Sunday School Lesson
May 02, 2004
CHOSEN TO OBTAIN GLORY
Bible Background—2 THESSALONIANS 1—3
Focal Verses—2 THESSALONIANS 1:3-4, 11-12; 2:13-3:4
Devotional Reading—EPHESIANS 1:3-14
LESSON AIM
1. We will be encouraged to express our thankfulness as we experience growth (both personal and relational)
2. We will recognize that believers will be strengthened when we suffer for our faith.
KEEP IN MIND
“But we are bound to give thanks always to GOD for you, brethren beloved of the LORD, because GOD hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the SPIRIT and belief of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).
Paul emphasized the importance of prayer. He said he ought to always pray for the Thessalonian believers. Paul prayed that the name of the LORD JESUS would be glorified in them. He thanked GOD for the fruits of salvation in them. And he asked the Thessalonians to pray for him, Sylvanus, and Timothy.
By way of background, atone time, the city of Thessalonica was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. Located on the Aegean Sea, across the bay from Mount Olympus, Thessalonica was a prosperous and thriving port. Today, Thessalonica is known as Salonika.
The church of Thessalonica was founded after Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, left Philippi on his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1). Paul’s stay in Thessalonica was relatively short (three Sabbaths). Jews in the city sought to attack Paul but were unable to locate him, so they caused trouble for his host, Jason. The newly formed church sent Paul and the other missionaries away for their safety. Their departure, however, did not end the Thessalonican church’s persecution from the Jews and others.
In Paul’s first letter to the saints at Thessalonica, he praised them highly for their great love for one another and for their patient endurance of the persecutions they experienced at the hands of their fellow countrymen. In this second letter, Paul appears to be addressing an incorrect view regarding CHRIST’S presence. Paul admonishes the Thessalonians not to be unduly excited by reports that the “Day of the LORD” had arrived. Paul is adamant that the saints should not accept this and other erroneous teachings. This mat explain why Paul concludes the letter by assuring the church that it has indeed been written by none other than himself: “The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write” (2 Thessalonians 3:17). Paul’s second letter to this church also includes wise counsel on how to handle disorderly persons.
1. PAUL’S PRAISES (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)
In his second letter to the Thessalonian church, Paul writes on behalf of himself and his co-laborers in the Gospel, Silas (called Silvanus here) and Timothy (Timotheus). Paul begins by praising them. The apostle writes that they are “bound” or compelled to thank GOD for the Thessalonian church. This is supported by Paul’s declaration that “it is meet” or only fitting that they be praised.
The object of Paul’s praise is the continued faith of the Thessalonians. Only a short time after he had written to this young church encouraging them, evidence that their faith “groweth exceedingly” had reached Paul. Not only had the faith of the Thessalonian church increased; it had increased beyond the apostle’s expectations. Added to this was the continued love the Thessalonians demonstrated toward one another. The growth of faith and love among the Thessalonians was even more remarkable when one considers that the Thessalonian church was undergoing persecution. This church had, in fact, been born in persecution.
When Paul and Silas first came to Thessalonica, many of the Greek proselytes and some of the Jews had heard and believed the Gospel. There was dissension, however, among many of the Thessalonian Jews who rejected the Gospel. In time, these Jews attempted to seize Paul and Silas. The missionaries had been secreted out of town earlier, and the angry mob turned on the man in whose house Paul and Silas had stayed. Paul and Silas continued their witnessing in Berea until opposing Jews from Thessalonica traveled to Berea, forcing the missionaries to flee.
Even after Paul and Silas had left the city, the lot of the Thessalonian church was grim. We read in Acts that the Gentile converts in Thessalonica were persecuted both by the Jews and by fellow Gentiles who were convinced by the Jews that “these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another King, one JESUS” (Acts 17:7). The hostile Jews planted the idea of treason. Their unfounded accusation of treason was successful in turning Thessalonian Gentiles and the authorities against the Gospel Paul was preaching.
