This month of December 2025, we are memorizing 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. Paul wrote this letter to healthy disciples, who were looking forward to the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will see evidence of this theme in this prayer.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 NIV
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
In verses 13 & 14, Paul is expressing his sincere thanks to God for the disciples in Thessalonica. He planted this church in just three weeks! (See Acts 17:1-9) Paul was confident they responded to the gospel message and a church was born.
Paul describes these disciples as “first fruits” in verse 13, which is a common picture used of Jesus’ resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:23), the coming of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:23), and converts to the Christian faith (Romans 16:5). Our Savior not only saves us, but the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit cleanses us as well. As a result, we become more holy just as He is holy. All this miraculous work comes through our personal faith in Jesus.
Our final destiny is to join our Savior in His glory. What a blessed future we have! This optimism gives us courage and strength to keep walking by faith each day. Rejoice in the blessed security God has given to His children!
John 10:27-28 NIV
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Celebrate your salvation in Jesus!
Pastor Rick
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