Off the Shelf Sunday School--2 Thessalonians
Warren Mueller
Christian Author & Lake Ecosystem Scientist. Manager Environmental Assessments at Ameren (Retired).
Thanksgiving (1:3-4)
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
?1.????In his earlier epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul prayed for them to grow in
???????????faith (1 Th 4:10) and to increase in love (1 Th 3:12). He now rejoices that
???????????they are doing these things. This is one clue that Paul wrote this letter after 1
??????????Thessalonians.
A.???A sign of a healthy church is that their faith and love for each other are growing.
B.???There is also abundant joy and giving thanksgiving to God.
C.???There is steadfast faith or faithfulness in the face of trials and persecutions. Difficulties produce unity and can cause believers to become closer in their love and friendship.
D.???Healthy churches serve as examples for others. Paul boasts about them and holds them up as a model for others to follow.?