A Good Church Still Doing Good - 2 Thess Lesson 1

A Good Church Still Doing Good

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

 Let’s open our Bibles this morning to 2 Thessalonians. My plan when we started 1 Thessalonians almost a year ago was to continue from the first letter through the second letter from Paul to this really good church in Thessalonica. We saw in our study of the first letter that this truly was a good church. We don’t have very many second letters to most of the churches Paul founded on his missionary journeys. This second letter is a gift because it gives us insight into how the church was doing after Paul had been away from them for a while. We get a sense for how they were doing very quickly in this letter. I would invite you to stand with me in honor of God’s word as we read the first chapter. Read Chapter 1.

 We learned a great deal about the relationship between Paul and the people of Thessalonica in our study of the first letter. The Thessalonian church was a good church, marked by the work of faith, the labor of love and the steadfastness of their hope in Christ. The gospel had been effective in Thessalonica. The Thessalonians had seen Paul’s unwavering devotion to bringing them God’s message. They had received it as the word of God, not merely the word of men. Even though Paul’s time with them had been brief, the church had an excellent reputation among the churches. There were no words of rebuke in the entire first letter. There was a lot of encouragement and doctrinal instruction and a flurry of imperatives near the end that gave instruction on how to live as a group of Christians with one another.

 As Paul always did, he stayed in touch with the church in Thessalonica. The first letter would have been sent to this church from the city of Corinth some time after Timothy had returned from his visit. We know from the content of the first letter that Timothy had been sent back to strengthen these believers in the faith. The first letter was written sometime after Timothy’s return. It may have been that whoever took the first letter from Paul to the Thessalonians brought back a report updating Paul on the progress they were making. From the content of the second letter we can ascertain that the church was still doing very well, but there were a few areas that needed to be addressed with the second letter.

 There are three general issues or themes in this second letter and this is why the letter is divided into three chapters. In Chapter 1 Paul addresses the ongoing struggle of the church in the face of persecution and affliction. The enemies of the gospel were relentless. Paul writes this first chapter to encourage these believers to continue to stand faithful so they would be considered worthy of the kingdom of God. In chapter 2 Paul writes with further instruction regarding the last days and to answer questions they still had regarding the coming of the Lord. Paul had addressed this doctrinal issue in the first letter, but they still needed further clarification. In chapter 3 Paul exhorts the people on how to live in light of the return of Christ. Evidently there were some who were refusing to work, just sitting and waiting on the Lord’s return. Paul gives instruction on how to deal with these who are being irresponsible. The theme of Chapter 1 is basically comfort in affliction, Chapter 2 is correction of doctrinal error, and Chapter 3 is confrontation of irresponsible living.

 One of the things that came out of our study through the first letter was a clear picture of the heart of Paul towards this church. Paul modeled the kind of concern every pastor should have for the flock of God’s people for whom he shepherds. In Chapter 2 of the first letter we saw Paul’s unwavering commitment to teaching God’s truth, making sure it was free from error or deceit. He was faithful to the gospel which had been entrusted to Him from God. He wasn’t concerned with pleasing men. Even though he taught with the authority of an Apostle, he was as gentle as a nursing mother, having so fond an affection for them, and imparting to them not only the gospel, but his own life as well. 

 He endured hardship, working night and day so as not to be a burden to them. His behavior was devout, upright, and blameless. He was exhorting and encouraging and imploring them as a father would his own children that they would walk in a manner worthy of God. The first letter painted a vivid picture of a great degree of devotion and faithful ministry. Paul poured his life into these people for the brief time he was among them. Few letters written by Paul give as much evidence of his concern and commitment as the first letter to the Thessalonians.

 You know, you can pour your life into people. You can care about them deeply. You can be committed to them wholeheartedly. You can teach them God’s truth. You can work hard on their behalf. You can sacrifice for them. You can live the best example possible for them to observe. You can pray for them. You can admonish them when they are unruly. You can love them through their struggles. You can encourage them and implore them to make the right choices and do the right things. You can love them unconditionally. You can tell them everything they should do to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. But, you cannot do God’s work in their lives. You are not the heart change agent. God alone does that. 

 Paul knew this better than most. This is exactly why Paul closes the first letter with the prayer we studied a couple weeks ago. Having done all he could do, having told them everything he believed they needed to hear in the first letter, Paul writes, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely…” Paul had preached the truth. Paul had practiced the truth. Having done all he could do, Paul prayed that God would do His work in their lives with the truth. Sanctify them in the truth.

