2 THESSALONIANS

Chapter ONE

Thanksgiving for Faith and Perseverance

Theme: Persecution of Believers Now and Judgment of Unbelievers at the Coming of Christ.

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

www.godsbreathpublications.com

 

Please consider reading the entire first Chapter of 2 Thessalonians sometime during each day of the week. This will help you absorb the content of the chapter as well as gain spiritual truths from this marvelous book of the Bible. You will be amazed at the insights that will come from such consistent readings, as well as the growth of your spiritual knowledge. You will also notice how God’s Word will impact your life in the way you relate to your Heavenly Father as well as think, act and treat others around you.

 

In order for this devotional to help you learn and apply what is beneficial to your spiritual growth, I would encourage you to approach this devotional study with a commitment to observe these five steps each day.

 

First, pray before you read the scripture, that you will seek to both understand and apply what you learn.

(Psalms 119)

 

Second, read the scripture passage with a passion and a desire to be convicted by what you read.

(Psalms 37:29-31)

 

Thirdly, seek to meditate and absorb what you read and respond to how the Holy Spirit will convict you to act.

(John 16:13-15)

 

Fourthly, challenge yourself how you might apply the convictions that come from the scripture and the Spirit.

(Psalms 1:1-3)

 

Fifthly, pray once again, that you will consistently act upon what the Holy Spirit is prompting you to do.

(James 1:22-25)

 

Below each portion of scripture I may at times present additional information helpful to understanding the passage. I will always give you questions for your consideration and to stimulate action on your part. You may not wish to explore each question, but I would challenge you to seek to address most if not all of the points I lay before you to gain the most from the devotional.

 

DAY ONE

 

“1 Paul and 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 the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

As in the opening verse of 1 Thessalonians, here Paul again addresses the Thessalonian Christians placing himself, Silvanus and Timothy on equal ground. Each had been ordained by God to lead a spiritual assault on the European continent for Christ and changing the course of history in the known world. Paul was a preacher evangelist. Silas was a teacher and Paul’s right hand man. Timothy was a young pastor ever ready to serve his mentor, Paul. Paul was enjoyed the privilege of being a Roman citizen, born a Jew and being raised in a Greek city. This multi-faceted history gave him skills in relating to all aspects of civilization at the time. He was also highly trained in the Jewish faith. Silas was an urbanite and loved by all the apostles. He served His Lord often in the shadow of Paul, content with being supportive and an encourager of Paul and Timothy. Timothy was more of a humble hardworking country boy with the energy of youth, while also possessing some lack of experience of the world. He was half Gentile and half Jew. Timothy was a young man who could be trusted and who could be depended upon to follow through with any task he was given. While Paul was an authorized apostle chosen personally by Jesus Christ, he did not place himself above his fellow friends as to privilege or honor. This is a mark of true humility and a willingness to compliment and encourage those he ministered with. This is the true spirit of humility that our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated in His life as well as a servant of God.

 

* Have you been in situation where you were able to honor others even though you possibly were technically due the honor yourself? This might have been a situation where you were in charge of a ministry or event as a leader, but rather than draw attention to yourself, you gave honor to others who served with and under your leadership. Consider this example as a role model to follow in the future when you are placed over others or lead with others in a ministry or even at work. Honor spread over those who serve with you will go a long way in encouraging them in their work, whether it is in a church ministry, service club or at work.

 

Paul often greeted others with the magnificent grace of our Heavenly Father while mentioning the peace that comes from His loving grace and mercy.

 

* While we do not usually greet others in this manner today, are there ways you can extend such grace and peace to those you come in contact with today? Write down some ideas of how to greet, say hi or welcome others that you meet that reflects the grace and peace that God has granted you. Consider using these ideas in your beginning conversations with others to reflect your faith, your blessings of knowing Christ and to encourage them in their faith.

