whole Christian life as it is ruled and energized by faith. (Hiebert, D. Edmond: 1 & 2 Thessalonians: BMH Book. 1996)

Faith (4102) (pistis) is synonymous with trust or belief and is the conviction of the truth of anything, but in Scripture usually speaks of belief  respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it. Note that this discussion of pistis is only an overview and not a detailed treatise of this vitally important subject. Those interested are directed to respected, conservative books on systematic theology for more in depth discussion (eg, Dr Wayne Grudem's book Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine is an excellent, uncompromising, imminently readable resource for the lay person. See especially Chapter 35 which addresses the question "What is saving faith?" in an easy to understand manner.) Much of this "definition" deals with the general word group for faith (pistis = noun, pistos = adjective, pisteuo = verb)

As pistis relates to God, it is the conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things well as the Provider and Bestower of eternal salvation through Christ. As faith relates to Christ it represents a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Stated another way, eternal salvation comes only through belief in Jesus Christ and no other way.

Maclaren writes that

Faith is the hand that grasps. It is the means of communication, it is the channel through which the grace which is the life, or, rather, I should say, the life which is the grace, comes to us. It is the open door by which the angel of God comes in with his gifts. It is like the petals of the flowers, opening when the sunshine kisses them, and, by opening, laying bare the depths of their calyxes to be illuminated and coloured, and made to grow by the sunshine which itself has opened them, and without the presence of which, within the cup, there would have been neither life nor beauty. So faith is the basis of everything; the first shoot from which all the others ascend...Faith works. It is the foundation of all true work; even in the lowest sense of the word we might almost say that. But in the Christian scheme it is eminently the underlying requisite for all work which God does not consider as busy idleness...

Your work of faith. There is the whole of the thorny subject of the relation of faith and works packed into a nutshell. It is exactly what James said and it is exactly what a better than James said. When the Jews came to Him with their externalism, and thought that God was to be pleased by a whole rabble of separate good actions, and so said, ‘What shall we do that we might work the works of God?' Jesus said, ‘Never mind about Works. This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent,' and out of that will come all the rest. That is the mother tincture; everything will flow from that. So Paul says, ‘Your work of faith.'

Does your faith work? Perhaps I should ask other people rather than you. Do men see that your faith works; that its output is different from the output of men who are not possessors of a ‘like precious faith'? Ask yourselves the question, and God help you to answer it. (Read full sermon on 1 Thessalonians 1:3)

Wayne Grudem defines faith that saves one's soul...

Saving faith is trust in Jesus Christ as a living person for forgiveness of sins and for eternal life with God. This definition emphasizes that saving faith is not just a belief in facts but personal trust in Jesus to save me... The definition emphasizes personal trust in Christ, not just belief in facts about Christ. Because saving faith in Scripture involves this personal trust, the word "trust" is a better word to use in contemporary culture than the word "faith" or "belief." The reason is that we can "believe" something to be true with no personal commitment or dependence involved in it. (Grudem, W. A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine Zondervan)  (Bolding added)

RELATED RESOURCES
RE: FAITH

Miscellanies on Faith-- Jonathan Edwards  

The Spirit Working Faith -- A. W. Pink 

True Faith -- A. W. Pink  

Fact! Faith! Feeling! - F B Meyer 

The Nature of Faith -- Thomas Watson (Interesting)  

A Godly Man's Faith -- Thomas Watson  

Three Men in Fetters -- Jim Ehrhard from Pilgrim's Progress  

Faith’s Way of Approach -- Charles Spurgeon  

Genesis 17:1,2 - Life, Walk, and Triumph of Faith - C H Spurgeon

Job 13:15 Faith Tried and Triumphing - C H Spurgeon

Job 23:6 The Question of Fear and the Answer of Faith - C H Spurgeon

Psalm 57:1, 55:22, Isa 50:10 Three Texts but One Subject - Faith - C H Spurgeon

Isaiah 44:5 Converts and their Confession of Faith - C H Spurgeon

Habakkuk 2:4 Faith: Life

Matthew 15:21-28 Faith Victorious - C H Spurgeon

Matthew 15:28 Perseverance of Faith - C H Spurgeon

Mark 1:15 Faith and Repentance Inseparable - C H Spurgeon

Mark 4:40 Why Is Faith So Feeble? - C H Spurgeon

Mark 9:23 Faith Omnipotent - C H Spurgeon

Mark 9:24 Faith’s Dawn and Its Clouds - C H Spurgeon

Mark 9:24 Feeble Faith Appealing to a Strong Saviour - C H Spurgeon

Mark 14:31 The History of Little Faith - C H Spurgeon

Luke 7:50  Saving Faith - C H Spurgeon

Luke 17:5 Mark 9:24 Feeble Faith Appealing to a Strong Saviour - C H Spurgeon

John 1:11-13 Faith and its Attendant Privileges - C H Spurgeon

John 4:48 Characteristics of Faith - C H Spurgeon

Acts 15:9 Faith Purifying the Heart - C H Spurgeon

Romans 10:17 How Can I Obtain Faith? - C H Spurgeon

Romans 10:17 Faith’s Way of Approach (MS Word) - C H Spurgeon (View as HTML)

2 Corinthians 5:7 Faith Versus Sight - C H Spurgeon

Galatians 3:2 The Hearing of Faith - C H Spurgeon

Galatians 3:11 Life by Faith - C H Spurgeon

Ephesians 2:8 Faith: What Is It? How Can It Be Obtained?- C H Spurgeon

Ephesians 6:16 The Shield of Faith - C H Spurgeon

Colossians 2:6  Life and Walk of Faith - C H Spurgeon

2 Timothy 1:12 Faith Illustrated - C H Spurgeon

2 Thessalonians 1:3 A Lecture for Little Faith  - C H Spurgeon

2 Thessalonians 1:3 The Necessity of Growing Faith  - C H Spurgeon

Hebrews 11:6 Faith - C H Spurgeon

Hebrews 11:6 Faith Essential to Pleasing God - C H Spurgeon

Hebrews 11:8 The Obedience of Faith - C H Spurgeon

James 2:17 Fruitless Faith - C H Spurgeon

1 Peter 2:6 Faith’s Sure Foundation - C H Spurgeon

2 Peter 1:1-4 Faith and Life - C H Spurgeon

1 John 5:1 Faith and Life - C H Spurgeon

1 John 5:4,5 Victorious Faith - C H Spurgeon

1 John 5:4The Victory of Faith - C H Spurgeon

1 John 5:9,10 Faith and the Witness Upon Which it is Founded - C H Spurgeon

Note: This preceding list includes most but not all of Spurgeon's sermons in which the word "faith" is in the sermon title.

Related studies on

The faith