2 Thessalonians 1: Are You In God’s Presence?
Verse of the Day: (V9) “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”
1. Patience (V1-6)
V3 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;”
Apostle Paul shared with all the churches of God of the abounding patience, endurance, faith and love of the Thessalonians Christians in spite of being persecuted by the Romans authority. He was very thankful for their great faith and their love for one another. Indeed, let us be patient in our suffering for Christ’s sake, and be loving towards one another that Christ shall be magnified and glorified in us through our glowing and godly testimony.
V4 “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:”
2. Presence (V7-10)
V8 “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:”
Though the righteous seems to suffer and the wicked seems to enjoy life, yet one day God shall come as a Judge to all men. God shall punish the wicked with flaming fire and cast them out of His presence and into fiery hell, however, He shall bless and reward the righteous with crowns and draw them to His presence in His home in glorious heaven.
V9 “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”
3. Pleasure (V11-12)
V11 “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:”
Paul always prayed for them that their faith and love be worthy of God’s calling and be a great pleasure of His goodness in spite of much persecution and suffering. Indeed, it is not easy to live a victorious Christian life in the midst of persecution and suffering, but let us remember that God shall richly bless and reward us in due time and for His glory.
V12 “That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to always be in Your presence, and be patient in life.
