October 28, 2023 - 2 Thessalonians 1

Sometimes in his letters, Paul had harsh things to say. In his second letter to the Thessalonian church he writes, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring” (1:3-4). Always, we should be more concerned about what God thinks of us than what others think of us. But isn’t it good when someone can say about us what Paul said about the Thessalonians!

Solomon put it this way: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1). Most importantly, a good reputation reflects well on our God and the gospel. Paul wrote to the Philippian church: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

In my life, Lord, be glorified, be glorified;

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.

In my song, Lord, be glorified, be glorified;

In my song, Lord, be glorified today.

In Your church, Lord, be glorified, be glorified;

In Your church, Lord, be glorified today. --Bob Kilpatrick (1978)