January 19, 2021

2 Thessalonians 13-14 (NKJV) – 13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

We are responsible and should be moved to give thanks to God for His justice. Any other way of doing things would be worse for us and our loved ones. Our thanks to God isn’t a chore or in vain because we have a deep understanding of God’s special work in us.

We are beloved by God and God choose us for salvation and for the relationship He has with us. Included with our salvation is a belief in truth; our faith is justified. We receive a special work from the Holy Spirit working through us, helping set us a part from the world, growing us, and strengthening us. And are called and chosen for God’s glory which should be moving us to give thanks to God.

Is it easy or difficult for you to give thanks to God in His justice towards the world and those who do not believe in Him? What about when the un-believer is a loved one?

2 Thessalonians 15-17 (NKJV) – 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Because we are chosen and called by God, we can stand firm on traditions of passing on and learning of the Gospel of the truth of Jesus. God has gifted each one of us His love, encouraging comfort of eternity, and true hope. With that, we are comforted in our hearts and are established and strengthened in everything that we do.

How can you use your identity as being chosen, beloved, and called by God to pass on the Gospel to the un-believers in your life?

How would this assist you in giving thanks to God for His justice towards the world?

In what ways do you currently see God’s love, encouraging comfort, and true hope in your life?