What is Paul’s greatest desire for his friends in Thessalonica? While we tend to pray for health, happiness and prosperity for one another, Paul doesn’t mention any of these things. Instead, in 2:13, he is most thankful that his friends have been saved from their sins. Spiritual blessings are thus his top priority.

So, how do we gain such salvation? In 2:13, Paul says that we must be sanctified, set apart from sin and set apart for God by the power of the Holy Spirit. And as the Spirit gives us this new life, we believe in the truth, the good news that Paul has proclaimed to us about the saving work of Jesus Christ.

And how should our lives be different once we have been saved? In 2:17, Paul points to the good works we should do and the good words we should share, spreading the truth of Jesus Christ by word and deed. Yes, 2:15 echoes Paul’s warning in 1:4, encouraging us to stand firm, to hold on to the truth of Scripture regardless of what opposition or persecution may come our way, living lives of selfless service and holiness no matter what the unbelieving world might say or think about us.

But such perseverance is only possible if we have a true, living relationship with Christ. In 2:16, Paul asks the Father and the Son to keep giving us comfort and good hope, pouring out grace upon us in our time of greatest need, even though we don’t deserve such blessings.

And what is the purpose of the Christian life? In 2:14, Paul says the main goal of salvation is to share in the glory of Christ, to experience Him in all His fullness. For after all, Christ is more valuable than any fleeting health or prosperity or happiness this world can provide.

So it is Christ Who saves us, Christ Who comforts and strengthens us to persevere, and Christ Who is our highest goal and greatest reward. May we trust Him and live in Him today and every day.

II Thessalonians 2:13-17 (NASB)

13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
14 And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,
17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.