In light of the division and quarreling infesting the Corinthian church, Paul reminds them of cornerstone truths about the church. The church belongs to Christ, our superior source of wisdom as His people is found in God, and He has graciously given to us all things through the Lord Jesus Christ. These powerful reminders orient our hearts to be driven to seek His glory in all things!

The Thessalonians were facing persecution, they were being targeted by false teachers, and they were young Christians newly founded in the faith. In 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, Paul puts the capstone on what they needed to remember. They need to remember Christ, remember the grace of the Father, remember the comfort of God, remember the strengthening work of God, and remember the calling God had given to them. We as Christians need these reminders in the multi-faceted trials we face over the course of our lives. May God strengthen us through His Word to be faithful!

In 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Paul urges us to labor with skill in the life of the church. We are to seek the eternal glory of Christ looking to the reward of God on the last day. What does it mean to have wisdom in seeking the health of the church? How does the Lord Jesus build up His bride? We look to the Word for answers on these matters as we study this passage together!

In 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15, we receive the charge to stand firm. Before Paul's gives that command, he reminds the Thessalonians of the work that the Lord has done. We do not just stand firm as Christians, we specifically stand firm in the light of the perfect character, work, and grace of our God. We stand firm in the truth, realizing He is the One empowering us and holding us all of the way!

How do we as believers seek to encourage one another toward a mature walk in the Lord? In 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, we see Paul confronting the immaturity of the Corinthians in order to seek their growth and good in Jesus. This kind of true encouragement and investment in one another must be present in the life of the church body. Paul's example serves as a model for us in how to truly pursue deep relationship together centered on Christ in the life of the local church.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12, we see the absolute sovereignty of God over evil. The man of lawlessness will arise, but the Lord Jesus Christ will be victorious in judgment. What should we do now as we look to the return of Christ? We serve our King with joyful hearts knowing that He will sovereignly bring to pass what He has purposed.

In 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, we see the absolute necessity of the work of the Spirit of God to open our understanding to the truth of Christ. Sinful humanity on our own will not come to know God apart from the sovereign grace of God through Christ. His Spirit gives us understanding that we might know the Lord and live for His glory. May these truths both humble us and encourage us in Him!

As we continue walking through Paul's ministry, he breaks down both what he did and did not do during his time among the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians chapter 2 verses 1-5 is a series of affirmations and denials centering on the importance of proclaiming the message of Christ and Him crucified. Here Paul shows what it means to courageously herald the truth of the Lord. May we be encouraged and faithful to the central message of the Word of God!

What is the great deceptive lie of man-centered belief and practice? It is that it pridefully elevates the ability of human beings instead of seeing our need of the power of God. Paul addresses this issue in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, showing us our inability but also the perfection of the power of God through the Lord Jesus. May we be encouraged to make much of Him and rejoice in our perfect Savior!

In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, Paul takes up again the theme of the second coming of Christ. The church had individuals trying to deceive them away from the truth of Christ's return. Throughout this passage, we are reminded of the glorious eternal hope we have as Christians in the Lord Jesus!