Encouragement during Persecution. 2Thessalonians chapter 1

Paul quickly wrote a second letter to the Thessalonians because some of them had misunderstood his teaching on the second coming. Although Paul wrote this second letter to simply clear up some misunderstanding, The Holy Spirit gives us more insights into end time events not recorded elsewhere in scripture.

I will try and pick out some of the reasons they were perplexed. Paul had written that Jesus was coming soon causing some to wonder if they had been left behind, verified (so they thought) by a letter from Paul later proved fictitious. This gave rise to some thinking that they hadn’t made the grade or weren’t good enough to get to heaven and had been left behind to face the tribulation “ which again they mistook they for the persecution they were presently enduring at the hands of the Roman authorities”

Paul ever the wise pastor did not chide them but encouraged them as follows. He showed them that in spite of how they felt about themselves God saw that 1 Their faith was flourishing evidenced by their love for each other. 2 That in spite of persecutions and hardships they were enduring their faith was growing because of what they had to face. 3 That God uses such things to make christians worthy citizens in His Kingdom 1:3-5

Sometimes as we go through are own trials even persecutions we can begin imagining that we are failing to make the grade. It’s so easy to forget all that Jesus has already completed in us. Don’t let anyone tell you that Christians should not experience troubles, rather than being evidence of a lack of faith or because of sin troubles are often a part of Gods plan. They are meant to make us look upward to Jesus instead of inward, and forward instead of behind.

Memory verse

Then everyone will give honour to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honoured along with Him. This is all made possible because of the undeserved favour of our God and Lord,Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 N.L.T.

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