2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 NIV
This letter entailed both a warning and encouragement to the church. The church needed to be prepared for a time in which their faith may be tested, challenged, and even rejected. There were many who were looking to disprove the Gospel and who also wanted to spread false lies and a skewed version of the Gospel. The church needed to be ready to stand firm against these things. However, there is also a note of encouragement. The church has been strong in their faith and was also a great example of the Gospel to those around them. They had been taught and firmly believed in all they had learned. They had an anchor and that was to simply stand strong in the message of the gospel. With their firm love in Jesus Christ they would have the tools they needed to eliminate any false ideas that the message of the Gospel may face.
I love how in verse 14 of this passage, Paul states that God called them for this very purpose. This purpose is two fold, the first includes so that the gospel message can be proclaimed, and the other is so that we can point others back to Christ and His Glory. This is a message for us to also follow after and to keep trusting that God will use any means, including us, to spread His word to other around us. As Christians we are going to face trials. Sometimes in spite of our faith and sometimes just because we live in a sinful world. Yet we are commanded to stand firm in the tradition we were taught. The Thessalonian church was one example where much persecution was happening because of their conversion to Christianity. But Paul knows that this is a critical time for the church to stand firm. We often think about the good works we do, to the glory of God, but let us remember how impactful our words can be. A simple word of thanks, a cheerful hello, or a passing comment of encouragement can mean so much to someone, and can make their day so much sweeter. May we read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Word of God so that we too may be comforted and encouraged. May we also be strengthened and established in every good work and word, to the praise of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father in heaven. Like the Thessalonians we too will inspire others if we cling to the rock in times of trouble. We are not loving in a vacuum. People are looking for answers and a reason to have hope. As people of the faith must set an example of our own hope and expectation to live eternally with Christ and that He will sustain us in this mortal life until we go home!!!
Father thank You for this day and the strength to walk in it. Lord open the windows of heaven and shower down Your abundant blessings upon my friend and family today. Lord thank You for Your never-failing comfort and gracious encouragement, which is new every morning. Lord we pray that we too, may be strengthened and established in every good work and word, to Your praise and glory. Lord use my friend and I to be encouragers to all today of Your mercy and grace. Daddy we love you amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
Comentarios