May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5
I continue my pause on my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.
Today, my focus is 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 and I lean on DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book (aka Lab) Part 1 for this text. Here, Piper focuses on v13 and while six other labs focus on the remaining verses of the text. As unpacked in the lab, Paul shares why he is thankful for the Thessalonians:
- they are loved by Lord; while God holds out in "many and various ways" salvation for all people, He uniquely loves those are believers, the elect (not of own choosing or doing), whom He makes alive in Christ with this unique "choosing or saving love", also described by Paul as great love; see Ephesians 2:4-6
- they are chosen by Lord; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 (salvation not of own doing)
- they were chosen before creation (or from the beginning as some translations use, which is consistent with scripture elsewhere) - use of from the beginning vs first fruits de-emphasizes how the Thessalonians were the first converts by Paul which is not true, the Philippians were; see also Ephesians 1:3-6, 2 Timothy 1:9
- they are for salvation; see also 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
Piper concludes the lab by sharing that Paul seeks for us (believers) to deeply understand how we are uniquely loved by God - unlike everyone else. Piper refers us to 2 Thessalonians 3:5 - where Paul prays that God direct our hearts to the love of God - this unique and great love and to find rest, joy, confidence, courage, peace, etc. in love of God.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion and grace for me - loving me beyond human comprehension. Thank You Jesus for Your love for me. I am not deserving of such great love! My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
