The Model Church Continued: 2 Thes. 1:1-10
One great leadership trait we see in Paul is his follow-up of the churches he planted. He wrote to this fellowship commending, encouraging, and teaching, then, a few months later, he wrote again. This shorter letter will continue to be encouraging but will also go deeper into false teachings even confronting some lack of discipline from the believers.
This ministry team realized that it’s right or appropriate for them to be thankful for this church family because they deserve it. Interestingly, the word ‘right’ in verse 3 is also the word for ‘worth’ which is God’s balance scale of truth. He justly balances grace and truth, mercy and judgment, or reward and punishment: He is worthy. However, in these verses Paul wrote to remind them of their worthiness due to their growing and maturing faith shown by their endurance and love for others. This model church has gone above and beyond measure in benefiting others while staying strong under pressure in their own persecutions; that makes them ‘worthy’ of the Kingdom of God (vs. 5).
They were suffering from the government, legalistic Jews, and the heathen Gentiles by loss of jobs or positions, shunned from family and friends, undoubtedly mocked, insulted, beaten, or even imprisoned but they were patiently enduring. That’s why Paul and his team boasted about them (vs. 4).
Finally, Paul reminded them that God promises to repay oppression with oppression (vs. 6); it’s that sowing and reaping principle. As their enemies sow suffering, it’s a spiritual law that suffering will grow back to them. On the other hand, when you sow love and care you reap the same. When the divine curtain is drawn back and He’s revealed, apokalypsis, as Paul taught in his first letter, it will be quite a spectacular show. Power-angels, flaming fire, and His vengeance on those rebelling against the gospel of the Lord Jesus (See Rev. 6:9-11). That’s His righteous justice.
This model church showed undeniable value to God in their suffering by continuing to grow in faith and show His love to others and now God has ‘weighed in’ and considered them worthy. The promises of judgment are also righteous because someone must pay your ransom: it’s either Jesus or it’s you. The Thessalonians, and other churches suffering today, need to remember That Day is coming, that glorious day of His return and they’ll join the other saints in a state of being awestruck, great wonder, and astonishment as they appear with Him (vs. 10).
Do you know what happened? They believed it! This model church listened to Paul and the team, recognized the part they had to play in this divine drama, and took it to heart. How wonderful of Paul to reassure them of the final outcome and that’s my message to you. Bear up under your pressures and trials with patience until God completes His process in you knowing you can also ‘walk worthy’ of the gospel (Phil. 1:27).
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