Church, Suffering, Salvation, Discipline -Thoughts On 2 Thessalonians

 I read 2 Thessalonians this morning as part of my daily reading time.  It is a very small book, just 3 chapters and it can be read in a few minutes.  I love when I read an entire book of the Bible in one sitting.  It is so profitable in understanding what the writer is trying to communicate......it is profitable because it is helpful in understanding what God is communicating.

Anyway..it helps me to write some thoughts down as I process what I read.  Therefore, I thought I would just do it here on my blog today in hopes it might assist anyone who reads this.

The Church

Paul opens this letter like he does so many, "To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  I love the church.  I say this, not as a pastor that is able to provide for his family in full time ministry.  I love the church because she is the bride of Christ and the NT sees the church as central to what God is doing in His Kingdom here on earth.  The Father loves the church.  Jesus loves the church.  The Spirit loves the church.  Therefore, I love the church.  I pray that if you are reading this and you are not deeply in love and involved with a local church, you would repent and do so.  The Christian life has always meant to be done in community in the local church.  Yes, we have lots of flaws (that is why Christ had to die for us), but the church is so vital to my life!  It is more important than the insulin I have to put in my body everyday to manage my diabetes.  Paul, writes this letter to the church.....not to "you as a Christian."  Many people that feel distance and isolation from God are not involved in a local church.  God is at work....He is alive.....and the church is His bride......He loves His bride, the church.

Suffering

In chapter 2 Paul encourages the church to press on.  He tells them that he knows the days are tough and difficult and he sets their hope upon the upcoming return of Jesus.  He uses some real strong language in doing so.  He tells them in 2:8 that Jesus will kill the "man of lawlessness" with his breath!  My youngest son loves super heroes.  I can't wait to tell him tonight about Jesus again!  That Jesus can kill the evil one with merely His breath!  That is real power!  

Paul has already told them that it is GOD'S FAVOR in their life that they are suffering, being persecuted, and dealing with afflictions (1:4-5).  He says this is evidence in their life that God sees the church as "worthy of the kingdom of God." Wow.  This is why we need the Bible and can't stray from it.  What a different message than what is peddled so often in bookstores today.  It is a lie to think that anyone is going to be immune from suffering, trials, and afflictions.  Paul says the exact opposite to the church.  He sees it as a way for them to become more in love and to trust deeper in Christ.  So, I think the logic is, why would we shy away fro this?  We are not called to seek it out or pray for it to happen, but when it does it is God's favor in our lives.  What a different message than what the world tries to sell.  So, press on in whatever situation is at hand right now.  Because Paul tells them after this in chapter 2, Jesus is coming back!  He will conquer evil and those that are in Christ, they too will conquer!

Salvation

At the end of chapter 2 we see the great tension in the Bible of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility when it comes to salvation.  I am saddened that the doctrine of salvation has become so divisive within the evangelical world and the SBC in particular.  It should not be.  I pray that we will read Scripture, be honest with what it says, and by God's grace trust in His Spirit to teach, lead, and unite us for His glory.  Here is where the tension usually lies on this issue:  Paul says that people are condemned and lost because "they refused to love the truth and so be saved." (2:10)  He then says that other people are saved because "God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." (2:13)

Condemned for rejection, saved by God......that is a constant tension in the Bible.  May I suggest instead of fighting over this or assuming motives by others, might we all feel the urgency of the Gospel in our lives.  Might we all call upon the name of Jesus and be saved and know that it is by grace that one is saved!  There is a tension here....but salvation is on an issue we should find joy in fighting over!  May God give us grace and maturity as we study His word to understand and believe upon Him as the Bible teaches.

Discipline

We are all prone to self-righteousness.  Paul ends the letter by warning the church and telling them to hold one another accountable and to discipline the church as needed.  I think the church of today has resisited this in part because we are so prone to self-righteousness.  But this is not what Paul is telling the church is the motive for discipline.  He says in 3:14-15:  "If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note o fhtat person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.  Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother."  The MOTIVE is LOVE for that person's soul and not a religious self-righteousness.  So, again, that is why the local church is so vital for God's will in your life.  I am glad I have people in my life that love me enough to take not of me and to deal with it in love if I disregard what the Bible says!  

So, there are a few quick thoughts on this letter.  I welcome your feedback and dialogue.  May we praise Him as He is faithful to the church, through suffering, in our salvation, and when we are disciplined.  

Blessings,

Bro. Matt