Table of Contents
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
2 Thess.1 (New Testament)
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter 1
Verse: "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
Lesson: Paul begins this chapter by encouraging the Thessalonians to remain steadfast in their faith amidst persecution and trials. He also affirms the hope they have in the Lord's return and reminds them that God will bring justice to those who oppress them. The verse above highlights the importance of gratitude and love within the Christian community.
Conclusion: As Christians, we must remember to give thanks for the growth and love we experience in our faith, especially when we face difficult times. We should also strive to cultivate a culture of love and support within our communities.
Prayer points: Dear God, help us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when we face persecution and trials. Help us to grow in love and gratitude towards one another and to always give thanks for the blessings you have bestowed upon us.