This morning I am starting the book of 2 Thessalonians. As I began the 1st chapter I found myself out of breath reading verses 3-8, which are all the same sentence. Some translations may have split the sentence up, but in the NKJV I am reading from I was anxiously awaiting for Paul's pen to make a period. So, this morning I figured I would pull apart this Paul run-on sentence (which would probably make any English teacher scream).
"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," (3)
Paul begins this portion of his letter to the church in Thessalonica with encouragement for their love for one another. This is indeed a major part of bring a Christian - love for the fellowship of believers. Too often in churches we are quick to find reasons to disassociate ourselves with those we have issues with. Everything from some non-essential theological issues (tongues, worship, etc) to petty things (dress, haircut) we can often set up walls and therefore keep the body of Christ walking with a limp. Rather than looking for reasons to disagree (because we can always find those), as long as it is not an essential doctrine, we can look to love and encourage each other because of our love for Christ AND His church.
"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, 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; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you," (4-6)
This is a bit of a twister but lets hit it. Paul is once again encouraging the church in Thessalonica to endure the persecution and tribulations they are encountering because of their faith. Paul also gives reasons for the suffering. The persecution has a two fold purpose: 1) It is evidence of the living faith that the church has because they are willing to endure persecution for the sake of Christ. 2) It is evidence of the justice and judgement of God. Those who persecuted the church were not only being used to strengthen the body and prove the power of God, but God will one day display His justice when He judges those who were persecuting His church. This displays His power both to save and empower (the church) and to judge sinners (persecutors).
"and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." (7-8)
This is a continuation of the truth told in the verses before. God is a loving God, but that is not His only characteristic. He is also a just God and can not allow wrong to go unpunished. So, as we see in verse 7, "[God will] give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven...", there is rest for those who repent and trust in Christ for salvation. This only comes from faith in Christ alone as the payment for our sins. He is willing to forgive any sin and clean the darkest of hearts, BUT we must respond to His amazing work of salvation.
In conclusion:
As we see above, when God returns there will be rest for the believer and judgement for all those who do not know God, and on those who do not "obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." This is the crux of the issue. This is the most important decision in all of life. Life of death. Heaven or hell. A choice MUST be made. Either humble ourselves before a mighty God who died for the sins of mankind OR stand in our pride and reject the gift of salvation. My prayer is that anyone reading this would (if you have not already) respond by falling before Christ in all humility and surrender your life to the One who will lift you up and grant you everlasting life.
Ahhhh....what awesome rest is there in the truth that all your sins can be forgiven.
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