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Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle is responding to troubles among the Christians there. The trouble they faced came in at least three ways: They were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. At the very beginning of his letter, Paul addresses this problem and offers encouragement to those persecuted Christians. Then there was the growing problem of the Man of Lawlessness, whom the apostle John calls the antichrist. Paul lays out several ways to identify him and tells the Thessalonians about the troubles he will bring. Finally, Paul turns to a problem inside the congregation—people who had stopped working to idly wait for the Lord’s return. He instructs them to live productive lives until Jesus’ coming on the Last Day.

Through the power of the gospel, God keeps us in the faith and helps us grow in our love for him. He leads us to a deeper understanding of his will and moves us to live according to his Word. Our love for one another grows as we follow Jesus. Amidst the troubles and opposition that we endure, we have peace with God, for we are forgiven sinners. No matter how challenging things get, nothing can separate us from the love and life we have with God through our Savior, Jesus.

Heavenly Father, whatever situations I face or troubles I contend with, keep me focused on your love in Jesus and fill me with your peace. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.