2 Thessalonians 1:4 (KJV)
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:
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:
Early Christianity was persecuted in general but there were places where the persecution was worse. Thessalonica was one of them.
The second letter to the church there must have been written shortly after the first. It is possible that when the one who had delivered it returned with news from the church Paul got immediately to work on his response.
In this first chapter Paul encourages these suffering believers:
By thanking God for them
Just to know that you are an encouragement can be an encouragement.
By thanking God for them
Just to know that you are an encouragement can be an encouragement.
By sharing their testimony with others
They were heroes in his eyes and he was quick to tell others of their steadfast faith in spite of tribulation.
They were heroes in his eyes and he was quick to tell others of their steadfast faith in spite of tribulation.
By reminding them of their future
Christianity is not about today as much as it is the eternal future. We are to be a testimony today. We receive our reward in eternity.
Christianity is not about today as much as it is the eternal future. We are to be a testimony today. We receive our reward in eternity.
By assuring them of judgment
God is not blind to those who trouble the believers. Retribution is coming. Knowing that to be the case I can pray for their salvation.
God is not blind to those who trouble the believers. Retribution is coming. Knowing that to be the case I can pray for their salvation.
By praying for them
Specifically praying that the name of Christ would be glorified in them through their suffering.
Specifically praying that the name of Christ would be glorified in them through their suffering.
To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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2 Thessalonians 1:4 (KJV) Encouragement
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