Study in 2 Thessalonians

Study in 2 Thessalonians Presentation 01

Prayer, Praise, Criticism and Faithfulness Chap 1v1-7 Presentation 01

Introduction The second epistle to the Thessalonians is thought to have been written only a matter of weeks after the first. Its general theme is the same; our Lord’s second coming. It seems that Paul’s teaching about that coming had been misunderstood in certain quarters. It had been pressed it to extremes causing some to be deeply troubled. Paul had sought to correct this misunderstanding in his first epistle, but the confusion had been exacerbated through what seems to have been a forged epistle stating that the Lord had already come 2v2... The second epistle is therefore written to correct on-going misunderstandings. Presentation 01

Prayer After an opening salutation, Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonian believers v3. Compare Paul’s words here with what he said in the first epistle. In 1 Thes. 3v10 he is concerned with what was lacking in their faith; now his prayer has been answered for their faith has experienced significant growth. Secondly, in 1 Thes. 3v12 he prayed that they might increase and abound in love; here, love is said to be abounding among them. And so in v3 Paul is giving thanks for answered prayer. This is encouraging, and also helpful pointer in the matter of pastoral oversight. Presentation 01

Prayer It is prayer that brings believers on in the Christian life, and solves many pastoral problems in their spiritual growth. And the Thessalonian Church was a growing Church, not only numerically but in spiritual wisdom and vitality. Oh! there were problems but despite that the unmistakeable signs of life were there. They were growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Is the Christian work in which we are engaged supported by the kind of prayer that promotes spiritual growth? Presentation 01

Praise Secondly, note Paul’s generous commendation of the Thessalonians in v3, despite the faults that he was about to address. Paul follows the example of our Lord’s in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. Jesus begins with commendation before dealing with their faults. None of us should be slow praise when praise is due. It is a false notion to think that praise puffs up people. Indeed, genuine praise humbles, flattery puffs up, because it is insincere. “The humble man receives praise the way a clean window takes the light of the sun. The truer and more intense the light is, the less you see of the glass”. THOMAS MERTON Presentation 01

Praise What should our attitude be to Christians who are doing well in some aspect of their discipleship? Some people resort to congratulations: 'Well done! I think you're marvellous. I'm proud of you.' Others are uncomfortable with this believing it borders on flattery, promotes pride and robs God of his glory. So, although they may thank God privately in their prayers, they say nothing to the person concerned. They replace flattery with silence, which leaves the individual discouraged. Is there a third way, which affirms people without spoiling them? Yes there is. Presentation 01

Praise Paul exemplifies it here. He not only thanks God for the Thessalonians; he also tells them that he is doing so: 'we ought always to thank God for you... we boast about you'. If we follow his example, we will avoid both congratulations (which corrupts) and silence (which discourages). Instead, we can affirm and encourage people in the most Christian of all ways: 'I thank God for you, and for the gifts he has given you, for his grace in your life, for what I see in you of the love and gentleness of Christ'. And so we are able to affirm without flattering, and encourage without puffing up. Presentation 01

Criticism Neither our Lord nor Paul begin with praise because it was good psychology [although it is], rather they were seeing things in their proper perspective, and refused to allow the presence of faults to blind them to much that was good among believers. There is a world of difference between criticism that comes from a harsh, unloving animosity, and criticism that springs from a loving care that knows we can do better and is determined that we will do so. It loves too much not to be glad when genuine worth shows itself, even in the midst of many faults. Presentation 01

Criticism Whatever might be said about the faults and failings of the Thessalonians it is at least clear that their faith was vital enough to have produced and provoked reaction and opposition to it. They were not only standing firm but forging ahead in the midst of the winds of tribulation. There are no ideal conditions in which the Christian life can be lived. Not only are sore circumstances not a reason to excuse our failure to advance spiritually, but the very means that are likely to make our graces grow. This explains Paul’s generous commendation of the Thessalonicans in spite of their faults. Presentation 01

Faithfulness Paul knew what it meant to stand against opposition. He could appreciate the worth of their steadfastness of faith in face of it. He realised that this very faithfulness was the quality that would in time bring its influence to bear upon those areas of their lives that needed correction. We need to recognise the difference between this temporary stage in growing young believers, and the spiritual stagnation that marks other lives that never seem to move on. The one is a hopeful condition, faults and all, but the other carries a more suspect prognosis. Some do not look as if they will ever make much of the Christian life. Presentation 01

Faithfulness The precise meaning of v5-7 is rather difficult to grasp. Paul appears to mean is that the fact that the Thessalonians were standing firm in the midst of persecution argues the unseen presence of the Lord upholding them. God’s faithfulness comes into view. If so, then two things follow. First, he is using the tribulation to bring to perfection the faith of his people. Secondly, such a situation, where evil men oppress the good, proclaims the certainty of judgment . The universe is built along moral lines! God must vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked! Presentation 01

Faithfulness God’s faithfulness is bound to this twofold manifestation of judgment. The tables are turned, rest is given to the afflicted and tribulation to evildoers. CfLk. 16.18-28. Ultimate judgement is related to our Lord’s second coming, but this should not blind us to the fact that God also deals with men before that time, sometimes very severely indeed. Note the plain statement in v6, ‘God is just, he will pay back trouble to those that trouble you’. This is the retributive element in punishment, as distinct from the deterrent, or remedial. Retribution is a righteous thing with God. And since that is so, we also need to recognise it is a valid element in human systems of justice! Presentation 01

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Study in 2 Thessalonians