 

You will notice in both verses 1 and 2 that Paul links God the Father with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Here Paul is casually teaching a central truth to the Christian faith, that the Father and Son are coequal members of the Holy Trinity. We worship a triune God, Father, Son and Spirit. It is likely that Paul does not mention the Holy Spirit here, because he has already taught the followers of Christ at Thessalonica that the Holy Spirit lives within them (1 Thessalonians 4:8, 5:1).

 

* Why is it so important to remember that we serve a triune God, Father, Son and Spirit? While this is difficult for us to fully comprehend, how would you explain this to another Christian who is unclear on this? How would you explain it to a non-believer who does not understand this Christian belief?

* Look up the following verses and see how in God’s Word how the concept of a “triune” God is supported in the Christian faith.

John 15:26, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Galatians 4:6. (You may also wish to go to my website and read the article “The Holy Trinity.” It can be accessed by going to “www.godsbreathpublications” online, clicking on “Christian Doctrine” in the right column and then clicking on the document, “The Holy Trinity.”)

 

“3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater;”

 

The Greek word used for “ought always” is “opheilo” and means “under moral obligation to take action.” Paul compelled morally to consistently pray for those he had led to the Lord. Here we see a most important concept to apply to our relationships with other Christians, giving thanks and praying for those who are role models for us and who love us in the faith. When you think of it, one reason fellowship with other followers of Christ is so important is so that we can see faith expressed in their lives and see love demonstrated towards us and others as well. Each of us should be both, a mentor to someone who needs a Christian role model and, a student of someone who is stronger in the faith than we are. This interaction places responsibility on all of us to help each other grow in our faith and holiness. Here Paul is being the encourager when he praises the believers in Thessalonica for their faith that is growing and their love that is demonstrated towards others.

 

* Do you have a Paul in your life, someone who encourages you, serves as a role model to pattern your life after? Write down their name and seek to pray for them. Also, mention to them your appreciation for their Christian example in your own spiritual life. While we are to let the Holy Spirit lead in our life while we have Jesus Christ as our role model, often we need faith and love with “skin on.” In other words, we need someone physically present in our lives to model our lives after. Often we will also be to others, a model for them to emulate when it comes to Christian spiritual behavior and thinking. This is how growth takes place in our lives and the lives of others.

* Do you have a Timothy in your life, someone who you mentor or encourage, helping them grow in their faith in God? If not consider praying that God brings someone to your mind you can reach out to or brings someone into your life you can help grow in their faith. You will find great blessings as you minister to them. There is always the possibility, for it has happened to me, that as they grow in their faith they may return the blessing and become a mentor to you as well. What a blessing that is!

 

Warren Wiersbe states regarding verses 1-3, “When Christians suffer, their faith reaches upward to God, and their love reaches outward to their fellow believers.”

 

* When you face a suffering situation, does your faith reach up to God? Does your love reach out to your fellow followers of Jesus Christ? How do both of these actions help support your endurance through the situation and sustain you until it is over?

 

In these verses we see Paul thank God for the faith of the followers of Christ at Thessalonica that is growing greatly and their love for one another that is increasing. These are the marks of true Christians, growing in their faith and increasing in their love for their fellow believers.

 

* Do you see growth in your faith over the last few months or year? Do you sense an increasing love for other followers of Christ as time passes on? If not, pray that the Holy Spirit who lives within you will empower you in these areas to grow in faith and in your love for other Christians.

 

DAY TWO

“4 therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.”

