Grace for the journey

July 12, 2007

By Greg Ebie

One of my friends told me how antagonistic one of his coworkers is toward our Christian faith. While such resistance to the gospel does not compare to the persecution some believers have endured, it nonetheless has its roots in the same soil of sin and rebellion against God. As believers, how should we respond to various attacks against our faith?

“The incredible grace of our Master, Jesus Christ, be with all of you!” (2 Thessalonians 3:18, The Message).

These are Paul’s final words of encouragement to the believers in Thessalonica. God’s infinitely amazing grace has been given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace will give us strength to stand regardless of what we may face. In this short letter to the Thessalonians, Paul helps us better understand how God’s grace can help those who suffer simple harassment or violent persecution for their faith in Christ.

The first chapter of 2 Thessalonians is a reminder of what suffering can do for us. We are considered worthy of God’s calling as we endure various forms of persecution. The grace of God gives us strength to stand knowing God is also just; the Lord will punish those who oppose us. Therefore, with a faith that endures we continue to stand, Jesus is glorified through our lives, and amazingly we also receive honor in Him.

2 Thessalonians 2 lifts our eyes to see our ultimate victory at Christ’s second coming. Don’t be deceived by false reports; Jesus will come again in victory over the enemy. But before the Lord returns, it is going to go from bad to worse. We can stand firm unto the end by the grace of God through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit within us and the truth of God’s Word.

Paul ends his letter in chapter 3 encouraging believers to continue doing what is right even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We are reminded to be faithful in prayer, not simply for ourselves but for other Christians too. Yet we are not to be so heavenly minded we are no earthly good; Paul tells the Thessalonians to follow their example and work hard as to not be a burden upon others — if you don’t work, you don’t eat. We are to continue doing what we know is right and to likewise encourage other believers to do the same.

With this in mind we can be sure the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in everything we do and every situation we face. Thank God for His amazing grace that is with us always.

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.