Note: In the body on this article the verses from 2 Thessalonians 1 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.
Greeting
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When we are in fellowship with each other let us never forget to extend God’s love, grace, mercy and peace to each other in His name! Let us do this in all our dealings with each other, after all we are His children, and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ – God’s family! Let’s live worthy of our calling.
Thanksgiving for Faith and Perseverance
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,
In verse 3 the writers state that they are ‘bound’ to thank God for them always. The word bound is transliterated form the Greek word ‘opheiló (pronounced o-fay'-lo) and its expanded meaning is: To owe, to be indebted, to be obligated to and ought to do.
This is something we ought to be doing today as a Church, giving thanks to God for our brothers and sisters in Christ as our faith and love grows in the goodness of God! Just as Christ loves His Church! Let’s imitate Christ in every way!
Romans 8:29 (NKJV)
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (AMP)
Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,
In verse 4 Paul, Silas and Timothy take pride in the fact that the Thessalonian Church are bringing glory to Jesus in the way they are living. They have remained patient and faithful all through the persecutions and tribulations that they have faced.
This is a great lesson that we, today’s Church, should learn and grab hold of as we see evil increase in the world around us. Through persecutions today’s believer should have the same patience and faith as the Thessalonians. Without faith it is impossible to please God. We need to look heavenward and rejoice as our redemption draws near.
It is no coincidence that patience and faithfulness are two facets of the fruit of the Spirit. Today we, as born-again Christians, need the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us in the truth of God’s Word! Jesus has much more to tell us through the Holy Spirit’s revelation of the Word to us, both corporately and individually!
5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
In verse 5 the writers tell us that the persecutions and trials we suffer are manifest evidence of God’s righteous judgement so that we may be considered worthy of His kingdom, worthy of having Jesus as our Saviour, worthy of His calling!
It is only in Christ Jesus that a Christian can overcome the world and overcome trials and tribulations. Our peace is found only in Jesus! Let’s be a Church and a Christian that holds steadfastly to the teachings of the Word and our faith in Christ Jesus alone.
We live in a fallen World but because we have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we are no longer of this world, we are new creations purchased out of the world by His blood.
As children of God, we are joint heirs with Christ in His suffering so that we may also be glorified together with Him! We must live our lives worthy of the gospel.
As the Book of James tells us we should consider our trials and sufferings as joy as enduring faithfully through our sufferings produces endurance that will lead us into spiritual maturity and inner peace, the peace of Christ that is beyond our understanding!
6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
In verse 6 we are told because of the righteousness of God those who trouble us will be repaid with tribulation by God, they will reap what they sow! And in verse 7 we are given the assurance that we will have rest with the Lord when He is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels when He returns.
The Judgment at Christ's Coming - God’s Final Judgment and Glory
8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
In verses 8-10 we get a stunning reality check about the second coming of Christ and the glorification of those that know Him – believers, and the severity of God’s final judgement on those that do not know Christ – unbelievers!
The judgement of the unbeliever is described in terms of fire and vengeance, and they will be punished with everlasting destruction which is eternity in Hell where they will be in constant torment!
Praying for the Church
11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Since the Thessalonian Church was enduring persecution and tribulation, they needed prayer. Here, Paul and his companions recognise the need to pray for others and assured the Thessalonian Church that they are always praying for them. We too need always to pray for each other!
God gives Christians both as individuals and as a corporate Church a high calling! This calling is to be conformed to His image and to bring glory, honour and praise to His name. In this way we will see Him glorified in us at His coming. As Paul and his companions pray that the Thessalonians may be counted worthy of this calling so must we, today’s Church, be like minded and pray for each other to be worthy of His calling.
It is only by God’s grace that the name Jesus can by glorified in us! Are you living your life in a manner that is worthy of your calling and salvation in Christ Jesus?
When we, today’s Church, are living our lives in full compliance to His Word and are continually being filled with and led by the Holy Spirit in everything we do and say, only then will we bring glory to Him and be glorified at His coming!
Life application for today’s believers
1. Always give thanks to God for our brothers and sisters in Christ especially for those that lead us by God’s calling.
2. Live in a manner that will bring glory to Jesus in everything you do and say and in the way you conduct your relationships with each other – your brothers and sisters in Christ.