 

The result of growing in your faith is mentioned by Paul here concerning the Thessalonian Believers. Paul had contact with many Christians in many towns and through letters he wrote. Here he mentions that he was sharing with others, not only their godly perseverance amidst persecutions, but also their dedicated and increasing faith while they endured such afflictions. Pliny the Elder wrote in the first century that is was in Thessalonica that the first Gentile Christians were killed due to their faith in Jesus Christ. These persecutions and tortures of Christians in Thessalonica were the sparks of persecution that would grow into a burning fire under Nero in a few years and reach a fever pitch during the reign of Diocletian. It is one thing to endure the storms of life, it is quite another to continue to grow in trust and love for God in the midst of them. Persevering through affliction develops maturity. Sometimes we simply endure trials as a Christian with a frown and despondent attitude. Our calling is to understand the place and purpose of trials in our lives and grow in our faith. This does not mean we will not suffer pain, shed tears or need help in coping, but it does mean that the sustaining power in our lives in such times will be a trust in God, that He loves us, sympathizes with us and will give us the ability to get through these tough times. We also gain the understanding in such afflictions, that we are being refined like gold as we understand the purpose of trials, to increase our faith and develop spiritual maturity.

 

Paul here uses the Greek word “hupomone” for “perseverance.” This word implies a “cheerful and hopeful endurance” in hard times. It describes an endurance that is constant, not transitory. Some translations use the English word “patience” for “perseverance” because there is a suggestion that there is an ability of the person with this spiritual trait to “stand under” their hardships with joy and determination. Most of us wish to “get out from under” our hardships. While this is only natural, when such hardships are beyond our control, the follower of Christ, “stands under” such difficulties with trust in the Lord Jesus and a faith in their Heavenly Father, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Warren Wiersbe in his commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians states; “But God never wastes suffering. Trials work for us, not against us (2 Corinthians 4:15-18; James1:1-5). If we trust God and yield to Him, then trials will produce patience and maturity in our lives. If we rebel and fight our circumstance, then we will remain immature and impatient. God permits trials,

 

* If you were to evaluate your attitude towards a difficult trial you have experienced in life, would you say others would have seen a strong Christian witness of trust in God and a growth in your faith? If not, what hindered you from being able to respond better?

* If you feel that you did not respond well to a trial or hardship, did you seek God more consistently and persistently than when you were not going through the trial? Very likely God may have allowed this hardship to draw you back to Him as well as grow your faith. Would you say now that if you would face this same hardship again that you would respond with a little more faith, more trust in God and with a better understanding that God wished to build your faith and perseverance?

 

1 Peter 4:12-13 states, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”

 

* How does this verse in 1 Peter relate to 2 Thessalonians 1:4 in regards to persevering in a storm of life. While we shouldn’t wish to have hardships, sufferings and trials, we should not be surprised that they take place. How can you better anticipate and respond in a persevering manner to the trials that come upon your life?

 

DAY THREE

“5 This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.”

 

Paul here mentions one of the reasons God allows us to experience pain and suffering in life. It is true that when we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and ask for forgiveness for our sins, God forgives us. It is also true that He accepts us for who we are when we make such a confession of sins, but He also loves us too much to leave us that way. God wants to mold us into the image of His Son and this process is much like the refining of precious metal. Smelting ore from the earth is a process by which precious metals are extracted from the rough rock. Heat and pressure are necessary to extract the precious metal. Unless this is done it would be impossible to create beautiful jewelry, fabricate intricate computer components or parts for complicated medical devices. The same is true of us as followers of Christ. After we are saved from our sins, our Heavenly Father wishes to refine us by extracting the impurities from us through trial and hardship. The heat and pressure from the storms of life purifies our faith as we seek God and let Him work in our lives. But this process works only if we choose to seek Him and place our life in His hands. We always have a choice with pain and difficulty, seek the Lord or rely upon our own resources. While when we are saved from our sins and granted salvation when we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are called upon to respond to the challenges of life in a godly fashion so that we are “considered worthy of the kingdom of God.”

 

* Paul states here that “God’s righteous judgment” often involves allowing us to go through trials in life. He also states that this is so that we “will be considered worthy of the kingdom.” “Worthy” here does not mean we make ourselves worthy, rather, that God will declare us worthy because of our steadfastness and faithfulness in the midst of persecution and trials. Does this seem right for God to do this? We know we are considered worthy to go to Heaven, approach God in prayer and to receive His Holy Spirit because we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Why would God wish to test our faith and seek to grow it even more so that we would be considered worthy of His kingdom? Could it be that God wishes us to grow in our faith because He wishes us to enjoy the full blessings of Heaven when we arrive there? Could it be that God wishes us to become more than we are at the moment and to conform more to the image of His Son so that we are better prepared for our eternal existence in Heaven? Meditate on these concepts and see how it changes your view and response to trials and sufferings in life as a follower of Jesus Christ.

