The Way - Day 059 (2 Thessalonians 1)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Introduction to 2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians is the second writing of Paul to the church at Thessalonica and only followed the first letter by a few months (AD51-52). Paul again writes from Corinth along with Silas and Timothy who were fellow laborers in planting the church at Thessalonica. Since Paul loved the Thessalonians and desired to see the church mature, he kept up to date about their spiritual health. It is possible that the person who delivered the first letter brought back news about the Thessalonians and their growing faith as well as their great love toward others (2 Thessalonians 1:3). However, Paul seemed to be concerned about three issues surrounding the church: persecution (1:3-12), false teaching (2:1-15), and disorderly conduct in the church (3:6-15). His goal in writing this second letter to the Thessalonians was to comfort the persecuted, instruct in truth, and warn the unruly.

2 Thessalonians 1
Opening his letter with a standard greeting to the church at Thessalonica (1:1-2), Paul really gets right in the reason for his writing this second letter. First, he commends them because their "faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other." (1:3) Even throughout the first letter to the Thessalonians it is very clear that they had been experiencing many "persecutions and tribulations" but had responded in a manner which brought maturity. In fact, Paul writes "that we ourselves boast of you among churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure." (1:4) Paul, Silas, and Timothy were very proud of the Thessalonians' response to hardship. Instead of viewing their persecution as God's judgment on them, Paul wanted them to understand that trials often bring maturity in the life of a believer (1:5). Besides, God will surely judge those who are troubling the Thessalonians and one day take revenge "on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1:6-10) Although they were experiencing trials, Paul assured them he would be praying for them...that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him." (1:11-12) Every believer, like the Thessalonians, experiences trials and persecutions in life. Resolve to rely on God's strength to make it through and seek to bring glory to Him.

Dear God, take the trials I am experiencing and receive the glory from my reaction to them.