When I was younger I used to think that there would come a day when I “arrived” at a stable and mature way of life. But now that I am well past halfway through my earthly sojourn – and now that I have been intimately acquainted with the joys and sorrows of more than 100 families as their pastor – I can tell you with all confidence that your pastors, your elders, your deacons – and all of you - are still a mess!
At the same time, I want to assure you that there is a day when you will arrive at a stable and mature way of life!
And that is what Paul is driving at in his prayer at the end of chapter 1 – and in his exhortation here in chapter 2!
Because at the end of chapter 1, Paul had said that Jesus will come on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed... and so Paul prays to that end – 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!
But the fact that you won’t “arrive” until “that day” – doesn't mean that what you do now is irrelevant!
Far from it! How you live now is based on how that day shapes your life! Will you live a life of faith, hope, and love? Or will you live a life of unbelief, despair, and fear?
Because that’s really Paul’s whole point in 2 Thessalonians! That’s why Paul emphasizes the Day of the Lord – and how the Day of the Lord shapes our life and conduct today.
And Paul starts off by correcting some misunderstandings that were flying around in his day...
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