 

Charles Swindoll comments on this verse and the following ones by stating, “Through our tears, the image of God often becomes blurred. Our painful experiences cause us to perceive God as standing in some far-off corner of our lives – distant, indifferent, and powerless. We misinterpret His patience as absence, His deferment of judgment as a deplorable lack of justice. Romans 13:3 refocuses our understanding of God: ‘Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!’…When we don’t get an immediate answer, we feel God either doesn’t hear, doesn’t care, or can’t help.” But as we are patient and trust our Heavenly Father we find that He has deeper purposes in our lives than to give us everything we want every time we want it. Whether it is enduring the evil done to us by others, remaining steadfast during the experiences of living in a sinful world or reaping what we have brought upon ourselves, we must patiently wait for God, in His wisdom, to bring resolution to our situation as He makes available to us His peace, strength and power.

 

* Write down an experience you endured where you felt God was distant and you were unsure as to if He was hearing your prayers of petition. How did God work in this situation to build your faith? Did you discover things about yourself that needed to be revealed through this experience? Are you now able to use this experience to minister to others who are going through a similar difficult experience?

 

* Consider this thought: When you are carrying a load of suffering to the Lord in prayer, do you ask for Him to lighten the burden or a stronger back to bear it? Often we ask for removal of the burden, when God is allowing it to strengthen our faith. While our natural tendency is to ask for the load to be removed, possibly we should consider also praying for a stronger faith to endure it. What are your thoughts on this?

 

DAY FOUR

“6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,”

 

Paul continues in verse 6 with another concept tied to verse 5. Trials and hardships are often experienced at the hands of those who wish us harm and injury. These difficult experiences can refine our faith and allow us to be worthy of our future in Heaven. But another aspect of allowing such unpleasant experiences in our lives is for God to be justified in afflicting those who afflict His spiritual children. If you think deeply about the “affliction” God places in the lives of those who “afflict us,” it is true that this is righteous judgment which can at times, drive such sinful people to Him. In such righteous judgment, such people see that there are consequences to their actions and sometimes they respond in repentance and confession of sin. They become followers of Christ as we are and experience the great relief of being forgiven of their sins, even the sins they committed against us. I believe that very likely such individuals might never come to Christ, if it were not that they were confronted with their sins against us with God’s righteous judgment. While justice is not always done in this life, we can be confident that at the Great White Throne judgment, God will afflict all those who never repent from their sins with eternal death in Hell. Affliction for us as followers of Christ gives an opportunity to grow in our faith and dependence on God. Affliction for non-believers is a righteous judgment on their lives to drive them to God. Affliction in life is also at times a judgment for doing wrong and breaking the laws of God.

 

* Does it help you to know that when you are afflicted by others that God does not ignore their actions and deeds, that He will afflict them? Can you release this judgment to God without seeking revenge or judgment yourself? Read Romans 12:19-21 as you think about your response.

* Does it help you to know that when you are afflicted by others that you may be participating in the process of them coming to salvation in the Lord as I mentioned above? Why do some people have to reap what they sow in the judgment of God before they respond to His calling on their life?

 

“7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,”

 

Paul in verse 7 shares that the afflictions that we experience in life and by the hands of others will eventually cease when the Lord Jesus Christ will be return to earth with “His mighty angels in flaming fire.” Here Paul is speaking about the last part of the Day of the Lord, when Jesus returns to the earth to make war against the ungodly and the anti-Christ. Fire is often used to describe or refer to our God. Hebrews 12:29 tells us that God is a consuming fire. God used fire to punish at times, Leviticus 10:2, to demonstrate His power 1 Kings 18:38, to assist His prophets such as Elijah 2 Kings 1:9-15. Fire is one of the weapons in the hand of God.

