Reflection Day: 2 Thessalonians

After going back through 1 Thessalonians, take this day to go back through 2 Thessalonians.

Read 2 Thessalonians

Does this all seem way too familiar? It’s probably because you’ve already gone through these passages in the past week or two. Today’s a day for you to go back and to review what you’ve already learned and maybe even learn new things. You could just coast through this devotional because you “already know everything” and “it is just review”, but there is always more to learn about our faith and our God.

In chapter 1, Paul talks about Christ’s Second Coming. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul also talks about the Second Coming and focuses on the joy and the hope we have because of our salvation. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul talks about the other aspect of this day: God’s wrath. God is a fair and just God, and those who do not follow Him cannot take part in the kingdom of heaven. A life without salvation results in a life in hell, but the good news is that Jesus died for all to be saved so that no one will perish.

In chapter 2 verses 1-12, Paul encourages the church not to be afraid or worried about Christ’s Second Coming. He references the lawless one, one who will try and deceive and mislead the people and pull them away from God. However, Paul reminds them that they are saved and that followers of Christ will endure. None of us can endure on our own, but God is always with us and He gives us the Bible so that we can be rooted in what is true. As Christ followers, we have to constantly root ourselves deeper in knowledge of God, through prayer, scripture reading, and experience, so that we can stand firm.

In verses 13-17 of chapter 2, Paul reminds the church that God will sustain them. Despite the adversity that will come in the times of the Second Coming and that will from each day,, God is omnipresent and God is at work. He fights for us day in and day out and will never let us go. We do not have to be afraid or worry about anything because God is on our side. We should be eternally thankful of what God has done and continues to do for us, so much so that He deserves thanks through every aspect of our lives.

In chapter 3 verses 1-5, Paul talks about evangelism. When evangelizing, we often leave out parts of the Gospel so that it will be more appealing to those around us who are unsaved so that they will become “saved”. But are they really saved through this this? Yes, more people accepting Christ is a good thing, but evangelism does not stop at the numbers. Like in the parable of the sower, spreading the Gospel is more than just scattering the seeds; those seeds need to grow roots. True evangelism takes spreading the seeds one step further and takes the time and work needed to help people grow roots and build their faith.

In verses 6-18 of chapter 3, Paul talks about busyness. Some of us have plenty of time but choose not to use that time for God. Others of us are busy and “don’t have time for God” or don’t honor God with what we do. God should be our number one priority and deserves honor in every part of our lives, whether we think we have time or not.

What sticks out to you the most in 2 Thessalonians? Are you unsaved and still need Jesus in your life? Are you worried about temptations and trials and need to stand firm? Are you unthankful for everything that God has done for you? Do you spread the Gospel but don’t help others build their roots? Do you busy yourself and only give God time when its convenient?
Take some time to pray and to ask God how you can better honor Him in your life. Ask Him to open your eyes to what you didn’t see before so that you can continue to grow in your faith.