2. PAUL’S PRAYERS FOR THE BELIEVERS (vv.11-12)
In Chapter 1, Paul continues to reassure the Thessalonians that when the LORD JESUS does return, they will witness HIS retribution and HIS glorification. Those who were persecuting the Thessalonians will be repaid with tribulation, Additionally, when CHRIST returns, HE will do so with the show of HIS AWESOME POWER, being “revealed from heaven with HIS mighty angels” (v.7).
Paul prays that “GOD would count you worthy of this calling.” The calling that Paul mentions is that the lives of the Thessalonians would mirror or reflect CHRIST. The hatred toward the Thessalonian Christians was a result of their decision to follow the calling of CHRIST in their lives. Paul’s prayer is that the Thessalonians would continue to endure and continue to be CHRISTLIKE in their walk. It should be noted that some Bible interpreters believe the Church will be raptured prior to CHRIST’S return to earth.
3. PAUL’S THANKFULNESS FOR GOD’S CHOICE (2:13-14)
During his earlier visit with the Thessalonians, Paul had taught the converts about things to come (2 Thessalonians 2:5). These teachings had, however, been misunderstood by some believers and not fully understood by others. In Chapter 2, Paul proceeds to explain that even though the Thessalonians were continuing to undergo persecution, this was not evidence that the “Day of the LORD” had arrived. Paul turns aside from the awful aspects of the Antichrist or “Man of Sin” and directs his attention to the position of the Thessalonian believers in CHRIST.
Paul assures the Thessalonians that they have been both chosen (v.13) and called (v.14) for service. Paul’s declaration that they were chosen from the beginning can be seen as referring to the beginning of his ministry to the Thessalonians or more broadly to the very beginning of time. What is clear is that salvation is the purpose of their selection. Paul is reiterating that the Thessalonians cannot accomplish their own salvation. Only GOD, through their belief in CHRIST, can save them. Similarly, their CHRISTLIKE growth can only be accomplished through the working of the SPIRIT.
4. PAUL’S ENCOURAGEMENT (vv.15-17)
Having reassured the Thessalonian saints of their sure and certain calling and selection and the ultimate glory of GOD, Paul offers them a final word of encouragement. Knowing that their trials and tribulations are not over, Paul urges them to “stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught” (v.15). The “traditions” Paul mentions here should be understood as those godly teachings that have been given to the Church by word and by Paul’s letters. It is to these teachings that Paul is urging the Thessalonian believers to cling in spite of the perils facing them. In verses 16-17, Paul adds a prayer for divine encouragement and strength for the Thesalonian believers.
5. PAUL’S PRAYER REQUESTS (3:1-4)
In the short third and final chapter of this letter, Paul turns his attention to the practical aspects of CHRISTLIKE living by making a prayer request for himself and the other missionaries. Although Paul does ask for deliverance from ungodly men, it is not a selfish request for their personal safety. Instead, the purpose is that they be allowed to continue to spread the Gospel with the same results experienced by the Thessalonians—swift and continued growth. Paul assures them of GOD’S faithfulness, and he also expresses his confidence in the Thessalonians’ continued obedience to GOD’S WORD (vv.3-4).
It has often been said, “The fruit does not fall far from the tree.” This old maxim is used to explain how the characteristics and behavior of children frequently mirrors the traits and behavior of their parents. Godly parents, it is presumed, will produce godly offspring.
In today’s society, many Christians too often forget that we are the fruit of our FATHER’S tree. As such, the fruit we bear should always reflect our godly lineage. It is easy to appear CHRISTLIKE on Sundays. What type of fruit do we bear under stress or during times of pain, anger, confusion, or suffering? Does our testimony still reflect our FATHER? In good times and in bad, GOD is always in control. With this assurance, Christians have no reason to forget who we are and, more importantly, to WHOM we belong. The fruit of the SPIRIT ought always to be present in our lives, regardless of the circumstances around us. The world should always be able to recognize who our FATHER is.
Both of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians are full of praise for their faith and works and encouragement for their continued perseverance. Make a list of people you know who are worthy of praise for their Christian works. How have you let them know you recognize and appreciate the work they do? Decide how you can offer them encouragement. Then be sure to do so, and let them know you are praying for them.
THINK ABOUT IT!!!!
Spiritually Yours,
Rev. Chris Lowe, Sr. DD