 

* Does it give you peace to know that eventually all affliction will one day be done away with? How does this help you cope with afflictions of your life now?

 

In this verse the descriptive words of “flaming fire” are often used in scripture to denote purification or judgment. When Jesus returns He will return to serve judgment upon people but also to purify the earth before He sets up His Kingdom on earth.

 

* Does the knowledge that the Lord Jesus will return with “His mighty angels in flaming fire” give you concern for those who are lost in their sins at the end of the Day of the Lord takes place? What are steps you can take to share the gospel more with those you know and meet so that they will not have to face such a frightening event?

 

DAY FIVE

“8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.”

 

Verse 8 begins an explanation by Paul of what happens during the Day of the Lord. When the Lord returns with His angels in flaming fire there will be a process of judgment on those who do not know God, those who do not obey His Holy Word. This is a day of retribution for disobedience against God, disrespect for the His holiness and dishonorable behavior against His Son, Jesus Christ.

 

* When reading this verse, does a sense of dread and concern for those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior grip your heart? It should. None of us wish anyone to go to Hell or experience the wrath of a Holy God. Do you sense a increased conviction to share the Gospel with those who do not know the Lord? If so, seek to follow through with your conviction and be bolder to share the Good News with those who do not know your Savior.

 

“9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”

 

Paul continues with his detailed explanation of the fate of those who reject the Lord of love and grace. Paul speaks of the penalty for ignoring the Truth of God’s Word. It is not destruction, but “ETERNAL” destruction. This implies not a terminal death event, but an eternal death event which last in Hell. Such a place is a place of judgment that is completely away from the presence of the Lord and from the blessed glory of His holy power. The Greek word here for “eternal” is “aionios.” It is used frequently in the New Testament, as many as sixty-seven times and is used to signify something endless! Therefore this punishment for those who reject Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is not temporary but forever. John Phillips in his commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians states, “The wicked, then, at the Lord’s return, will be handed over to eternal ruin. Who can imagine the horrors that will accompany the dissolution of their personality, the gnawings of conscience, the torments of memory, the anguish of guilt, and the terrible knowledge that their doom is deserved, hopeless, and unending?”

 

* Again, as we hear such bleak and final judgment on people who have failed to respond to the loving Lord Jesus it should convict us of the necessity of sharing His love and grace that is always available. This love and grace will be available during the Great Tribulation, but it will very difficult to live as a Christian during this period, known as the Day of the Lord. As you continue to contemplate the judgment awaiting those around you who do not know the Lord God, do you feel a conviction to increase your efforts to tell more of the salvation that is made available to them? What more can you do to share this Gospel of Life with those who have so far rejected the one true God?

 

DAY SIX

“10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed — for our testimony to you was believed.”

 

Finally Paul shares concerning the glory that Christ will receive and the honor that will be felt by followers of Christ towards their Lord and Savior. Paul is stating here that when our Heavenly Father called us before time began (Romans 8:29-30, 1 Corinthians 2:6-9, Ephesians 1:3-14) part of His purpose was to glorify His only begotten Son, “in His saints on that day.” Jesus Christ is glorified each time a sinner repents and accepts Him as Lord and Savior. When Christ returns, this glory will manifest itself in mass as all the saints are gathered to be with Him in the heavens. This day mentioned is the Day of Christ when we are caught up to be with Him in the air. Paul also mentions that Jesus Christ will “be marveled at among all who have believed.” Not only will Jesus Christ be glorified in His saints, His saints will marvel at Him for this will be the first time they will physically be able to see Him in His glorified appearance. We will be in awe as the Lord whom we have served during our lives, the Christ we have worshipped and the Savior we have dedicated our lives to will be visible to us!

