Hope in God’s Grace, Goodness, and Power (2 Thessalonians 1:1-12)

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3/9/25
Rev. Clint Smith
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Hope in God’s Grace, Goodness, and Power (2 Thessalonians 1:1-12)
Within a short period, the Apostle Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, sent another letter to the Thessalonian Church. In it, Paul shared his prayers for them, encouraged their spiritual growth, and corrected their errors. His deep love for the Church of God was evident throughout his message. 2 Corinthians 11:28

Paul thanked God and the Church for the believers’ flourishing faith and their growing love for one another. He proudly told God’s other churches about the Thessalonian Church’s endurance and faithfulness amid the persecutions and hardships they endured. John 15:18-23; 2 Timothy 3:12-17

All the troubles the Church endured were clear evidence that God was preparing them for His Kingdom. Paul acknowledged their intense suffering but assured them that God’s perfect justice and perfect rest were coming. Romans 8:28

When Jesus appears from Heaven with His mighty angels, He will bring judgment upon all unbelievers who persecuted the Church of God and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. They will face eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and His glorious power. Psalm 1:1-6

Paul reaffirmed that Jesus’ return was still in the future. He encouraged the Church to hold on to hope in God’s grace, goodness, and power. He reminded them that on that Day, when Jesus comes, He will be glorified by His holy people and praised by all who have believed, because they accepted the testimony of Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

Because the Lord is coming, Paul and his ministry team prayed for the Church, asking God to empower believers to live lives worthy of His calling. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are called not only to proclaim their faith but also to live it out daily. Ephesians 3:14-21

When the Church is obedient and honors Jesus with their testimony, He honors the Church. Paul prayed that God’s power would enable believers to fulfill every desire for goodness and complete every work of true faith so that the name of the Lord Jesus would be glorified in them, and they in Him, according to the precious grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.