Worthy of God’s Call

July 11, 2010

Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 1:3–12

Key Verse: 2 Thessalonians 1:11

A

Introduction

We have been taught by our Lord and Savior to pray, saying, “Our Father.” Christ Jesus has not only established a relationship between us and our Father in heaven, He has granted us a fellowship one with another. The Spirit has written, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1). Therefore, we come to the Father by faith. By faith we are convinced that what Christ has accomplished on the cross is now manifested in our fellowship with God and with one another. We are “all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:26). By faith we “come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). It is in this faith that we pray for one another.

Our Father has bestowed such a love upon us that, being called “children of God,” our hearts overflow with his love, first to the Father who loves us, and then to other children of his household, which is our spiritual family. As it is written, “And this commandment we have from him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:21). We pray for one another as obedient children of our heavenly Father. As a child of King Jesus, we are to be like him in deed and in nature. It is “by this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments” (1 John 5:2). As God so loves us, we are to love one another. This love is the fulfillment of God’s law in our lives: “I will put my law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jer. 31:33; see also Mark 12:30–31).

When we pray for each other, we are saying to our Father in heaven that we desire this to be established by Christ. We pray for others because they too are of the household of God our Father. Just as we see the image of our parents in the lives of our brothers and sisters, so we see the image of our Savior in those who are called by his name. “The saints are the walking pictures of God. If God is our Father, we shall love to see his picture of holiness in believers; we shall pity them for their infirmities, but love them for their graces; we shall prize their company above others” (Thomas Watson, The Lord’s Prayer).

A

Thank God: 2 Thessalonians 1:3–5

Paul is writing this epistle to the church in Thessalonica. He speaks of them as belonging to “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1–2). Prayer is one of the means of our communion with our Father in heaven. Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, find that, in their communion with God, they must give thanks to him for the saints in Thessalonica. Their hearts overflow with thanksgiving because of their growth in faith. Another reason for giving thanks to God for them is their abounding love for each other. There are other reasons to give thanks. It is for their patience and faith as they endure persecutions and tribulations. Paul and his companions cannot restrain themselves; they “glory in you in the churches of God.” They cannot help but tell other Christians about their faith and endurance. What is the greatest thing you could tell of a fellowship of believers? Is it of their faith, or of the number who attended a church dinner?

The love, faith and patience and endurance that was seen by Paul in the Thessalonian brethren, brought forth a spirit of thanksgiving to God because of what it revealed. It was a “token of the righteous judgment of God,” that they would be “counted worthy of the kingdom of God,” for which they suffered. Our faith and love and perseverance should reveal the justice and love of God, and that we are truly worthy children of the King.

Discussion: Why was Paul thankful to God for the saints of Thessalonica?

A

God’s Vengeance: 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10

When the fifth seal of John’s vision was opened (Rev. 6:9–11), an altar was revealed, under which were the “souls of them that were slain for the word of God.” These martyred saints cried with a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”

Paul sees that it is a righteous thing for God to “recompense tribulation to them that trouble” his saints. The question of vengeance is always before us. It does seem that the wicked get their way, even benefiting from their treatment of God’s children. However, we are not to avenge ourselves, “but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19; see also Isaiah 35:4). Those who are troubled are to rest with the saints, who together with us, wait for the Lord Jesus, when he will “be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The wicked that persecute God’s children will “be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” When Christ comes he will “be glorified in his saints,” and he will “be admired in all them that believe.” We are to overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:20–21), not to bring vengeance upon the wicked. The Lord will bring vengeance, and he will do so that he will be glorified in his people for whom he purchased redemption by his blood. His will be the victory in and through us.

Discussion: What happens when the Lord brings his vengeance upon the wicked, to the unbeliever and the believer?

A

Glorified in Us: 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, pray continuously for the saints. Their desires for the saints are that God would count them worthy of “this calling.” What calling?—that which they have shown in love, faith, and endurance. It is God that will fulfill the “good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.” Matthew Henry wrote, “Believing thoughts and expectations of the second coming of Christ should lead us to pray to God more, for ourselves and others. If there is any good in us, it is owing to the good pleasure of his goodness, and therefore it is called grace. …The power of God not only begins, but carries on the work of faith. And this is the great end and design of the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ, which is made known to us, and wrought in us.”

Paul’s desire is, as should be ours for each other, “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.”

Discussion: In what ways is Christ glorified (honored) is us?

A

Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2010 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.