2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today we begin our look at 2 Thessalonians, a letter written by Paul to the church in Thessalonica, probably in the early A.D. 50s, soon after he wrote 1 Thessalonians.
Today’s passage is 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12. Let’s go!
2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 (NIV)
1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
On verses 1-2: Thessalonica was an important port city, located in what is now modern day Greece. When Paul started the church there during his second mission trip (Acts 17:1-10), Paul and his team faced dangerous persecution, so much so that Paul and his teammate Silas were sent away for safety reasons. From this letter we’re about to read, it will become evident that the Christians who remained in Thessalonica continued to face persecution for their faith.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)
3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
On verse 3: Paul commends the Thessalonian Christians for how their faith and their love for one another were both growing. Just like the cross has a vertical bar and a horizontal bar, there is a vertical aspect to Christianity (our faith and relationship with God) and a horizontal aspect to Christianity (our relationship with others). God made us to grow in both these aspects.
Also, these Thessalonian Christians were growing in their faith in God and in their love for others even while they faced the pressure of persecution. What can we learn from this? If you would respond to pressure with an attitude of faith, that pressure can help you grow in ways that you might not if that pressure was never there.
2 Thessalonians 1:4 (NIV)
4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
On verse 4: At the time that Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians, the church in Thessalonica was facing various forms of persecution and difficulties. The fact that they faced such persecution and trials with faith and perseverance gave Paul and his team reason to boast.
What can we learn from this? Face trials and persecution with faith and perseverance. When you do, your faith in Christ is proven genuine and you give the Christians around you a reason to boast and take heart themselves.
2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 (NIV)
5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you
7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power
10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
On verses 5-10: Paul reassures the persecuted Thessalonian Christians of two things: (1) God will defend and reward those who suffer for Christ’s name; and (2) God will punish those who persecute Christians. While persecution may only be temporary, the reward for suffering persecution and the punishment for inflicting persecution on others are both eternal. Such rewards and punishment will be given out when Jesus Christ comes again (v7). As Paul says in verse 6, God is just. God will not let evil and injustice go unpunished, and He will comfort His people who have been victims of evil and injustice.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NIV)
11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
On verses 11-12: Paul reassures his church in Thessalonica that he and his team are constantly praying for them during this time of persecution. He encourages his church to focus on their God-given calling (v11) and on glorifying God with their lives (v12).
What can we learn from this? It’s easy to lose sight of our purpose when we’re in pain. So when you meet others who are going through a painful time, pray for them. Remind them of the calling that God has on their lives. Speak to them in ways that encourage them to give God as much glory as they can during the difficult season.
Similarly, when you’re going through a tough time, never forget God’s calling and vision for your life. Fixing your eyes on that calling and vision will help you persevere.
Lord Jesus, thank You that when I face pressure and difficulties, it is a chance for my faith in You and my love for others to grow. Be glorified in me today. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
Copyright © 2021 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
