Reading between the lines of Paul's second letter, it is clear some of the Christians in Thessalonica were absolutely confused after reading Paul's first letter to them. But remember these were first generation Christians, straight out of paganism. Their knowledge was still very limited. One thing they didn't seem to understand was why God didn't punish the people who were persecuting them. Paul's reply was clear. God will punish them and He will do it when Christ comes. This is the other side of Christ's return. Paul was saying, "Just wait. God will take care of them in His own way." The angels at Christ's coming will be angels of power and punishment. Those who have worked against God's people will not be welcomed into God's presence but will be shut out from Him forever. Paul didn't say any more about this tragic future for the unsaved. He switched back as quickly as possible to the wonder of Christ's coming for His own and the purposes of God (vv.10-11). Both at His coming and before He comes, God wants Christ's glory to be seen. How can Christ be seen in us today? He can be seen in our attitude, our actions, and our reactions. He can be seen in the peace He gives and the love we show. Some say that the evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in your life will be seen in emotions built up or in your ability to perform in certain ways. That is not what Christ said. His words concerning the evidence of the Holy Spirit's work were, "He shall glorify me." Therefore, the evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in you or in me is found in our likeness to Christ. A GOOD QUESTION: HOW MUCH OF JESUS WILL BE SEEN IN ME TODAY? |
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