The church of Ephesus has a faithful legacy but have let their love for Christ cool.
I don’t know exactly how this letter was received but I imagine it was a mixed bag.
God desires and deserves to be loved.
Even good routines and habits are a cheap substitute for love.
Love Jesus deeply.
What good is right behavior with a misplaced motive?
Jesus, thank you for loving me first. May we always be close.
God supernaturally shows John glorified Jesus and a glimpse of future end time events both in heaven and on earth.
The elder John wrote down this encouragement to churches facing various trials. By this time John was larger than life to many- likely the last living apostle of Jesus.
As the gloried Jesus is revealed we see he is the triumphant King over all- the Lord Almighty.
When coming face to face with glorified Jesus John’s response was visceral. Nobody had to tell him what to do. “I fell at his feet as a dead man.”
Revere the risen and glorified Christ!
It is good to remember, especially when reading this book, that Jesus is the revelation. (Revelation means “revealing” or “uncovering”.)
Lord Jesus, you are the beginning and the end- and all points in between declare your glory. I am thankful to be in the middle of that number.
Paul prays that his church has endurance and that members avoid being lazy and off mission.
It seems that the false teaching circulating of “Jesus has already come agin” left some with a sense of not knowing what to do next. Is this all there is? No, the mission is not complete!
God expects his people to work and be about the family business.
“They are not busy but busybodies” (v.11) hits hard. How true.
Being #onmission and #onpurpose with God’s work will require saying no to some things- even good things- to make room for the essential things God is leading you to do.
What a word word for Christ-followers! Being a busybody is easy- just be a slave to everyone else’s calendar.
Father, please make it crystal clear how I should spend the time, talent, and treasure you have loaned/entrusted to me. I want to invest wisely for your glory.
Paul gives a snapshot of the Antichrist and encourages the church to stand on truth.
The theme continues of correction faulty teachings about the return of Jesus and the final judgement.
Regardless of troubling events, God is totally in control.
Unregenerate people are easily deceived and manipulated.
Continue to be sanctified by the Spirit through the truth of God’s Word, then stand.
There is practical advice for not being fooled by the Antichrist in v. 13-17.
Almighty God, nothing is beyond your knowledge and nothing will thwart your plans.
The day of the Lord will be obvious.
Some in Thessalonica were teaching that the day of the Lord (Jesus’ return & judgement) had already happened. Paul writes to set the record straight.
God is a righteous judge.
Eventually unbelievers will reap what they have sown- the vengeance of God.
Work until Jesus comes.
This chapter details what happens when Jesus returns. Judgement day will be terrible for all who have insisted on paying their own sin debt.
Father God, help me work in the power of your Holy Spirit until you return or call me home.
Since you know of Jesus’ mission and return, continue to work and encourage others.
These closing words are comforting and encouraging.
God has called us to be faithful.
We all need warnings and reminders a from time to time.
Rejoice always. Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything.
There is plenty of great advice here. Give honor and recognition to leaders. Be at peace with others. Warn those who are idle. Comfort the discouraged. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. Pursue what is good. Rejoice always. Pray constantly. Give thanks.
God, you are so good. Thankfulness wells up in my heart. Your name is great and greatly to be praised!
Jesus could return at any moment.
Since Paul spent so much of this letter talking about the return of Christ I think he was possibly trying to correct common misconceptions about Jesus’ return and trying to help the church stay on mission.
Jesus will return to gather his own.
Many will not be ready when Jesus returns.
Encourage others to be ready for Jesus to return.
This passage reinforces the idea that Jesus’ return will be quick.
Maranatha, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.
A simple godly like can be a powerful witness while we wait on the return of Jesus.
This encouragement was needed for this fledgling church.
Jesus is coming again.
People can get tangled up in all manner of things that can sidetrack out true mission.
Be faithful to God even with a quiet simple life.
If at the end of our days we could look back on our life I think we’d see that the small things really were the big things.
Lord Jesus, I know you will return. Until then help me be faithful to you in whatever life situation I’m in.
Paul gives more detail of why he left and how God was faithful even in this troubling time.
Maybe Paul felt like he’d somehow let these people down and was trying to explain his actions and heart. Maybe?
God builds his church and is entirely unstoppable.
A little encouragement goes a long way to stoke the fire of a thankful heart.
Be an encourager.
God’s sovereignty is a great foundation to stand on.
Father, you see all and know all. I do not. Help me trust you and be faithful to your mission no matter what.
Paul remineses about his friends and his church planting days in Thessalonica.
This was a letter to friends and this chapter in particular was about a shared tough time. Welcome reception was likely 100%.
God’s plans are sometimes viewed more clearly through the rear view mirror.
We don’t know much. Sometimes trials and tribulations make our view of life myopic…we don’t easily see the big picture.
Focus on Christ and trust his leadership even in troubled times.
This is a great passage to help us remember that God uses perceived “failure” to accomplish his will and purposes.
Father, I trust your sovereign hand.