 One of the very real benefits of this second letter to the Thessalonians is that we get an update. We are given valuable insight into how they are doing. In the first four verses of chapter 1 we find out that Paul was very pleased with what he has heard about the results of his efforts. Having heard the report back about what is going on in Thessalonica, Paul writes in verses 3-4, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; therefore we speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.”

 We don’t know how long it was. It could have been just a few months. It may have been as many as 14-16 months. But between the writing of the first letter and the writing of the second letter, Paul hears enough about what is going on with them that he is thanking God for the fact that their faith is greatly enlarged, and their love for one another has grown even greater, and they are persevering and remaining faithful even though the persecution and affliction has continued. The results are cause for rejoicing. God was sanctifying the Thessalonians. They were growing. They were making progress in vital areas of their relationship with God and their lives together in the body of Christ.

 Paul enjoys a blessing that can only be experienced by a faithful spiritual leader. In fact, Paul sees the very thing that every faithful spiritual leader wants to see. He gets to see the fruit of his labors. He gets to see the answers to his prayers for their spiritual growth. He gets affirmation that His labor is not in vain. In fact, from everything he is hearing about the Thessalonian believers, Paul tells them that he has reason to be both thankful to God for what has happened, and proud of them for their faithfulness and perseverance. This is the kind of thing that makes any spiritual leader thankful to God and pleased for those he leads. This is a church to brag about. Paul speaks proudly of these believers among the other churches. And Paul keeps the bragging in perspective. He isn’t bragging or boasting about what he had done. He is clear. This progress is the result of God’s work. God gets the credit. Paul gives thanks and tells others of God’s great work.

 Before we get into verses 3-4 and look at the things for which Paul is pleased, let me comment on verses 1-2. Verses 1-2 contain the salutation. These are common first words in Paul’s writings. We aren’t going to look at them in great detail today because we looked at essentially the same words when we started our study of First Thessalonians. If you were not here when we started First Thessalonians, you have a homework assignment. You need to go to the church’s website and go to “sermons” and find the messages on First Thessalonians and at the beginning of those messages you will find an introductory message where we looked extensively at these words. The message was entitled “Common Words – Uncommon Significance.” 

There is one difference between the salutation of First and Second Thessalonians. If you look at verses 1-2, they are identical to verse 1 of the first letter. The difference is that in the second letter, in verse 2, Paul adds following “grace to you and peace” the words “from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Since these words are added in this greeting, I think it is important to ask ourselves why Paul made this addition.

Paul identifies this as the church of the Thessalonians “in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” and then says in verse 2, “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” It isn’t as common for Paul to identify the church as being “in God our Father.” He often identifies the church as being “in Christ.” Why the reference to “God our Father?” This is a reminder that Christians who are struggling need to hear. These Christians were being persecuted. Every Christian, no matter how difficult the struggle, can know for certain that he or she is, along with the Apostle Paul, “in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Thessalonians were enduring great trouble because of persecutions and afflictions. In their sorrows, which can be the occasion of great discouragement, it is always good to remember that they were “in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The reminder of God as our heavenly Father should be reason for rejoicing. It should provide us with strength and encouragement. We should never forget that God always causes all things to work together for good. God is sovereign in all the affairs of this life, even the suffering. 

Donna and I were talking about Paul Bunyan Friday evening. The sorrow he endured and the unjust suffering he was subjected to seemed so unnecessary. He spent 10 years in prison. He could have walked away at any time by simply promising to never preach the gospel again. He would not. His first wife died leaving him with four children, one of whom was blind. His second wife gave birth to a baby that was still born. He was suffering greatly from persecution and affliction. From his suffering came that remarkable book entitled “Pilgrim’s Progress.” That book is second only to the Bible in its impact on the world for the cause of Christ. We have that book because John Bunyan knew he was “in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” If we are in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ we can know that whatever we are going through we can trust that our Father has not made His first mistake. He is faithful.

Paul’s salutation to the Thessalonians in this second letter needed these words added as a reminder of the truth about God our Father and His sovereign control and His faithful care and His wonderful provisions, even in the face of hard times. God is a faithful, loving, compassionate heavenly Father. Those who are truly saved are “in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

 Paul was witness to the faithfulness of God in regards to the sanctifying work of God in the lives of these dear Christians. What he saw of God’s work in them caused him to give thanks to God. After his opening salutation, Paul proceeds to tell the Thessalonians how thankful he is for what he has heard regarding God’s work in them. In the first part of verse 3 Paul says, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting…” What had been reported back to Paul concerning the Thessalonians caused him to feel a deep sense of obligation and responsibility to give thanks to God. This is what the Greek word translated “ought” conveys. Paul was indebted to God for His work among these dear brothers and sisters in Christ. He was obligated to thank God. It was fitting that God be praised, thanked, and glorified because God alone was responsible for the great spiritual progress that had happened in Thessalonica.