 

* As you contemplate the experience of seeing Jesus Christ glorified in this manner and marveling at His presence, what emotions and thoughts do you think of and experience? Write some of your thoughts down. Share some of these thoughts with other believers. Share some of these thoughts with non-believers whom you know. These perceptions that come from reading this verse would make a great launching point in sharing the gospel with others.

 

Paul mentions briefly his “testimony” that was believed by the followers of Christ in Thessalonica. Paul has preached the gospel for three short weeks in Thessalonica and his testimony of the Gospel was believed in the fullest sense, by that I mean it was believed, taken to heart and acted upon. The Thessalonian Christians lived out their faith. You and I also have believed this same Gospel and I pray have not just believed its message, but have taken it to heart and acted upon it in our lives in many ways.

 

* Take inventory of the “testimony” you heard that convicted you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. How deeply have you made it a part of your everyday life? What actions have you taken to express it, not only to other Christians, but to those who do not believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Can you improve in this area of your life as it relates to living out your faith and expressing it to those around you.

 

DAY SEVEN

“11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,”

 

Paul in verse 11 shares both an encouragement and a challenge to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica. First, he shares the frequency he prays for them, “always.” He lived what he preached. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 he stated that prayer should be done without ceasing and we can trust that he lived as he taught. Paul was a dedicated prayer warrior. We might take the example of George Muller of Bristol, England when it come to prayer. He would spend the first part of every day getting his own soul “happy in the Lord,” as he put it. His habit of prayer was simple. He would read a small portion of Holy Scripture and meditate upon it until the truth that it revealed burned into his soul. He would then turn that truth into a prayer. He would relate it to his own needs and the needs of others and carry the truth of it back to God in praise, worship, thanksgiving, petition, and intercession.

 

* Consider following the example of George Muller in your prayer life. Keep a journal of your prayers and your experiences to see how God moves in your life as a result.

* Are there people you pray for on a regular basis? Do you continue to expand and update your prayer list to include not just friends and relatives, but also those you casually meet, people you work with and those who at times may irritate you.

 

Secondly, Paul shares with the Thessalonian believers that he prays that God will count them “worthy” of their calling. All Christians have a calling to walk as Jesus did, keep in step with the Spirit and will see to obey their Heavenly Father. To be counted worthy, is to live up to the calling that has been set for you by the Lord God Almighty.

 

* Read the following scriptures and relate it to the calling Paul mentions in 2 Thessalonians 1:11. 1 Corinthians 1:2, 26-29, Ephesians 1:18-21, Ephesians 4:1-6, 1 Timothy 1:8-10, Hebrews 3:1, 2 Peter 1:5-11. Make some notes as to what this calling both means to you and how you plan to be worthy of this calling.

 

Paul next shares that when God counts us “worthy” of our “calling” we are fulfilling “every desire for goodness” and “work of faith” with “power.” The power spoken of here is referring to the power that the Holy Spirit grants us as we seek to live the Holy Scriptures and conform to the image of the Son of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You cannot, I repeat, YOU CANNOT live the Christian life without the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT. You may attempt to copy the Christian life through your meager fleshly power, but it is not fulfilling the true calling to which each and every Christian is called.

 

* Are you living the Christian life in the power of the Holy Spirit? If so, how would you explain this power to another Christian? How would you explain it to a non-believer?

* What would be examples of “every desire for goodness” in the life of a Christian? List them and then write a short sentence on how you are fulfilling each of these examples in your life.

* What would be examples of a “work of faith” that you live out in your daily life? List them and then write a short sentence on how you are fulfilling each of these examples in your life as well.

 

Paul here uses the Greek word “dunamis” for the word “power” which means “force, miraculous power, strength, violent mighty work.” It is the word from which we developed our word “dynamite.” Isn’t that encouraging that when we choose to obey God and serve others in our faith it is with the power similar to the tremendous power in dynamite, only much, much more powerful for it is the power of God!

