2 Thessalonians 1:3
Verse
Context
Greetings to the Thessalonians
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.4That is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring.
Sermons
Jim Cymbala
Chuck Smith
Stephen Kaung
Bill Gallatin
J.C. Philpot
David Wilkerson
J.C. RyleSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Your faith groweth exceedingly - The word ὑπεραυξανει signifies to grow luxuriantly, as a good and healthy tree planted in a good soil; and if a fruit tree, bearing an abundance of fruit to compensate the labor of the husbandman. Faith is one of the seeds of the kingdom; this the apostle had sowed and watered, and God gave an abundant increase. Their faith was multiplied, and their love abounded; and this was not the case with some distinguished characters only, it was the case with every one of them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
We are bound--Greek, "We owe it as a debt" (Th2 2:13). They had prayed for the Thessalonians (Th1 3:12) that they might "increase and abound in love"; their prayer having been heard, it is a small but a bounden return for them to make, to thank God for it. Thus, Paul and his fellow missionaries practice what they preach (Th1 5:18). In Th1 1:3, their thanksgiving was for the Thessalonians' faith, love, and patience"; here, for their exceeding growth in faith, and for their charity abounding. "We are bound" expresses the duty of thanksgiving from its subjective side as an inward conviction. "As it is meet," from the objective: side as something answering to the state of circumstances [ALFORD]. Observe the exact correspondence of the prayer (Th1 3:12, "The Lord make you to abound in love") and the answer, "The love of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth" (compare Th1 4:10). meet--right.
John Gill Bible Commentary
We are bound to thank God,.... Since all blessings, temporal and spiritual, come from him: and that always: seeing he is ever giving out fresh favours, or continuing former ones; and because those, especially which are of a spiritual nature, always abide, such as faith and love; which the apostle particularly takes notice of, the members of this Church had, and were increasing in them: for it was not for himself, but for them he gives thanks, for you, brethren: who were so, not in a natural or civil relation, but in a spiritual one, being the children of God, and brethren of Christ; and to do this for them, he looked upon himself with others under an obligation: as it is meet; just, proper, and fitting; it not only becomes the persons who have received mercies from God to be thankful for them; but it is very right for others to join with them in it, and especially the ministers of the Gospel, who are bound, and whom it becomes: it is agreeable to their office and profession to give God the praise and glory of all the grace, and the increase of it, which those, who attend their labours, are favoured with, since this is not of them, but of God; and it was for an increase of grace the apostle here gives thanks, as he judged he was obliged to do, and it was fit he should. Because that your faith groweth exceedingly. Their faith was not a faith of miracles, nor a mere historical faith, or a counterfeit and temporary one, but the faith of God's elect; which is the evidence of things not seen, of an unseen Christ, and the glories of another world; that grace by which a man goes out of himself to Christ for righteousness, life, and salvation; by which he is justified, and by which he lives on Christ, and walks on in him as he has received him. This was theirs; it was not of themselves, the produce of nature, or the fruit of their natural power and free will; but it was the gift of God, and of his operation; a fruit of the Spirit of God, and of which Christ was the author and finisher; and was only theirs, as being given unto them, implanted in them, and exercised by them under the influence of the Spirit of God, and for their use, comfort, and advantage. This was, at first, but like a grain of mustard seed, very small, but gradually increased, and grew exceedingly; and from seeing of Christ, and looking at him, and which at first might be very dim and obscure, it proceeded to going or coming to him; and which might be in a very feeble manner, and was not without being drawn and led, and great encouragements, many invitations, and large assurances; and from thence to a laying hold upon him, though it may be but in a trembling way, and not without being called to stretch forth the hand of faith, and be no more faithless, but believing; and from thence to a leaning and relying on him, trusting in him with all, and for all; and from thence to claiming an interest in him, saying, my Lord, and my God, which is the full assurance of faith; and when it is come to this, it is grown exceedingly, which might be the case of these Thessalonians; which the apostle knew by the aboundings of their love, for faith works by love; and by their patience, firmness, and resolution in suffering for Christ; all which are in proportion to faith, and the growth of it; and for this he gives thanks to God, for faith is a precious thing; and as that itself, so the increase of it is from God, and therefore to him the praise belongs: and the charity of everyone of you towards each other aboundeth; as their faith in Christ, so their love to one another was increasing, and showed itself in serving one another both in temporals and spirituals; and this was not the case of a few only, or of the greater part, but of everyone of them; which made their communion with one another very comfortable and delightful. For what is more pleasant than for brethren to dwell together in unity?