 I think it is worth noting something here. Paul knew he had an obligation to thank God and God alone for the positive spiritual outcomes among the Thessalonians. He gave all the credit to God because he understood that the good results were things that only God could have accomplished. Paul doesn’t take any credit for himself. He doesn’t say, “Our hard work has paid off. All that good preaching and living as good examples before you has accomplished what we had hoped.” Paul had worked hard. We saw that in the first letter. He had lived as an excellent example. He was faithful, diligent, disciplined, devoted, and uncompromising. Yet, he took none of the credit. It was fitting that God be given all the thanks because all that had been accomplished was the result of God’s work.

 Let’s look at those things for which Paul gives thanks to God. First, we find that Paul was obligated to give thanks to God “because your faith is greatly enlarged.” The word translated “greatly enlarged” is an intensified compound word. “Huperauxano” means “to flourish, increase exceedingly.” It was faith that was growing beyond measure. If there is anything that will encourage the heart of a spiritual leader, or pastor, or even a father who faithfully discharges his duties as the spiritual leader of his home, it is the evidence of a growing faith among those he leads.

 The faith of the Thessalonians was a faith that was greatly enlarged because it had grown. I have often said that anything that is alive will grow. The work of salvation involves the Holy Spirit bringing spiritual life to those who are truly converted. The Holy Spirit awakens us from spiritual death and causes us to be born again. Spiritual birth produces spiritual life. Spiritual life produces faith. Spiritual life and faith are the gifts of God’s grace. When that work is genuine, and faith is genuine saving faith, it will be a growing, increasing faith that will be greatly enlarged. There is great cause for concern when someone says they have faith, but the evidence of their lives is that their faith is not growing, or even worse, their faith is dead. James warns of a dead faith. If it produces nothing it is a dead faith.

 Paul was always concerned about the condition of faith. He was well aware of the potential for counterfeit faith, false faith, or a faith that fails to produce a genuine transformation of life. If you remember, back in 1 Thessalonians 3:2, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to “strengthen and encourage (them) as to your faith.” In verse 6 Paul writes that Timothy had come back with good news of their faith and love. Paul knew the importance of a healthy, growing faith. This was the only reliable evidence of genuine conversion.

 The faith of the Thessalonians was a faith that was growing in an environment of persecutions and afflictions. Why is this true? This is true because only genuine faith will be a faith that flourishes exceedingly. Persecution and affliction will sort out those with a false faith from those with genuine faith. That was the message of Jesus from the Parable of the Soils. Matthew 13:20-21 says, “The one on whom seed was sown in the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.”

 On the other hand, the one in whom faith is genuine will be producing fruit, much fruit. He will be like the tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does he prospers. (Psalm 1:3) The key ingredient in both the parable of the soils and Psalm 1 is the word of God. The seed in the parable of the soils is the word of God. The soil represents the condition of the heart of the one who hears the word. The tree in Psalm 1 represents the flourishing life of the one who delights in the law of God and meditates on it day and night.

 What is necessary for faith to be greatly enlarged? The key to growing faith is the nourishment we receive from the Word of God. Our faith is greatly enlarged as we are nourished on the words of truth from God’s word. You want to know why the church today isn’t characterized by a faith that is greatly enlarged. It is because we have a church today that is being nourished on spiritual junk food. Just like children who are raised on junk food will turn away from a good, nourishing, healthy meal, people of the church walk away from churches teaching the word of God because they prefer tidbits of spiritual junk food. Most people who call themselves Christians don’t even pick up their Bibles to read it and they certainly won’t sit through a 45 minute message of in-depth exposition of the Scriptures. They will gobble up spiritual Twinkies in the form of a daily devotion, but they won’t pick up and read the filet mignon of God’s holy, inspired, inerrant, authoritative word. There may not be anything wrong with your daily devotional study, but if that is all you get, your faith will never be greatly enlarged.

 The next thing Paul gives thanks to God for is because the love of each one of the Thessalonians towards one another grows ever greater. Once again this was one of the aspects of the Christian life where Paul had exhorted and encouraged the Thessalonian believers to excel. He wrote in 1 Thessalonians 3:12, “may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another…” He wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, “Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more.” Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians had taken this exhortation to heart and their love for one another had grown even greater. 

