Tag Archives: 2 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians 1-2

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Paul writes that he constantly gave thanks and prayed always for the Thessalonians, “so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you“.  Paul reminds them that “God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth“.  They were called to hear the gospel message, to know the power and example of Christ, and needed to stand firm in their faith.

The same message applies to us, called to the hope of the gospel, to witness of God’s mercy despite the trials of life, the affliction and deception. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word“.

Joel 3, 2 Thessalonians 3

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Joel 3 describes a time when the nations will be judged, a time when the men of war are stirred into battle. But in the midst of this judgement, there are a people that are safe. “the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel“.

Paul uses similar language in 2 Thessalonians 3. “The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one…may the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”  It is through our love of God, and the sure foundation of the work of Christ, that we have a place of refuge. We can find comfort in these words, knowing that God will help us if we trust and rely on Him.  Paul concludes his letter with a prayer for his readers, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all“.

 

Joshua 7, Isaiah 11, 2 Thessalonians 3

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Joshua’s reaction to a difficult situation is a great example to us. He approaches God, leading the elders of Israel in heartfelt prayer until evening, to seek understanding and forgiveness. God responds to that prayer, and the problem is addressed, allowing Israel to continue to conquer the land.

God kept His promise that Israel would inherit the promised land, just as He was faithful to the prophecies about Messiah, the “shoot from the stump of Jesse“.  Isaiah paints a picture of a time we all long for, when Jesus will judge the poor with righteousness  when the breath of Jesus’ lips will kill the wicked, and the earth will be full of the knowledge of God.  Even at that time, God will extend mercy “yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people.”  Our God is both just and merciful, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance“.

Paul describes God as faithful. “He will establish you and guard you against the evil one…May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ“

 

2 Thessalonians 1-2

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Thessalonians is a book full of encouragement. Paul writes “we pray always for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you.” An amazing idea for prayer, that God will help us reflect His glory. We have been called to a hope greater than we could imagine, and only God through His grace can make us worthy of that calling, but Paul prays for God to strengthen us in our efforts to serve Him.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” This is also my prayer for you all, that together we might be strengthened and comforted in our walk towards the kingdom.