2 Thessalonians 1:1-2

2 Thessalonians 1:1-2

Paul and Silvanus and Timothy.  To the assembly of Thessalonica in God our Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul, Silas (another name for Silvanus), and Timothy.  These three are the core of the ministry to the early Gentile church.  We need to remember that this letter was likely connected to a response from Thessalonica to the letter that we just finished studying.  In other words, these three pillars of the early church are in agreement with the content of this response.  This is a response of unity.

Why is it important for our leaders to be united together?  When have you experienced such unity?

Second Thought:

Notice that in Paul’s writing, Paul repeats the words, “God our Father” twice in short succession.  Paul doesn’t do this to be difficult or to sound repetitive.  Paul does this to make sure that the Thessalonians understand that God the Father is the center of life.  God the Father is crucial to our decisions.  God the Father is the foundation of our thoughts and discussions.  As this response to the Thessalonian church comes forth from Paul, Silas, and Timothy it is necessary to remember that it more importantly comes from God and His ways.

Do you think it is easy to lose sight of God as the center of life?  Do you think that it is easy to lose sight of the fact that God is the center of the community of believers?

Third Thought:

Paul also repeats the phrase “the Lord Jesus Christ.”  This is for most of the same reasons as he repeated the phrase “God our Father.”  It is important to remember that Jesus Christ is at the heart of the church.  It is important to remember that Jesus Christ is at the core of our discussions and decisions.  When we speak in the church, we should speak from His example and base our thoughts on His teachings.  It is not up to us to determine what is right and wrong.  We are to follow the path that Jesus blazed before us.

Do you think it is easy to lose sight of Jesus as the center of life?  Do you think that it is easy to lose sight of the fact that Jesus is the center of the community of believers?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4