The family church experience
Prayer Focus. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12. Dear Joint Heirs with Christ, The apostle Paul now turns to something that is characteristic of his letters – prayer for the recipients. We can learn a lot about a person from the content of his prayer. God’s Glory (vv. 11-12a). Paul is not asking that the Thessalonians would be free…
Retribution. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10. Dear Family, In this second part of the passage on the coming judgment, we focus on the fate of those who ignore and reject Christ. Drama (v. 8). When Christ appears, it will not be some secret event, quietly executed. The picture is one of a conquering General, sweeping the stage…
Relief.2 Thessalonians 1:5-7. Dear Holy Nation, The whole section up to verse 10 has one controlling thought and would best be dealt with as one block. However, we are compelled to split it into two, so that we can pick a few more motes, that way. Paul has alluded to the suffering the Thessalonian Christians…
Gratitude. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4. Dear Children of the Most High, Paul, as is his normal pattern, gives thanks to the Thessalonians. Paul always finds a reason for being thankful. It is an attitude we would do well to imitate. In this case, it is for their Blossoming Faith (v. 3).Growth is a sign of health. When…
Greetings. 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2. Dear Saints, We begin our meditations in Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians. This letter was written, not long after the first letter and is a response to some false teachers’ claims that the day of the Lord had already come. This obviously worried the Christians, some of whom thought that…
Farewell 1 Thessalonians 5:25-26. The concluding remarks of Paul have different themes and emphases, but they all revolve around unity and a common purpose. Entreaty (v. 25). There are many things we do not understand about prayer. What we do know is that it is an exercise in self consolation. There is a God in heaven, listening…
Benediction. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. Dear God’s own People, In his final prayer for the Thessalonians, Paul pronounces a special blessing to them. In this prayer, he wishes two things for them and assures them of a third. Purified (v. 23a). The word sanctified has the same root as holy. As we saw earlier, sanctified is being…
Take Care. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22. Dear Chosen People, As in most churches, the one in Thessalonica had its share of esoterics. It can be frustrating when people claim to speak for God, and more so when the speaker is not necessarily the most stable, emotionally. A few cautions are in order: Do Not Douse… (v. 19).…
Doing God’s Will. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Dear Ambassadors of Christ, Paul continues his concluding remarks with a triad of instructions anchored in the statement, “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” What this means is that this is what God wants those who are in Christ Jesus to be doing. Rejoice…
Doing Good to Everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:15. Dear Pilgrims and Sojourners, Paul has dealt with interpersonal relationships and how to encourage each other. But there are those in the community who will in their selfishness do ill to others. How are Christians to deal with such? Avoid Revenge. The way of the world is to give as…