Opening Up 2 Thessalonians
Overview
Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians is as relevant for us today as it was for first-century Thessalonian believers to whom he wrote. Its three main themes—the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, intercessory prayer, and local church discipline—were addressed to a young church experiencing trouble, discrimination, and harassment because of their commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Here Ian McNaughton unpacks these themes, demonstrating the timeless importance of each one in encouraging strong and assured hope in the midst of suffering.
Top Highlights
“Election’ is an objective reality: it is God making a choice, and God’s will is what matters. Election is his sovereign act in eternity past. ‘Calling’ is a subjective reality: it is personal; we respond to it and we hear it. It comes when we hear the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit (Jonah 2:9; 2 Peter 1:10). When the elect hear the gospel, it is accompanied with God’s grace to bring them to conversion. Election says that we are chosen in Christ from before the beginning of the world (Eph. 1:4); effectual calling, therefore, is the grace and power of God irresistibly drawing sinners to Christ (Rom. 8:30).” (Pages 56–57)
“The ‘falling away’ refers to rejection of sound doctrine and true worship, as well as moral declension” (Page 46)
“This means that we were created to work (Gen. 1:28; 2:15), so idleness is not what God has planned for humanity. It is, therefore, sinful to be idle when one could be at work earning a living, unless one is unwell or disabled in such a way that prevents active labour.” (Pages 68–69)
“make up what is sometimes called the ordo salutis (order of salvation)” (Page 54)
“Prayer is not achieved without the help of the Spirit of God” (Page 53)
- Title: Opening Up 2 Thessalonians
- Author: Ian McNaughton
- Publisher: Day One
- Publication Date: 2006
- Pages: 128