Our New Testament Scripture passage this week, from the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer, continues in St. Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church. This letter was sent to bring encouragement to these new believers who were going through some persecution for their faith in the Lord Jesus.
As we begin our Scripture, Paul begins by reminding the Thessalonians of their salvation (vs. 13-14). Sometimes people, when talking about the time that they came to faith in Christ, say something like “when I found God” or “when I found Jesus”. Actually, that statement isn’t exactly accurate. They didn’t find God. He wasn’t lost. Jesus wasn’t lost. They were lost. God found them. God was searching for them, for each one of us, for all of mankind. He gave us His Word, the Bible, telling us of salvation. He sent His messengers in churches, on the radio and TV, and online, to tell people about Jesus. Do they listen? The Holy Spirit attempts to speak to people’s hearts of their need for salvation. Do they close their ears? The Thessalonians were lost in their sins, just like everyone else has been. God sent His messengers, Paul and Silas, who brought His Gospel message. They listened, responding to the Holy Spirit’s prompting, believed the truth of His Word, and came to faith in the Lord Jesus.
Paul then urged the Thessalonian believers to “stand fast” (vs. 15). The Greek word that Paul used was “steko”, which means to stand firm, to persevere, to persist, and to keep one’s footing. The Apostle was telling these believers, and us, to stand strong and persevere in all of the doctrines and teachings that they had been taught. We must cling to sound doctrine found in the Scripture (Titus 1:9), not stumbling or falling into false doctrine or heresy.
Paul prayed that the Lord would give them His comfort and strength in the midst of the trials and persecutions they were going through (vs. 16-17). God doesn’t just save us. He sustains us! We are upheld and established for every good word and work. Words and works show that sound doctrine must lead to godly living. Though we are saved by faith alone, if no godly living and good works follow, then that faith is not genuine, it is dead (James 2:17).
As we head into chapter 3, the Apostle Paul requested prayer. He asked the Thessalonian Christians to pray for the unhindered spread of the Gospel (vs. 1-2). Just as he had faced opposition when ministering to them, Paul found opposition in many other places as well. We see that in many places around the world today. Even in countries where the Gospel light shined for so long, today the message of Jesus is being shut down. Not all have faith, as Paul warned. Yet we must continue, as he did, to bring the message of Jesus to others.
As he continued, Paul reminded them that God is always faithful, even in the midst of trials (vs. 3). We can count on Him to uphold and guard us from the “evil one”, Satan and all of his minions, those who choose to follow and work for his cause here on earth. Oftentimes people that we counted on and trusted, end up failing us, maybe even turning against us. However, God remains faithful. He will protect us against evil including both moral evil and spiritual attacks. He is our shield (Psalm 91:4).
Paul had confidence that God was working in and through these believers (vs. 4-5). He knew that they were obeying Him, following His Word, and thus Jesus could work through them. Paul closed this passage of Scripture with a prayer for the believers, that they would have a deeper love for God, and a steadfast hope in Jesus’ imminent return.
As we look back over these verses, we should live in holiness and gratitude that God found us in our lost and sinful condition. As we serve Him, let us stand firmly against all compromise, praying for boldness and protection as we do His work, and tell others about the Savior. We can trust Jesus in our trials, as we wait for His return, for He is faithful.
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