During the first century, Thessalonica was an important and very prosperous port city within the Roman Empire. It was during this time that the amphitheater opened and Roman citizens throughout the entire empire were eagerly anticipating the Gladiator Games. To be a good Roman citizen meant that one must both work hard and worship the Emperor (Caesar). However, life was very difficult for Christians and many of them throughout the empire were rebelling against worshipping Caesar. Locally, Paul, Silas and Timothy had recently been beaten and chased out of town for preaching the gospel that led to many new people becoming Christ followers. To encourage the Thessalonian church during these very difficult and tumultuous times, the apostle Paul wrote his first book, 1 Thessalonians, to them. So, why was it necessary to write a sequel? It was necessary for Paul to write this second letter (2 Thessalonians) to correct the false teachings(s) they were receiving. In this second letter, Paul addresses three specific issues:
- While waiting for the second coming, don’t be lazy; work (2 Thessalonians 3:12).
- False teachers taught the day of the Lord had come. Don’t be deceived (2 Thessalonians 2:2).
- Stand firm and remain faithful to the Lord while suffering (2 Thessalonians 1:4).
Undoubtedly, these teachings were relevant when written to the Thessalonian church; however, they are just as important for us today. Today’s text from 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4 provides four marks of a true church. The first mark is….
A genuine church is marked by being in Christ
The church is the “ecclesia”, meaning, the “called out ones” who assemble together. These are not simply those who assemble on a given Sunday; rather, it is those who assemble because they are called out by God our Father. So, how does one know if he or she has been called out? We know because we have been born again (saved) by God in Christ (2 Timothy 1:9). It is not enough to simply have common faith which knows and acknowledges Jesus. We must have the saving faith that knows, acknowledges and trusts Jesus alone. We must understand and accept that all we have are sins and that Jesus alone has all of the righteousness. Then, we must accept His offer to exchange our sins for His righteousness and make HIM Lord, Master and King of our Life!
Furthermore, all who have been called and saved should publicly identify in a local gathering of believers called the church (Acts 2:42) (Hebrews 10:24-25). So, what is the purpose of a local church? One great theologian states it this way: “What we understand in these opening verses is that the descriptive word for God as ‘Father’ reminds readers not only that a relationship exists between Father and children but also between the siblings. Children who share the same Father are bound together in a single family and should demonstrate love and care for one another” (Martin, 196). We know that the Thessalonian church genuinely cared and showed this love for one another as God commanded because of how Paul commends them for doing so. Grace Life, this is also the standard that God calls us to. We, having been called out by our heavenly father, must show this same level of concern for our spiritual siblings within our body of believers…..
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