We are not to repay offenses that is up to God. It is up to us to pray for our enemies and forgive them. God alone understands the whole of a situation and the spirit of those involved. We only see in part. He sees the whole.
2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
The early believers in Christ Jesus still attended synagogue. Some questioned the authenticity of Jesus. Peter, James and John were present at His transfiguration. They heard God saying how pleased He was with Jesus, the same thing was heard at His baptism. How miraculous it was that they heard and saw Him.
Matthew 16:28 28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
Matthew 17:1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.
Peter, James and John were eye witnesses to the transfiguration of Jesus.
How much more are we blessed that, by faith alone, we believe that the word of God is true.
No prophesy is of human origin but it is by the inspiration of Holy Spirit. There will always be false prophets who deny the deity of Jesus and His salvation gift. It is fueled by the ruler of the earth, Satan. He wants nothing but the destruction of God’s people.
We know that Jesus is the gift of God and He is the only way to the Father. False teachers come in as sheep but are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Many follow them. As a result many speak evil of the truth of Jesus Christ. How great will be their destruction.
2 Timothy 1:15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
Paul wrote to Timothy telling him that many had deserted him and few believed him and the Gospel of Grace given to him by God. How very thankful he was for those who believe in the Gospel of Grace only found in Christ Jesus. Carla
2 Thessalonians 1:3–6
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, The New King James Version
The Thessalonians believers’ trust in God continued to grow despite persecution by nonbelievers. For this reason, Paul gives thanks to God. Paul boasts about the Thessalonians because of the flourishing of their faith and love. For this reason, they serve as a model for other churches. Paul encourages the Thessalonians by reminding them that their situation is only temporary. Christ will return and reward them for their faithfulness while judging those who persecute them. The righteous judgement of God refers to a legal decision made by God, not condemnation from God. The persecution endured by the Thessalonians is not the result of God’s condemnation; rather, their endurance will result in God’s counting them worthy of His kingdom.
Paul describes God’s decision as righteous because it is right and just. The believers suffer persecution because they have declared allegiance to Jesus, a king other than Caesar. Paul encourages them that their response to this persecution—increased faith in God and love for others is proof that they are worthy of God’s kingdom.
The Thessalonians believers were probably tempted to retaliate against their persecutors. Believers need not avenge themselves because God—the righteous judge (Deuteronomy 32:35)—will avenge them at His second coming. Faithlife Study Bible
The faithfulness of the Thessalonian church in persecution gave Paul reason to praise God.
Satan persecutes Christians in order to discourage and defeat them.
These Christians had experienced persecution but continued to grow in Christ, in agreement with the apostle’s earlier prayer in his first letter to them.
Here the apostle praises God because the Thessalonians’ faith is growing exceedingly. They were growing beyond all natural expectation. Abounds pictures an expansive growth similar to the sudden surge of flood waters. The Thessalonians’ steadfast faith not only strengthened them to withstand difficult circumstances, it also motivated them to express genuine love for others.
A Christian’s faith in Christ should always culminate in true love for others. Persecution not only tests faith but reveals it and causes it to grow. Continued faith and endurance through persecutions provide a testimony for Christ, of which Paul was boasting to the other churches.
Although the Thessalonians were enduring persecution Paul explains that their persecutors would be repaid by God. The judgment of God requires that the unrighteous be punished for their persecution of the righteous. Also if the believers handle their persecutions properly, they will be counted worthy of great reward in the coming kingdom of God. Christians are called to endure suffering in this world, for they will receive a far greater reward in the next. The NKJV Study Bible
1 Thessalonians 2:14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,
1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,
Philippians 1:28–29 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
…all who set themselves up against God will find that He is the truly great One, and He triumphs over evil. Looking for greatness and power with sinful pride always leads to a fall (Proverbs 16:18). Instead, we can take heart that our God remains the only One who never falls and never fails. First5
Life can unpredictably unravel us. And we’re never sure what is next.
Gratefully, here is what I’m learning: when it comes to showing up, it isn't about tidy or about dogma or who’s in and who’s out. This is about compassion and mercy. And the undeniable reality that compassion and mercy (although sometimes buried) are alive and well in every single one of us. Sabbath Moments
The apostle Paul wrote, “If there’s no resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and mirrors…But the truth is that Christ has been raised up…” (1 Corinthians 15:14, 20 MSG).
When Jesus vacated the tomb, he populated the heart of humanity with hope. And since his grave is empty, our confidence in his return is not. Max Lucado
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