Wednesday Bible Study: The end of all things- 2 Thessalonians

 

About a year ago, a song introduced slow-learning me to the concept of an "Irish goodbye", and it is an Irish goodbye of sorts that Paul does here at the end of this letter.  He always ends a letter with a doxology, and I saw at least four full or partial ones in the last two chapters of this book.  Each one had to do with a topical concern, that can easily apply to us, and the doxology that followed addressed what Christ would do to get them- and us- past the concern.

First doxology:  Concern- worry

2Th 2:16  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, who has loved us and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
2Th 2:17  comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 

 

The concern here, the main concern of the letter entire, was that some had come after Paul and tried to convince this church that Jesus had already come again- and somehow, they missed it.  In the second of 3 chapters, Paul step-by-steps why this wasn't the case.  It was a needless worry- as all worries are- and Paul reminded them that God was there to bring His comfort, and establish them in their stand against Satan and His lies.  God has already given us the consolation we need, in that He sent Christ to ensure our eternal future, if we believe.

Second doxology: Concern- protection

2Th 3:3  But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you and guard you from the evil. 

This was in response to Paul's own request that they pray for him and his entourage (Silvanus and Timothy) to be protected against evil men and that they be left free to continue spreading the Word. By their prayers for the Apostle, they would likewise be girding themselves, that they might stand against evil and be protected from it.

Third doxology: Concern- obedience

2Th 3:5  And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.

This came from the preceding verse where Paul expresses his confidence that they are doing- and will keep doing, what they have been taught.  This, in a way, is the same prayer he has been praying the whole time- that they take comfort in God's love for them, and be patient in waiting for the Lord, thus diffusing the rumors that started their problems in the first place.

Final doxology: Concern- church divisions

2Th 3:16  And may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

The final problem that Paul addressed was that, as a result of the false teachers, several of the otherwise faithful "deduced" that since Jesus had already returned, they had no further need of earthly concerns- especially working for a living!  Paul had to make sure they were firm with these people- since man has a vested self-interest in being lazy and idle- but to mind that they were still brothers, if mistaken.  If they would do what was necessary to keep this heresy from spreading, the church would be at peace.  If they let it go on, not so much.  

Summing up, Paul, through their concerns, addressed the main concerns of all Christians.  In worry, remember that God's got it handled.  In fighting evil, he gives us an example of praying for others first, that God would take care of you as well. In obedience, he asks us to remember God's love- so great He sent His Son- and Christ's patience with us. And in divisions, to work firmly and lovingly for peace.