May 19, 2022
Despite Adversity, May All Glory Be to God.
2 Thessalonians 1
Natalie Adams
Central Truth
God is near and glorified even when we face affliction.
Key Verse | 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so 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.
2 Thessalonians 1
Greeting
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving
3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, 1 1:3 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
The Judgment at Christ's Coming
5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from 2 1:9 Or destruction that comes from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so 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.
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Growing up, I always felt God was furthest away when I went through hard times. I didn't understand how a loving God could put my family through financial hardship when I was in middle school or inflict a complex medical disorder on my dad right before I left for college. If God was as good as some people said, why would he let bad times fall on my family?
It wasn't until I saw God's plan for suffering that I understood why He allows me and other Christians to endure it.
In the beginning of today's passage, Paul reveals the Thessalonians' sufferings and celebrates their faithfulness in the midst of persecution (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5). Despite the afflictions, Paul doesn't pray for hard times to stop. Instead, he prays that the suffering will glorify God (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). When we face hardship, it's for God's glory and purpose. Adversity provides an opportunity to extol the Lord.
We see how God can be glorified amid suffering in the story of Joseph. A young man was beaten by his brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt. Through many trials, God used Joseph to preserve the lives of many by interpreting Pharaoh's dream. When Joseph was reunited with his brothers, he wasn't angry, but instead saw God's hand and nearness in all the adversity. He stated, "And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors." (Genesis 45:7) Joseph saw that God's plans were much greater than his own.
As it turns out, Christians are guaranteed to suffer. Philippians 1:29 says, "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." When we face affliction, we are met with the glorification of God.
Because of my relationship with Christ, I understand that suffering is for God's grand purpose and glory. I may not see the result while I am on earth, but knowing it's for God's eternal plan gives me hope.
Discussion Questions
1. What other Scriptures encourage you to remain faithful and joyful in adversity?
2. Have there been trials you have faced in the past that you now see God's purpose for them? Reflect on those times and take a moment to thank the Lord for His faithfulness even in your suffering.