Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you towards one another abounds; so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure. This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, giving vengeance to those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired among all those who have believed (because our testimony to you was believed) in that day.
To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power; that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Questions
- Are you “bound” to always give thanks for anyone else in the Kingdom of God?
- Could it be said of you that your faith grows exceedingly, and your love towards others abounds? Is that something you want?
- Do you suffer persecutions and afflictions for the Kingdom of God now? Would you be willing to suffer more if that meant you were counted worthy of the Kingdom of God?
- Has God ever “repaid” affliction on someone who has afflicted you? Has God ever given you relief in your affliction? If not, are you willing to wait for the Lord’s return for this justice?
- Does the idea of a penalty—eternal destruction—affect your desire to know God and obey His Good News?
- Does God count you worthy of your calling? If you’re not sure, what are you willing to endure to know? Currently, is every desire of goodness and every work of your faith being accomplished? Are they done in God’s power? If not, are you willing to humble yourself before God, to pray for affliction and persecution, to receive His power?