 

* Have you sensed sometimes the power of God in your life as you ministered to others or as God has ministered to you? Write down a brief description of how this power worked in any of these situations. Consider sharing these experiences with your Christian friends and have them share some of their experiences with you. You will find it will be a great testimony of your faith and an encouragement to others.

 

“12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

Paul now gives the dual results of living up to our “calling” as a follower of Christ. First that “the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified IN YOU.”

 

* Can you think of ways that Jesus Christ is glorified in your life as you live by the Holy Scriptures, live as Jesus Christ and walk in the Spirit? Be specific and think of examples of how you glorify Jesus in your life. Now write them down and pray over them. Offer them to the Lord as an offering of your love for Him.

 

* How are you glorified in Jesus Christ? This may be a harder concept to consider, but to state it in another way, when we walk as Jesus walked by living in the Spirit, how is His glory manifested in us? Possibly the quote from Charles Swindoll from his commentary on 2 Thesssalonians will help;

 

“By humbling Himself to filter His glory through us, God gives the highest dignity not only to us but to our suffering. And by His grace, He glorifies us through Christ! As the moon reflects the glory of the sun, without light of its own, so will we someday share the glory of Christ and be set in the heavens as a testimony to His beauty and faithfulness.”

 

God allows suffering in our lives because first, we will become more spiritually mature and stable. Secondly as we are crushed by the trials, we will become more submissive to the Lord, seeking His strength and comfort to endure. We will also be awakened from our spiritual slumber and apathy and become more sensitive to the leading of the God who saved us and the needs of those around us. God will use our storms of life to mold and shape us, grow us in faith and stimulate a sensitive love and tenderness towards others who are suffering. Enduring difficulties will help us lead others to the Lord as they seek help in their own hardships.

 

* It is by the grace of God and His Son Jesus Christ that His glory is reflected in our lives as we seek to obey the Living Word and Live by the Holy Spirit on a daily moment by moment basis. Now list ways that because of your obedience to the Word and your dedication to love others in an “agape” fashion, Jesus is glorified, but His glory is also reflected in your life as well.

 

Additional Notes on 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2

 

Paul mentions 3 things in this chapter that are important marks of a vital church;

A faith which is strong.

A love which is increasing.

A constancy which endures.

 

Regarding Prayer

 

Prayer is a critical holy habit we as followers of Christ should practice continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Below are some aspects of prayer you should consider.

 

In prayer, we draw near to God with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).

In prayer, we ask, seek and knock at the door of God’s generosity (Matthew 7:7-8).

In prayer, we gain wisdom (James 1:5).

In prayer, we discipline our mind and discover it is always appropriate for our needs (Ephesians 6:18).

 

Prayer refocuses our perspective and God shows us hidden dimensions of our life.

Prayer quiets our fears and clams our nerves (Philippians 4:6-7).

Prayer transfers our burdens to the Lord (Matthew 11:28-29, 1 Peter 5:7).

Prayer upholds others who are in need.

 

Consider the following points when praying and counseling others in their faith;

 

Read the Kingdom of God into their situation. Look upon them with the eyes of our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who lives within you. Suffering is a part of Kingdom life and gives us depth in our Christian experience we could never achieve otherwise. Help them understand this and share your own experiences of pain.

 

Press the Kingdom of life into the suffering of the person. This means applying scripture to their situation as well as sharing how your own life has been ministered to by the Holy Spirit and the Word. This can also be done in prayer by praying the scriptures into their life.

 

Reflect on the person’s faith as much as their pain and suffering. This gives balance to considering how to deal with the trials and hardships. It develops their ability to place in perspective their storm of life with the truth of God’s Word.

 

Our ultimate goal as a follower of Christ is to glorify God, not just being happy. There is a deep joy and fulfillment that can be experienced in the midst of pain and suffering if we gain a proper perspective of the will of God for our lives and the purpose He called us to be a child of His Kingdom.