CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY ON YOUTUBE
2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 (verse 3)
2 Thessalonians 1:3-8 is one sentence, with verses 9 and 10 being a second sentence that complements the first sentence. There is a lot of good information in these two sentences that needs to be broken down to make sure that we do not miss any of this valuable information as given from the Apostle Paul.
In 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NKJV) the Apostle Paul states, “3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,”. Paul says that they (he and his ministry team: Silvanus and Timothy) are bound to thank God always for the Christians at Thessalonica. He declares that it is a fitting thing to do as the faithful in Christ are growing in Christ exceedingly and their love for one another abounds (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
In this, Paul’s second letter to the church at Thessalonica, he is praising them for being obedient to the instructions he has given them in his first letter to love the Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in the ways of His teachings – to love one another as He has first loved them (John 13:34-35).
This is an example of the praise and glory given for those who follow in the ways of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All praise and glory is to be given to God, and for doing so we receive praise and glory from Him as it is part of the gift He gave for all who will put their faith in Him. It is through humility and obedience to God that He glorifies us and fills us with the inner joy that only comes from being saved through the blood of Jesus that paid for our sins. It is through His pain and suffering for us that sets us free from sin. If you will believe in Him – that He died to pay for your sins, and that He will forgive you for them if you will humble yourself in obedience to Him and ask. Praise and glory from God will then be yours – not praise and glory from anything you have done, but for putting your faith in Him for what He has done for you (Romans 10:9-10).
Dear LORD,
The Apostle Paul gives praise to the Christians at Thessalonica for their obedience to You as they learn to walk in the ways of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Please help us to see the importance of submitting our lives to You and the glory and inner peace and joy that fills all who do that we all may experience life – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.