Monday 13th October
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIVUK)
When Paul wrote to the churches in the various cities in which he founded communities of faith in Jesus his letters are filled with thanksgiving. One of the key features of this thanksgiving, which is present everywhere when one looks closely, is the link between Paul’s thanks and their response to the gospel. He is constantly awed and grateful that in the Gentile cities he passed through, and the people he spoke to, some responded to the gospel with faith. The gospel is almost its own entity, a message that commands a response.
The language Paul uses in giving thanks for gospel responsiveness is grounded in election. As he reflects with relief that these people he loves dearly also love the truth, it reminds him of that first love. They are a gift from God, formed by God and for God. They are ‘loved’, ‘chosen’, ‘saved’ and ‘called’. They are rendered holy by the Spirit and truth and gifted a share in the glory of Jesus. A glory that is incomprehensively weighty. A glory as grand and lifted up as those who reject the truth and deceived are brought low and perish.
Spend time giving thanks for five people you know right now who also responded to the gospel with faith.