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:3-10 After thanking God for the Thessalonian church (1:3-4), Paul writes about persecution (1:4), which had intensified since his first letter (1 Thes 1:6; 2:14; 3:3-4). God will relieve their suffering (2 Thes 1:5-10) and judge their persecutors. 1:3 Dear brothers and sisters: Greek adelphoi, a generic term that refers to members of the same family, both male and female. • thank God: Paul begins with thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ faith, love, and “endurance” (1:4). These fundamental Christian virtues (see 1 Cor 13:13; Col 1:4-5; Heb 10:21-24; 1 Pet 2:1-22) were maturing in the church despite the persecution they endured (2 Thes 1:5).
2 Thessalonians 1:3
Greetings to the Thessalonians
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.4That is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God's Day of Shock & Awe
By Jim Cymbala8.9K41:43Judgment DayMAT 24:302TH 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the indisputable fact that Jesus is coming again. He describes it as the day of the Lord, a day of shock and awe promised by God. The preacher highlights that while the nations will mourn and realize judgment is coming, those who know the Lord will see it as a homecoming, a time of no more tears, sin, or trouble. The sermon also references a recent event of precision bombing in Baghdad, known as the night of shock and awe, to illustrate the power and magnitude of Jesus' coming with his angels in blazing fire.
(Through the Bible) 1 Thessalonians 4-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:20:392TH 1:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a worldwide monetary system and the potential use of computer chips as a form of identification. He mentions that this idea is being tested in Europe and could potentially be implemented globally. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being aware of the signs of Jesus' second coming, such as the existence of Israel as a nation and the gathering of European nations. He also mentions the development of electronic funds transfers and ID systems as signs of the times. The preacher encourages the audience to be watchful and prepared for Jesus' return.
Messages on Corporate Prayer #13-16
By Stephen Kaung1.6K55:20Corporate Prayer2CH 20:20ACT 1:142TH 1:32TH 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of praise and worship in the face of battles and challenges. He draws inspiration from the story of Jehoshaphat and the army of Judah, who faced a great multitude of enemies. Instead of fighting, they appointed singers to go before the army and praise God. As they began to sing, God set liars in wait against the enemy, causing them to destroy each other. The victory was won through faith and praise, and the people of Judah humbly gave thanks and blessed the Lord. The speaker encourages the audience to continue praying and praising God, even after victories, and to trust in His provision and guidance.
Acts 12_pt2
By Bill Gallatin8061:17:29ExpositionalMAT 6:33ACT 12:112TH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a group of people planning a trip to the islands. They prayed and sought confirmation from God, and scriptures started pouring out, confirming their decision. One member of the group, Danny, felt called to return home and seek confirmation from his family. After receiving confirmation from his family and others, Danny announced his decision to go, and over 20 people confirmed that God had already spoken to them about it. The speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, referencing scriptures such as Matthew 6 and the story of Abraham in Genesis 22.
Divine Enlargement and Spiritual Obedience
By J.C. Philpot01SA 2:1PSA 18:36PSA 147:18PRO 16:23ISA 1:18JER 17:9LUK 24:45JHN 13:342TH 1:31JN 3:23Joseph Philpot preaches on the connection between God's precepts and promises, emphasizing the need for divine assistance to fulfill God's commands. He explains the significance of an enlarged heart in spiritually fulfilling God's precepts, contrasting it with a contracted heart that hinders obedience. Philpot delves into the various factors that can contract the heart, such as guilt, unbelief, darkness of mind, and deadness of feeling towards God. He highlights that only through the special work of God the Spirit can the heart be enlarged, leading to an expansion of understanding, conscience, affections, and every grace and fruit of the Spirit.
Growing in Unity
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual GrowthUnity in the Body of ChristJHN 13:34ROM 15:5GAL 3:28EPH 4:3PHP 1:27COL 3:142TH 1:3HEB 10:241PE 4:81JN 4:12David Wilkerson emphasizes the remarkable growth of the Thessalonian Christians in faith and love, as highlighted by Paul's commendation in 2 Thessalonians 1:3. He illustrates how their spiritual maturity made them exemplary among other churches, showcasing a unity that transcended ethnic and social barriers. The preaching they received inspired them to deepen their relationship with Christ and reject false teachings, fostering a community that honored God's Word. Wilkerson encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to identify areas of weakness, allowing God to nurture their spiritual growth. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to love and unity within the body of Christ.
