2 Thessalonians 1:1-3 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:… Observe: I. IT IS A COMFORT THAT OUR INWARD MAN IS IN A GOOD STATE WHATEVER IT BE WITH OUR OUTWARD. The Thessalonians were poor and afflicted (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Yet their condition before God was prosperous, and matter of thanksgiving rather than lamentation (so 2 Corinthians 4:16). We should count this world's goods well exchanged if by the want of them our spiritual graces are increased. If God by an aching head will give us a better heart; by a sickly body a healthy soul (3 John 1:2); by lessening us in the world make us rich in faith (James 2:5), we should not barely submit, but be thankful (Psalm 119:71; 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10; Hebrews 12:11). II. IT IS NOT ENOUGH BARELY TO BE GOOD, BUT WE MUST GROW FROM GOOD TO BETTER AND BE BEST AT LAST. 1. God's children wait on the Lord, and He is not wont to be sparing to those who attend upon Him (Isaiah 40:31). 2. They are planted in a fertile soil (Psalm 92:13, 14). 3. There are ordinances by which they receive a supply of the Spirit (Psalm 84:7). 4. They find new encouragement in God's ways (Proverbs 10:29). 5. Our reward should encourage us (Philippians 3:14). 6. The way is so pleasant that we have no occasion to tire in it (2 Peter 3:18). 7. God expects it (Hebrews 5:12; Luke 12:48; John 15:2). III. THEIR GROWTH WAS CONSIDERABLE. Certainly they did not overgrow their duty, but it was a wonderful growth considering the difference between what they once were and what now, and between them and others, even their contemporaries in the faith. We should not only grow, but excel in grace. To this end we should be — 1. More humble (James 4:6). 2. Diligent in the use of gifts (Luke 8:18). 3. Thankful (Colossians 2:7). 4. Obedient to the Word of God as our rule, and the sanctifying motions of the Spirit as our principle (Jeremiah 8:9; Ephesians 4:30). IV. THEIR GROWTH WAS IN BOTH FAITH AND LOVE. 1. These are inseparable (Colossians 1:4; 1 Timothy 1:13), the one concerning our personal, the other the Church's benefit. We are to edify ourselves in faith, others in love. 2. This connection is necessary, because all religion is exercised by these graces. The mysteries of religion are received and improved by faith, and its precepts and duties acted by love (1 Corinthians 16:13, 14). 3. The qualification which entitles us to the privileges of the new covenant in faith working by love (Galatians 5:6). Faith without love is dead, and love without faith is but a little good nature. 4. Both graces are recommended by the same authority (1 John 3:23). 5. The one refers to God, the other to man. The one keeps us from defection from God, the other from a schism with our fellow Christians. V. THIS GROWTH AND PROFICIENCY WAS FOUND IS ALL. Not only some were eminent for faith and charity but all. (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: |
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