Called and Chosen
—2Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
This lesson in 2Thessalonians 2 completes our study of chapter two, and moves on into chapter three.
The subject is of great encouragement, in contrast to the rather depressing topic of our last lesson. Paul follows his warning with a message of hope.
He mentions seven very special blessings by which God has made those who have come to him into very special people...
1 Chosen
2Thessalonians 2:13 Keywords: chosen, beginning, sanctification, Spirit, faith, truth.
God has chosen people from the beginning. He has chosen them, in other words, according to his unchangeable and eternal purpose, the truth which he laid down before the world was formed, and which he has revealed to us through his Son. The chosen, those who believe and follow that truth, receive salvation and sanctification by the Spirit. Facing all these seven blessings from God by his grace, we see that there is something that we do, namely we believe in the truth. The blessings are all conditional upon this.
2 Called
2Thessalonians 2:14-15 Keywords: called, gospel, glory, stand, hold, taught, word, letter.
Salvation is obtained by answering the call of God through the gospel. To hear the gospel is among the greatest of blessings available to humankind. This gospel comes to us by the teaching of the apostles of Christ. Their teaching is just as effective in their writings as it was when they spoke in person. Our response is to answer the call daily with a firm resolve to hold fast the gospel we have heard.
3 Loved
2Thessalonians 2:16 Keywords: God, loved
In a few strokes of the pen, the greatest good news in the world is stated: ...our Father who has loved us...
4 Comforted
2Thessalonians 2:16-17 Keywords: eternal, comfort, strengthen, hope, grace, hearts, work, word.
God's comfort is given us as an unending and eternal blessing because our hope is eternal life with him. Such is his grace. Strengthened, encouraged, and heartened, we are able to act and speak in an optimistic and positive way because our expectations are true.
5 Delivered
2Thessalonians 3:1-2 Keywords: delivered, perverse, evil.
Our preaching of faith and hope meets with opposition, however the providence of God rescues us from unbelievers who try to hinder us and pervert the way of the Lord.
6 Protected
2Thessalonians 3:3 Keywords: faithful, strengthen, protect, evil.
The unbelief of the evil men is contrasted with the faithfulness of God who providentially protects us with a ward against evil.
7 Directed
2Thessalonians 3:4-5 Keywords: confidence, command, direct, love, steadfastness.
Paul instructs and commands his readers with the prayer and expectation that the Lord will direct their hearts into acting in response to God's love and according to the example of Christ's steadfastness in his sufferings.