2 Thessalonians 1 (6)

Pray Psalm 115.1.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.

Read 2 Thessalonians 1.12.

Reflect.
1. How is Jesus Christ glorified in us? How are we glorified in Him?

2. How does the grace of God work toward the ends of growth and glory? 

Meditate.
In all his thoughts and work, Paul is never far from reviewing our calling in the Lord (1 Thess. 2.12). We do not seek to grow in the Lord merely for the sake of growing, that is, merely for our own benefit and satisfaction. The end of all our growth and service and perseverance is the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is glorified in us as He makes Himself known through all our words and deeds. His love, kindness, truth, goodness, and righteousness become evident in us as He increases and we decrease (Jn. 3.31).

We are glorified in Jesus as we shelter more completely in Him, fixing our minds on Him (Col. 3.1-3), communing always with Him (Matt. 11.28-30), and looking at our lives from the vantage point of His sovereign rule over all things (Eph. 2.6).

Thus, the growth we seek is not merely for our sake, but that Jesus might be known. How else to explain what happens in us as we overcome our natural self-centeredness and fear of people to become channels of living water to those around us (Jn. 7.37-39)? Our desire is that others might see Jesus, and seeing Him, come to love and serve Him as we do.

And this takes grace, which we may secure at every moment through the work of prayer (Heb. 4.16). Grace is both a disposition of God toward us – love, favor, generosity, supply – and the work of His Spirit within us, making us willing and able to do what accords with His pleasure. Salvation is all of grace at every stage of our great salvation. We must be faithful and obedient, but even our ability to do so is a work of grace. This is a great mystery, and as much as we can understand of it – our obedience – we must wholeheartedly embrace.

In all our pressing on, running our race, working out our salvation, and growing in the Lord, we must remember that the ultimate goal we seek is that Jesus Christ be exalted and obeyed (Ps. 2). And to this end, we cry out for grace, grace, and more grace for every aspect of our lives.

Prepare.
1. Is it possible to prepare to glorify Jesus in our daily life? Explain.

2. How can you know when your life is being glorified in Jesus? How do you experience this? How does it affect you?

3. How would you explain the concept of grace to an unbelieving friend? 

He calls us back to the chief end of our whole life―that we may promote the Lord's glory. What he adds, however, is more especially worthy of notice, that those who have advanced the glory of Christ will also in their turn be glorified in him. For in this, first of all, the wonderful goodness of God shines forth―that he will have his glory be conspicuous in us who are covered over with ignominy.  John Calvin (1509-1564 AD), Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 1

Today, Lord, I want to grow in You and to glorify You in all my works and ways, so I need grace for…

Pray Psalm 115.
Let this psalm lead you to meditate on Christ, exalted in glory. Call on Him to help you trust Him in every situation, and to pour out His blessings in and through you as you faithfully work your Personal Mission Field.

Sing to the Lord.
Psalm 115 (Plainfield: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus)
Not to us, O God, not us, but unto Your Name give glory!
For Your love and faithfulness, ever to Your Name be glory!
Why should the nations cry, “Where is their God on high?”
You rule us, Lord, on high: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Idols made by men’s own hand – ever to Your Name be glory –
see nor hear nor understand – ever to Your Name be glory!
They neither feel nor walk, nor can they speak or talk;
All those who serve them fall, but unto Your Name be glory!

All who trust in Jesus yield – ever to His Name be glory –
find in Him their help and shield: Ever to Your Name be glory!
O Israel, trust the Lord!  He helps us evermore!
Fear Him obey His Word: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Blessings from our gracious Lord – ever to Your Name be glory –
will attend us evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless all who fear You, Lord, all who obey Your Word,
All who Your Name adore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Grant us, Savior, great increase: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless us with eternal peace: Ever to Your Name be glory!
Heaven and earth are Yours; let every soul adore
And bless You evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

T. M. Moore

Where do 1 and 2 Thessalonians fit in the unfolding of God’s covenant? Our course, Introduction to Biblical Theology, can help you understand the setting of all the books of the Bible, and how they fit into God’s unfolding plan of redemption. Watch the brief video introducing this course at The Ailbe Seminary (click here), then plan to register after January 1 in our Certificate in Kingdom Studies program, featuring Introduction to Biblical Theology.

Forward today’s study to some friends, and challenge them to study with you through this series on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Each week’s lessons will be available as a free PDF download at the end of the week. Get a copy for yourself and send the link to the download to your friends. Plan to meet weekly to study Paul’s ministry and prepare for your own.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).