The more I read this epistle, the less hard Theology I find and more basic survival and encouragement prevails. Paul is not instructing the believers as much as he is encouraging them to continue in the basic faith. One must grow and develop in the stage they currently find themselves in before they can take on more.
Verses 1-5. Here, as in every location, stresses the importance of Godly role models and leadership. Timothy was sent to the believers to strengthen and encourage the believers. In other words, to make sure that they had a grasp of the basic things on the faith and to make sure that they can continue on believing in Christ.
Note also that God overcomes in every situation. Perhaps Satan won a battle here or there. In fact, the very presence of persecution was a victory for Satan. But he has not, nor ever will win the war. Christ emerges victorious in every circumstance, even in Thessalonica.
Verses 6-11. It becomes obvious through these verses that Paul truly invested a lot of Spiritual stock in the people of Thessalonica. He truly cared for them and wanted what was best for them. In fact, Paul expressed this sentiment many times in his epistles. God's workers should be invested in God's people. It should never be the other way around. That is not to say that the assembly should not support God's laborers, but God's people should not be enslaved to them. Paul, and his company, was excited to see the church in Thessalonica make progress.
Verses 11-13. Paul wants to go and see the church. There is nothing like personal discipleship. One can read letters, books and blogs, but there is no better way to learn than at the feet of someone who knows more than you do. Perhaps there is someone who can teach you something about the scriptures. Perhaps there is someone you can teach about the scriptures.
The trademark of God is His love. The trademark of Christ is His act of love. The primary fruit of the Spirit is love. The greatest of the three: Faith, Hope and Love is Love. A true believer who is not suppressing God's interactions with him should exude love. Love for the believers. Love for the world. Paul wants to see love overflowing in the assembly.
Now Paul prays for strength. Strength is needed in this world. The believer needs to grow and gain strength so they can take on deeper things.Further, the believer needs to grow and gain strength so they can grow closer to the image of God's Son, Jesus Christ. The believer is being sanctified, and the only way to fuel that process is by growing in strength. Knowing God through His word and communication. Application to daily life. Confession and repentance when he fails.
Again, Paul closes the chapter (actually the editors ended the chapter) with a reference to the return of Christ. It is a sure thing. We want to be found faithful to Him upon His return. Is the goal to be fully sanctified when He returns? I would say yes. Is anyone going to be fully sanctified on this earth? I would say no. But that does not provide any excuse for anyone to neglect the working out of our salvation with fear and trembling.
Again, Paul closes the chapter (actually the editors ended the chapter) with a reference to the return of Christ. It is a sure thing. We want to be found faithful to Him upon His return. Is the goal to be fully sanctified when He returns? I would say yes. Is anyone going to be fully sanctified on this earth? I would say no. But that does not provide any excuse for anyone to neglect the working out of our salvation with fear and trembling.
