We have considered the church in Thessalonica, how their faith, love and hope in God after their conversion has been a wonderful testimony to all those around. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul exhorted them in saying, “we ought always to thank God for you,….because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing” (vv 1-2). And this was taking place amidst all the persecution and trials; their perseverance was truly outstanding in such a context. Paul encouraged them that they will ber which counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which they were suffering (v5).
The assurance Paul communicated: God will pay back trouble to those who troubled them; God is just. When Jesus comes again, He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They wii be punished with everlasting destruction. As for the Christians, the prayer is that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in them, and they in Him (vv1:5-12).
It is wonderful to see how the church in Thessalonica grew from strength to strength in their faith, love, hope, and perseverance even when they had to go through trials and suffering. How different this is, in our churches today. We become discouraged, quarrelsome, and doubt God’s goodness and reality. We make the mistake of measuring God’s faithfulness by what is happening in our lives and lose sight of God’s cosmic plan to bring about all things under Christ eventually and definitely. We fail to see our privileged position to be involved in God’s eternal plan and purpose. Like the people of Godin Malachi, we qustion God’s love and faithfulness, and even doubt His promise and grace.The church in Thessalonica has much to teach us.