Monday, July 16, 2012

Happy Happy Monday

PAUL'S THANKFULNESS

Scripture Reading:  2 Thessalonians 1:1-3.


The same three men named in 1 Thessalonians are named here as sending greetings. Paul's use of "we" (1:3-4, 11-12) is worth noting. More than one man was responsible for establishing this, and other churches. God's laborers work together, by His design to accomplish His work. Silas was Paul's primary associate on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). Timothy was a young man Paul had led to Christ (1 Tim. 1:2) during his first missionary Journey (Acts 13-14). It was Timothy who brought Paul news of the Thessalonian situation the first " time (I Thess 3: 12,6). These three men were those who brought the faith to and nurtured the Thessalonian Church.

Again Paul greets the Thessalonians with his characteristic "grace and peace" (vs.2). Paul wants his readers to experience these blessings in their fullest measure. Grace is God's unmerited favor bestowed upon all who receive Him (John I:12). "Peace" is the ending of the alienation that previously separated the unbeloved from God (Rom.. 5:1).

Paul thanks God for this Church because of the continual growth in their faith (gk. huperauxanei). He has seen their faith grow super abundantly or vigorously in spite of hardship and persecution. Paul often uses superlatives in his Greek expressions. The Thessalonians' faith in God continues to increase as well as their love for others (James 2:14-17). Is this a reality in Our lives?

Daily Smile:
Q. What do you call two fat men having a chat?
A. A heavy discussion.

Editor's Note: Before you become offended, I am fat and my conversations can be sometimes Heavy... Laugh with me...

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