Let Us Be Encouraged Through Christ!

Edward Steichen, who eventually became one of the world's most renowned photographers, almost gave up on the day he shot his first pictures. At 16, young Steichen bought a camera and took 50 photos. Only one turned out -- a portrait of his sister at the piano.

Edward's father thought that was a poor showing. But his mother insisted that the photograph of his sister was so beautiful that it more than compensated for 49 failures. Her encouragement convinced the youngster to stick with his new hobby. He stayed with it for the rest of his life, but it had been a close call. What tipped the scales? The vision to spot excellence in the midst of a lot of failure.

Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonians was designed to encourage, enlighten, and exhort. He offered encouragement in the midst of persecutions (2 Thessalonians 1:1-12). He offered enlightenment about the coming of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17). And, he offered exhortations to Christian living (2 Thessalonians 3:1-15). As was Paul's custom, he concludes with a benediction and prayer in their behalf.

There are two main thoughts expressed in 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18. The first is in verse 16, "MAY THE LORD GIVE YOU PEACE." Let's look at the peace that the Lord provides...

1. It was prophesied that Jesus would guide us into peace (Luke 1:78-79; 2:14)
2. He came preaching peace (Acts 10:36)
3. Jesus offers a peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27)
4. A peace that prevails despite tribulation (John 16:33)
5. It involves peace with God (Romans 5:1)
6. It involves a kingdom in which peace is supreme (Romans 14:17)
7. It involves a kingdom in which Jew and Gentile can now be one new man in peace (Ephesians 2:14-18)

How does the Lord provide this peace? It is provided through His death on the cross (Ephesians 2:15-16; Colossians 1:20-22); our faith, and the justification it brings (Romans 15:13; 5:1); harmony with brethren (2 Corinthians 13:11; the Spirit bearing fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22); fervent prayer (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2); emulating the example of Paul (Philippians 4:9); and the pursuit of peace (Romans 14:19; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:10-11).

The Lord certainly desires to give us peace: He died to make it possible, He offers it to all who will follow Him. Our task is to be diligent to be found by Him in peace (2 Peter 3:14) by allowing this peace to rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15)!

If we turn to 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18, we find that Paul makes a brief reference to writing in his own hand (verse 17). He then closes in verse 18 with a final benediction, "MAY THE GRACE OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU."

It was prophesied that Jesus would bring grace (1 Peter 1:10-11). And, Jesus came full of grace (John 1:14,16-17). His apostles proclaimed the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7; 2:4-9; Romans 5:2; 1 Peter 5:12). Jesus gives us everlasting consolation and good hope through this grace (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). His apostles commended souls to the Word of God's grace (Acts 20:32).

Let's see how the Lord provides this grace. It is provided:

1. By obeying the gospel of grace (Hebrews 5:9; Romans 6:17; Titus 3:4-7; cf. Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:36; 22:16).
2. Through growing in grace (2 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 1:2,5-8; Hebrews 4:14; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
3. By making sure we do not receive the grace of God in vain; His grace will not be available forever (2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Hebrews 12:15; Galatians 5:4).

How sad to receive God's grace, but then to have received in vain! Peter describes the sorry condition of those who turn away from God's grace after having known it (2 Peter 2:20-22). Like Timothy, we need to heed the admonition to be strong in the grace of God (2 Timothy 2:1)!

In closing, Paul's love for his brethren in Thessalonica was quite evident. He wanted the Lord Himself to give them peace always in every way. And, He wanted the grace of the Lord to be with them all. Thus He began and closed this epistle with a prayer for grace and peace (2 Thessalonians 1:2; 3:16-18).

Prayer: Lord, if I am discouraged today, may I pause for your encouragement. Amen

May the Lord be with you,

Darlene