3. Be patient and faithful when you go through trials and tribulations – testing times.
4. Allow trials and tribulations to build perseverance in you in Chrit Jesus.
5. Rest in the peace and knowledge that God will bring judgement to those that persecute you. No unrepentant sinner will escape God’s judgement and punishment.
6. Always pray for each other!
Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
In the name of Jesus I pray that in the power of the Holy Spirit that you would help me to live my life in a manner that is worthy of your calling. I pray that you would help me to keep my Christian walk blameless and to have an ever repentant heart. Help me Lord to be a blessing to my brothers and sisters in Christ and to put the needs of others before my own. Amen
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!
Luke 21:28 (AMP)
Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.”
Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)
But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.
John 14:26 (AMP)
But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
In verse 5 the writers tell us that the persecutions and trials we suffer are manifest evidence of God’s righteous judgement so that we may be considered worthy of His kingdom, worthy of having Jesus as our Saviour, worthy of His calling!
It is only in Christ Jesus that a Christian can overcome the world and overcome trials and tribulations. Our peace is found only in Jesus! Let’s be a Church and a Christian that holds steadfastly to the teachings of the Word and our faith in Christ Jesus alone.
John 16:33 (NKJV)
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
We live in a fallen World but because we have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we are no longer of this world, we are new creations purchased out of the world by His blood.
John 17:17 (NKJV)
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
As children of God, we are joint heirs with Christ in His suffering so that we may also be glorified together with Him! We must live our lives worthy of the gospel.
Romans 8:16-18 (NKJV)
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
As the Book of James tells us we should consider our trials and sufferings as joy as enduring faithfully through our sufferings produces endurance that will lead us into spiritual maturity and inner peace, the peace of Christ that is beyond our understanding!
James 1:2-4 (AMP)
2 Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.
Philippians 4:7 (AMP)
And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
In verse 6 we are told because of the righteousness of God those who trouble us will be repaid with tribulation by God, they will reap what they sow! And in verse 7 we are given the assurance that we will have rest with the Lord when He is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels when He returns.
The Judgment at Christ's Coming - God’s Final Judgment and Glory
8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
In verses 8-10 we get a stunning reality check about the second coming of Christ and the glorification of those that know Him – believers, and the severity of God’s final judgement on those that do not know Christ – unbelievers!
The judgement of the unbeliever is described in terms of fire and vengeance, and they will be punished with everlasting destruction which is eternity in Hell where they will be in constant torment!
Revelation 14:11 (NKJV)
And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
Praying for the Church
11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Since the Thessalonian Church was enduring persecution and tribulation, they needed prayer. Here, Paul and his companions recognise the need to pray for others and assured the Thessalonian Church that they are always praying for them. We too need always to pray for each other!
God gives Christians both as individuals and as a corporate Church a high calling! This calling is to be conformed to His image and to bring glory, honour and praise to His name. In this way we will see Him glorified in us at His coming. As Paul and his companions pray that the Thessalonians may be counted worthy of this calling so must we, today’s Church, be like minded and pray for each other to be worthy of His calling.
It is only by God’s grace that the name Jesus can by glorified in us! Are you living your life in a manner that is worthy of your calling and salvation in Christ Jesus?
When we, today’s Church, are living our lives in full compliance to His Word and are continually being filled with and led by the Holy Spirit in everything we do and say, only then will we bring glory to Him and be glorified at His coming!
Life application for today’s believers
1. Always give thanks to God for our brothers and sisters in Christ especially for those that lead us by God’s calling.
2. Live in a manner that will bring glory to Jesus in everything you do and say and in the way you conduct your relationships with each other – your brothers and sisters in Christ.
3. Be patient and faithful when you go through trials and tribulations – testing times.
4. Allow trials and tribulations to build perseverance in you in Chrit Jesus.
5. Rest in the peace and knowledge that God will bring judgement to those that persecute you. No unrepentant sinner will escape God’s judgement and punishment.
6. Always pray for each other!
Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
In the name of Jesus I pray that in the power of the Holy Spirit that you would help me to live my life in a manner that is worthy of your calling. I pray that you would help me to keep my Christian walk blameless and to have an ever repentant heart. Help me Lord to be a blessing to my brothers and sisters in Christ and to put the needs of others before my own. Amen
To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!
Jesus the Name above all names!
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!
Nicely done! I never really caught on that it was collaborative- I just assumed Paul was saying, "These guys say, hey!"
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