“Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2.
There is a slight difference between the salutation in 1 Thessalonians and this letter.
The first letter starts out, “To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…” this second one changes it to, “To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…”
The probable reason for this is that in the interim between the two letters, the Christians in that church had gone through such trials and tribulations that they had seen the difference between having God as the Father, someone who appeared to be distant and austere. And the God who was now our Father, someone close at hand, unlike the pagan gods they were used to worshipping.
This is one of the reasons Christians go through trials, to make them realize that God is very real and close at hand in times of trouble.
Understand this though, God does not create the trials that His children go through, He allows them to happen; most of the time they are the result of sin in the world, or our own foolishness, or He allows evil men to carry out their sinful plans, yet He only allows them to go so far – and no further.
“So the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he [Job] has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.’ Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.” Job 1:12.
“So the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, he [Job] is in your hand, but spare his life.’” Job 2:6.
In the end of all the horror that Job endured, which may have taken about one year, he wavered and fell, but never cursed God. And at the end of it all, Job said the words that I believe we will all think or say when we come face to face with God in eternity.
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6.
It is only by the blood of Christ that we shall stand before God the Father, completely innocent.
The Apostle Paul, who endured many more afflictions than most of us, had this to say.
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.
When you have an opportunity read all of 2 Corinthians chapter 4.
And to see what Paul calls “light affliction” read 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 and 12:7-10.
“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other…” 2 Thessalonians 1:3.
Because of these trials and tribulations the Thessalonians were clinging even more tightly to God and their love for each other increased more and more.
It must have been disconcerting for the apostles to hear of the persecutions of this baby church which along with the temptations of their old pagan life style could easily have drawn them back into the world.
“…your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure…” 2 Thessalonians 1:3b-4.
Upon salvation each person becomes destined to be made fit for the kingdom of heaven; trials and tribulations are the method by which we are trained.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4.
No one who is truly a Christian is the same as he was when he first believed. Some grow in an agonizingly slow manner because they are reluctant to give up the sin that they so prized before they came to Christ.
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19.
Indeed, some things do not seem to be wrong, because we love them so, and yet that is what makes them a form of idolatry. Anything that displaces God in our lives is idolatrous.
What is so wrong with enjoying building boats, cars, golf, football, baseball, the stock market, or the business that you run?
Not one thing, unless it is all a person thinks about, or lives for, or pours all their energy into. Then it becomes an idol, and it is likely that the majority of us as Americans are guilty.
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” 1 John 5:21.
“…your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer…” 2 Thessalonians 1:4b-5.
The patience and faith exhibited by these Christians is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment in setting them apart (sanctified) to be saved in Christ because they not only showed extreme strength under the pressures of persecutions, but also because of their strong witness; which was not only known in that city but became renowned in many other Gentile cities before the apostles arrived.
It is also clear evidence that the conversion of these pagans was very real because they turned to Christ from idols and by the power of the Holy Spirit, they remained fast to Christ.
Someone who merely professes to be a Christian but has not accepted Him as their Savior would cave when the persecution becomes too intense; or perhaps even at its onset.
One does not give up their life or their livelihood for something in which they have no investment.
It was God’s eternal plans that allowed the Thessalonian Christians to undergo this suffering because, as shown earlier, trials and suffering help all of us to mature as Christians and creates people who are ready to become citizens in a heavenly kingdom which consists of righteousness only.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29.
Notice that it says, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” this means that the Father wants to look into our eyes and see Jesus.
It does not mean that we will all be cookie cutter images of Jesus; it means that we will all exhibit His godly character.
Much of this comes through trials and tribulations unfortunately. Let us not forget though, that Christ also suffered for us; so He is not asking us to do anything He has not already done.
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Hebrews 12:2-3.
True leadership is by example, not by mere empty words.
“You who love the Lord, hate evil!” Psalm 97:10a.
The truth for most of us is that we merely dislike evil, but too often, we do not hate it.
“Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” Psalm 119:104.
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” Revelation 22:14-15.
Jesus’ commandments are two.
“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23.
The keeping of the second commandment proves that we have carried out His first commandment.
Those outside the gates of the New Jerusalem are actually in the lake of fire by the time Revelation 22:14-15 quoted above occurs.
“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14-15.
However, the saints of all time will not be judged at the great white throne, they will be part of the heavenly Zion.
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” Hebrews 12:22-24.
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.” Hebrews 11:13-14.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18.
Righteous Judgment, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 taken from godisrevealed.com posted on 10-1-13, updated on 1-30-21.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version, copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission, all rights reserved.