2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers beloved of the Lord… I. THE PERSONS DESCRIBED AND THE DUTY ENJOINED. 1. Thanksgiving for the salvation of others (Romans 6:17). 2. Thanksgiving is the constant duty of all Christians (Ephesians 5:20). 3. The cause is the revelation of God's love (Jeremiah 31:3). II. THE REASONS ASSIGNED FOR THIS GRATITUDE. 1. Election. (1) God's people are a chosen people (Romans 8:29). (2) Chosen from the beginning, or eternity (Titus 1:2). (3) Without any regard to previous good works (Titus 3:5). (4) Chosen in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:4). (5) To salvation here, and glory hereafter (Ephesians 2:10). 2. Sanctification. (1) The Spirit quickens the soul (Ephesians 2:1, 5). (2) The Spirit enlightens the mind (Ephesians 1:18). (3) The Spirit leads the soul to glory (John 14:16, 17). 3. Faith. (1) Negative faith, or ceasing to trust in self (2 Corinthians 1:9). (2) Faith in God's blessed Word (Psalm 119:41, 42). (3) Faith in Christ and His work (Acts 16:31). III. THE METHOD WHEREBY GOD DEVELOPS HIS PURPOSE OF LOVE TO HIS CHURCH, AND THE SUCCESS ATTENDING THE SAME. 1. They were called to believe these doctrines (Ephesians 4:4-6). 2. He always calls into Christian fellowship (1 Corinthians 1:9). 3. He calls His people into liberty (Galatians 5:13). 4. The instrumentality employed. Our gospel (1 Corinthians 1:23, 24). 5. The blessing obtained is eternal glory, called in the text, "the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ;" which denotes that the chosen, sanctified, and believing, and called people of God, shall never be separated from Him, or perish (Colossians 2:4). (T. B. Baker.) Parallel Verses KJV: But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: |
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