 Growing faith and love for others are two important indicators of a truly redeemed individual. Faith and love are so commonly linked in Scripture that we can expect that if Paul heard of evidence of an increasing faith he would also hear of a love for one another that grows greater. The word translated “greater” is a word that signifies more than enough. They had a love for one another that was growing to the point that it was more than enough. It was a love that every member of the church was demonstrating to all others in the church. It was a demonstrative love. This kind of love is characterized by a generous spirit and a willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of those whom we love.

 Jesus told His disciples in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” The love of Christ for His disciples is the standard that is to be applied to our love for one another. Listen, a church which exists in the middle of the hostility of persecution and affliction will be a church required to love one another. The members of the Thessalonion church were sacrificing and serving one another in need. These needs were likely the result of people being arrested, or killed, or being denied an opportunity to work because of their identity with Christ.  

 In verse 4 we find the third thing for which Paul was giving thanks to God. It was because the Thessalonians were staying faithful as they persevered in the midst of persecutions and afflictions which they were enduring. Look at verse 4. “therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.” Paul held them up as examples to the other churches of how to respond when the heat gets turned up by the hateful world.

 Back in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Paul had told the Thessalonians that he had sent Timothy back to strengthen and encourage them as to their faith. Verse 3 tells why Paul did this. He writes, “so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.” Paul had told them to expect persecution. This was all he had ever encountered since becoming a servant of Christ. He warned them that they would suffer affliction. He knew this persecution and affliction would continue after he left. He sent Timothy back because he needed to know about their faith. He wanted to make sure the tempter had not tempted them to walk away from the faith because this would be a clear indication that his labor would have been in vain.

 Paul was filled with joy over the report he had received concerning the spiritual well-being of the church in Thessalonica. Paul was proud of the fact that not even persecution and affliction could discourage these followers of Christ. He could hold them up as examples of perseverance and faithfulness in these difficult circumstances.

 As we follow Paul’s flow of thought from the first letter to the second letter to the Thessalonians, there are a couple of observations we should make. One of the major emphasis of the first letter was on teaching the word of God to the people of God. Go back and read 1 Thessalonians and look at how committed Paul was to instructing the people from the word of God. The word of God will do its work in those who are truly redeemed. The word of God will produce a faith that will be constantly growing and greatly enlarged. Paul taught the word of God while he was with them. He wrote to them the letter which contained the word of God that we know as First Thessalonians. The word of God did what God intended for it to do and it produced a faith that was greatly enlarged.

 This is why we will remain devoted to the teaching of God’s word. The word of God does its work in those who are the children of God. We won’t substitute the word of God for spiritual junk food. When you come here for Bible study or worship we will open the Bible. We will read it carefully, exegete it accurately, teach it authoritatively, and apply it appropriately, and it will transform those whose hearts are good soil. Your lives will produce fruit. Your faith will be greatly enlarged.

 Paul also focused in the first letter on both showing and telling the Thessalonians how to live and love one another. Go back and read the first letter again and you will find multiple examples of instructions and examples from his own life on how to love and serve one another. Because of God’s blessings on his efforts, the love of these people for one another grew ever greater. So, in addition to teaching God’s word, we must apply ourselves to learning how to love one another. The more hostile our world grows as we approach the return of Christ, the more we will need one another.

 A third observation from this transition from the first to the second letter is that it is important to tell the people of God the truth about what to expect from becoming a follower of Christ. The Thessalonian Christians were remaining faithful, even in persecution, because Paul had been completely honest with them about what to expect in the Christian life. Too many people are being grossly misled about the Christian life. They are being promised health and wealth and a life free from trouble or sorrow. The Bible never promises that. Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble and sorrow. Jesus has overcome the world and He makes us overcome as we trust and obey Him.

 All those who call themselves Christians who only seek Christ because they want only the good stuff, those people will turn away in times of trouble. Their faith is a false faith in a god of man’s own making. It is not a life changing faith in the God of the Bible. We must tell people the truth about what is involved in believing and following Christ. Otherwise, we cannot expect to be able to speak proudly of those whom we disciple in the faith.

 One more observation in closing. Paul measured success among the Thessalonians based on their greatly enlarging faith, their growing love for one another, and their perseverance and faith in the midst of persecutions and afflictions. What do most spiritual leaders today use as measures of success? It isn’t these things.