Growth
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual GrowthDiligence in FaithPSA 35:27JHN 15:2EPH 4:15PHP 1:9COL 1:101TH 4:102TH 1:3JAS 4:61PE 2:22PE 3:18J.C. Ryle emphasizes the necessity of spiritual growth in the life of a true Christian, urging believers to examine their progress in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. He highlights that growth in grace is not about increasing one's justification but rather about deepening one's faith, love, and holiness. Ryle warns against complacency and encourages believers to actively pursue growth through diligent use of private and public means of grace, self-examination, and communion with Christ. He outlines the signs of growth, such as increased humility, faith, and zeal for doing good, and stresses that neglecting growth can lead to spiritual stagnation. Ultimately, Ryle calls Christians to strive for continual growth, reminding them that their spiritual health is vital for their own joy and for the benefit of others.
Then the Churches Had Rest
By Eli Brayley0ACT 9:31PHP 4:92TH 1:3HEB 12:12JUD 1:20REV 3:1Eli Brayley preaches on the transformation of Saul of Tarsus, later known as the apostle Paul, and its impact on the early Church, leading to a time of rest and edification among the believers. Drawing parallels to the modern Western Church, he emphasizes the importance of utilizing times of peace to grow in faith, love, and holiness, warning against the dangers of spiritual degeneracy in the absence of persecution. The message calls for a return to the fear of God, walking in holiness, and seeking the comfort of the Holy Spirit to avoid judgment and spiritual complacency.
Sometimes We Grow and Don’t Know It
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual GrowthPerseverance in FaithHOS 14:52TH 1:3David Wilkerson emphasizes that many believers are unaware of their spiritual growth despite their earnest efforts in prayer and seeking God. He reflects on the hidden nature of spiritual progress, comparing it to the unseen growth of plants, and reassures those struggling with sin that they are indeed growing through their battles. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize that even in their struggles, they are being strengthened and refined by God. He draws parallels with the Thessalonian Christians, who were surprised by Paul's acknowledgment of their growth, highlighting that spiritual growth often goes unnoticed. Ultimately, he reminds us that God is at work in our lives, even when we cannot see it.
What Every Christian Should Know About Spiritual Growth
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual GrowthUnity in ChristROM 12:21CO 11:282CO 3:18GAL 5:22EPH 4:15PHP 1:9COL 1:102TH 1:3HEB 10:241PE 2:2David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in the life of a Christian, drawing from Paul's commendation of the Thessalonian church for their exceeding faith and love. He highlights that true growth is evident in unity, love, and a deepening relationship with Christ, which should be a natural outcome of being nourished by God's Word. Wilkerson encourages believers to examine their lives regularly, ensuring they are becoming more loving and Christ-like, as the Holy Spirit works within them to transform their hearts and minds. He asserts that spiritual growth is not just an individual endeavor but a collective experience that should be evident in the church community.
Immigrants
By D.L. Moody0SalvationJourney of FaithPSA 119:105ISA 55:1LUK 14:22JHN 6:63JHN 8:32ACT 8:4ROM 1:16ROM 5:12CO 12:92TH 1:3HEB 2:10HEB 3:7HEB 6:19HEB 11:162PE 3:10REV 10:6REV 22:17D.L. Moody emphasizes the urgency for immigrants in Immanuel's land to secure their places on the Gospel ship, which is the only vessel destined for eternal life. He describes the journey from the City of Destruction to Immanuel's Land, highlighting that the passage is free and available today, with Jesus Christ as the captain. The sermon illustrates the essential elements of the voyage, including faith, love, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, assuring that all passengers, saved by grace, will be provided for throughout their journey. Moody invites everyone to join this voyage, emphasizing the ample accommodations and the hope anchored in Christ.
Ministry of Intercession
By Zac Poonen0MAT 5:44JHN 3:17JHN 20:21ROM 1:81CO 1:42CO 7:8EPH 1:15PHP 1:3COL 1:3COL 3:151TH 1:22TH 1:32TI 1:3HEB 7:25Zac Poonen preaches on the ministry of intercession and salvation, emphasizing that God sent His Son not to condemn but to save the world. Believers are called to have a full-time ministry of intercession, following the example of Jesus. By replacing the spirit of accusation with the spirit of intercession, believers can be effective instruments in God's hands and overcome Satan in the church. Paul's practice of thanking God for fellow believers before correcting them serves as a model for appreciating and interceding for one another.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Your faith groweth exceedingly - The word ὑπεραυξανει signifies to grow luxuriantly, as a good and healthy tree planted in a good soil; and if a fruit tree, bearing an abundance of fruit to compensate the labor of the husbandman. Faith is one of the seeds of the kingdom; this the apostle had sowed and watered, and God gave an abundant increase. Their faith was multiplied, and their love abounded; and this was not the case with some distinguished characters only, it was the case with every one of them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
We are bound--Greek, "We owe it as a debt" (Th2 2:13). They had prayed for the Thessalonians (Th1 3:12) that they might "increase and abound in love"; their prayer having been heard, it is a small but a bounden return for them to make, to thank God for it. Thus, Paul and his fellow missionaries practice what they preach (Th1 5:18). In Th1 1:3, their thanksgiving was for the Thessalonians' faith, love, and patience"; here, for their exceeding growth in faith, and for their charity abounding. "We are bound" expresses the duty of thanksgiving from its subjective side as an inward conviction. "As it is meet," from the objective: side as something answering to the state of circumstances [ALFORD]. Observe the exact correspondence of the prayer (Th1 3:12, "The Lord make you to abound in love") and the answer, "The love of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth" (compare Th1 4:10). meet--right.
