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"THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"
Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord (2 Thess 2:13-17)
INTRODUCTION
1. In clarifying possible misconceptions about the coming of Christ,
Paul warned in 2 Th 2:3 of two ominous events that must occur first...
a. The falling away must occur -
b. The man of sin must be revealed -
2. Both events portend a sad end for many people...
a. The falling away would necessitate the apostasy of many people
b. The man of sin would deceive many people who were perishing
3. Yet Paul writes of "Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord"...
a. Thankful that the Thessalonians appeared destined for that
blessing - 2 Th 2:13-14
b. A blessing to be received when Christ comes - cf. 2 Th 1:10
c. A blessing for which Paul prayed diligently they would indeed
receive - 2 Th 1:11-12
[In our study I wish to address the question: What is necessary for
"Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord"? From Paul's remarks in our text
(2 Th 2:13-17), obtaining this glory is possible...]
I. BY BEING CHOSEN
A. THE THESSALONIANS HAD BEEN CHOSEN...
1. For which Paul was bound to give thanks - 2 Th 2:13
2. Which was evidence of God's love for them - 2 Th 2:13
3. From the beginning - 2 Th 2:13
a. Likely referring to God's election before the foundation of
the world - Eph 1:4-5
b. Which I understand to be general, not particular; corporate,
not individual
1) God chose the body of Christ, the church, to be the
recipients of His grace and purposes predestined before
the world began)
2) Not select individuals, as per Calvinism
c. While in the "corporate" sense this choice is unconditional
and final, as "individuals" we must be "diligent to make
your calling and election sure" - 2 Th 1:10
1) Just as Israel (as a nation) had been chosen by God to
receive His blessings
2) Yet individually, the Israelites had to "make their
calling and election sure"
3) Thus Paul would need to exhort the Thessalonians to
"stand fast" - 2 Th 2:15
4. For salvation - 2 Th 2:13
a. Salvation from the wrath to come, as vividly described in
2 Th 1:7-9
b. Salvation that will include participation in the glory to
come - cf. 2 Th 1:10; 2 Th 2:14
B. HOW THEY BECAME PART OF THE CHOSEN...
1. Through sanctification by the Spirit - 2 Th 2:13
a. They had been sanctified (set apart) by the Spirit
b. This sanctifying work of the Spirit included:
1) His work in revealing and confirming the Word of God
through the apostles - Jn 17:17; Heb 2:1-4
2) His work of regeneration and renewal in conversion - Titus 3:5
2. Through belief in the truth - 2 Th 2:13
a. They had believed the testimony of the Spirit through the
apostles - 2 Th 1:10
b. This was their part to become one of the chosen, God's elect
3. Through the call of the gospel - 2 Th 2:14
a. Here is how it all came together...
1) Through the preaching of the gospel God was calling them
2) Those who believed the preaching of the gospel, were
sanctified (set apart) by the Holy Spirit in their
conversion
b. Thus set apart...
1) They became God's beloved, part of His elect
2) They were among the chosen to receive salvation
[This salvation, involving "Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord", is
available to all who answer the call of the gospel, and believe the
truth concerning Jesus Christ.
But in light of the earlier warning of apostasy, and the danger of
deception by the man of sin, how can we "make our calling and election
sure" and obtain the glory of the Lord? Paul's answer...]
II. BY STANDING FAST
A. THE THESSALONIANS ARE CHARGED TO STAND FAST...
1. Similar to charges given to other churches - 1 Col 15:58; Phil 4:1
2. Why such a warning, unless the danger of apostasy is real?
a. The danger is real - cf. Heb 3:12-15
b. The Scriptures are filled with many such warnings
-- So we need to stand fast if we desire to obtain the glory of
our Lord!
B. HOW THEY WERE TO STAND FAST...
1. Holding to the traditions of the apostles - 2 Th 2:15
a. Traditions are teachings "handed down"
1) Such as those delivered by those apostles - cf. 1 Col 11:2
2) Whether by word (orally) or by epistle (written)
b. The apostles' traditions were to be kept - cf. 2 Th 3:6; Acts 2:42
1) If we desire to stand fast, we must hold to the teachings
of the apostles
2) Like the Jerusalem church, we must continue steadfastly
in the apostles' doctrine
2. In the comfort of God's love and grace - 2 Th 2:16-17
a. God and Jesus have already:
1) Shown Their love
2) Given everlasting consolation and good hope by grace
-- This God and Jesus did by saving them through the gospel
b. Thus Paul prays that God and Jesus will also:
1) Comfort their hearts - cf. 2 co 1:3-5
2) Establish them in every good word and work - cf. 1 Pet 5:10
-- Established and comforted, they would be able to "stand
fast"
CONCLUSION
1. "Obtaining The Glory Of Our Lord" is made possible only with the help
of God, and from our text we learn that...
a. God loves us
b. Jesus Christ Himself loves us
c. They have given everlasting consolation and good hope by grace
d. They are willing to comfort our hearts
e. They desire to establish us in every word and work
-- For such reasons we should feel "bound to give thanks to God
always"!
2. Yet while God and Jesus stand ready to help us obtain the glory of
the Lord, let's not forget our obligation...
a. To believe the truth
b. To accept the call of the gospel
c. To stand fast
d. To hold to the traditions of the apostles
Do we desire to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ? May Paul's
words always serve to remind us how it is possible, and encourage us
never to become slack in our dedication to the Word of God!
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