260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 188 - Introduction to 2 Thessalonians & 2 Thessalonians 1: Hang in There Thessalonians!

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians: In 2 Thessalonians, Paul continues the theme of 1 Thessalonians regarding the Lord’s return. After sending his first letter, the report back was that some may have misunderstood Paul’s teaching. It seems that some may have stopped working, thinking “why work if Jesus is coming soon?!” Others were being so persecuted that they may have felt that “The Day of the Lord” was now. Regardless, there was misunderstanding so Paul writes another letter to this young church to both encourage & clarify. 2 Thessalonians 1: Hang in There Thessalonians! Paul begins this letter by thanking God for their growing faith and increasing love! The reports Paul received encouraged him so much that he bragged on them! He realized they were being tested and that they were persevering, despite the injustice and discomfort. All this was proof that God is “just.” That means He is right, true and always right & true. What great news for those who were suffering for doing right!~! God WILL make everything right in the end, our role is to patiently persevere – and the Thessalonians were doing that. After Paul describes the punishment to come for unbelievers and the reward to come for believers, he prays that God would: - Count them worthy of His calling - Give power for every good purpose - Give power for acts prompted by faith - People see God in them SO WHAT?! *What would your friends give thanks to God for you about? Your faith? Your perseverance? Your encouragement? Sometimes we think tough times are God teaching us. Maybe God has it for you or I to suffer just to be an example of perseverance to others? YIKES - Who knew?! *Have you ever misunderstood something someone said? Rather than go to friends and talk about it, why not go straight to that person and get things clarified? It will certainly be better for unity in the body of Christ! *Whatever you or I are going thru right now, we need to remember that GOD knows – so “hang in there.” We can “cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us!” (1 Peter 5:7) Why not take a moment right now and do just that?