John Gill Bible Commentary
We are bound to thank God,.... Since all blessings, temporal and spiritual, come from him: and that always: seeing he is ever giving out fresh favours, or continuing former ones; and because those, especially which are of a spiritual nature, always abide, such as faith and love; which the apostle particularly takes notice of, the members of this Church had, and were increasing in them: for it was not for himself, but for them he gives thanks, for you, brethren: who were so, not in a natural or civil relation, but in a spiritual one, being the children of God, and brethren of Christ; and to do this for them, he looked upon himself with others under an obligation: as it is meet; just, proper, and fitting; it not only becomes the persons who have received mercies from God to be thankful for them; but it is very right for others to join with them in it, and especially the ministers of the Gospel, who are bound, and whom it becomes: it is agreeable to their office and profession to give God the praise and glory of all the grace, and the increase of it, which those, who attend their labours, are favoured with, since this is not of them, but of God; and it was for an increase of grace the apostle here gives thanks, as he judged he was obliged to do, and it was fit he should. Because that your faith groweth exceedingly. Their faith was not a faith of miracles, nor a mere historical faith, or a counterfeit and temporary one, but the faith of God's elect; which is the evidence of things not seen, of an unseen Christ, and the glories of another world; that grace by which a man goes out of himself to Christ for righteousness, life, and salvation; by which he is justified, and by which he lives on Christ, and walks on in him as he has received him. This was theirs; it was not of themselves, the produce of nature, or the fruit of their natural power and free will; but it was the gift of God, and of his operation; a fruit of the Spirit of God, and of which Christ was the author and finisher; and was only theirs, as being given unto them, implanted in them, and exercised by them under the influence of the Spirit of God, and for their use, comfort, and advantage. This was, at first, but like a grain of mustard seed, very small, but gradually increased, and grew exceedingly; and from seeing of Christ, and looking at him, and which at first might be very dim and obscure, it proceeded to going or coming to him; and which might be in a very feeble manner, and was not without being drawn and led, and great encouragements, many invitations, and large assurances; and from thence to a laying hold upon him, though it may be but in a trembling way, and not without being called to stretch forth the hand of faith, and be no more faithless, but believing; and from thence to a leaning and relying on him, trusting in him with all, and for all; and from thence to claiming an interest in him, saying, my Lord, and my God, which is the full assurance of faith; and when it is come to this, it is grown exceedingly, which might be the case of these Thessalonians; which the apostle knew by the aboundings of their love, for faith works by love; and by their patience, firmness, and resolution in suffering for Christ; all which are in proportion to faith, and the growth of it; and for this he gives thanks to God, for faith is a precious thing; and as that itself, so the increase of it is from God, and therefore to him the praise belongs: and the charity of everyone of you towards each other aboundeth; as their faith in Christ, so their love to one another was increasing, and showed itself in serving one another both in temporals and spirituals; and this was not the case of a few only, or of the greater part, but of everyone of them; which made their communion with one another very comfortable and delightful. For what is more pleasant than for brethren to dwell together in unity?
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:3-10 After thanking God for the Thessalonian church (1:3-4), Paul writes about persecution (1:4), which had intensified since his first letter (1 Thes 1:6; 2:14; 3:3-4). God will relieve their suffering (2 Thes 1:5-10) and judge their persecutors. 1:3 Dear brothers and sisters: Greek adelphoi, a generic term that refers to members of the same family, both male and female. • thank God: Paul begins with thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ faith, love, and “endurance” (1:4). These fundamental Christian virtues (see 1 Cor 13:13; Col 1:4-5; Heb 10:21-24; 1 Pet 2:1-22) were maturing in the church despite the persecution they endured (2 Thes 1:5).