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Upside Down Living (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4)

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video forthcoming

MOTIVATE

In Trassenheide, Germany, designers Klaudiusz Golos & Sebastian Mikuciuk made a project called “The world stands on its head.”[1] It was no ordinary house as everything in it, including the house, was designed upside down! From carefully attached couches and suspended sofa cushions to hung floor lamps, inverted sinks, and ceiling toilets, absolutely every possible element one would want in a dream home is present in this house but is upside down. 

The last several years have forced us to view the world and our life differently – as “upside down.” The way people view personal identity, marriage and family values, public civility, personal morality, and even character qualities for leaders in society – government, religious, or industry. Christians live in a world that is flipped upside down from what it should be.  

Perhaps your world has been turned upside down recently. Our next sermon series will explore how to be an upside-down Christian in a world that is far different than the one we are preparing for in eternity.

Our series is in 2 Thessalonians.

  • It was said of the early Christians who were in Thessalonica in Acts 17:6 “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here…”
  • The early Christians would not bow to secular values or to political kings as god, because they believed in a greater King. You see, when you affirm Jesus as Lord, life is drastically different from the world.[2]
  • So, today the church – and we @spbcmd – need ongoing exhortation and refreshed revival of advancing God’s kingdom amid uncertain and chaotic times.
  • What happened to 1 Thess? I preached 1 Thess in 2010; so look online. It was the first Bible book to preach at SPBC. In 13 years, I have preached all the way through 40 books with another 9 books having single/section of messages. So, my aim is at least 17 more books of the Bible to cover, if you’ll grant me.

EXAMINE                          2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

Why did Paul need to write a 2nd letter?

  • Outside of Rocky movies, most sequels are not as good as the original. Especially in the modern era, production studios rush films to ride the success wave and generate profit. The result is typically a lack of fresh plotlines, shallow character development, and poor acting. This leaves audiences asking, “Why didn’t they just stop with the original? With all the money of Hollywood, why can’t they create fresh and fascinating stories?”
  • As a sequel, 2 Thessalonians is impressive to its predecessor. It has vivid images of faith amid suffering, alarming warnings of apostasy and the Anti-Christ. In some ways, Paul’s end time descriptions in this second letter provide a more full context of his teachings on the return of Christ in spoken in the first letter.
  • Essentially, a second letter was needed bc the Thessalonian church was facing so many pressures and persecution that their faith started to waiver. Paul doesn’t want any Christian or church to doubt the peace or power of God’s truth.

In all, 2 Thessalonians isn’t a scripted sequel produced by profit-hungry writers. Instead, this is a letter by humble servants of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4 1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 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. 4 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.

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy
Paul: One who was a persecutor of Christians but experienced a radical conversion to follow Jesus and share the gospel with as many people in as many places he could. He wrote 13 letters of our NT, and we see ending 2 Thess he writes, “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write.”[3]

  • You might be stubborn, or know someone with a hard heart. Paul’s salvation testimony reminds us not to give up praying for God to soften hearts and press on plowing ground and planting seeds of faith, hope, and love.

Silvanus (Latin)/Silas (Greek); possibly Aramaic for Saul: He was a Hellenistic Jew (Jew but Roman citizen; Ac 16:37). He was a leader and prophet in the Jerusalem church (Ac 15:22, 27, 32). Peter described him as a “faithful brother” (1Pt 5:12). He accompanied Peter and Paul on multiple missionary journeys to preach Jesus and plant churches, even was imprisoned together (Ac 26:19-24).

Timothy: Paul met Timothy in Lystra (Acts 16:1). Timothy travels with Paul for missionary journeys and planting churches. Later, Paul leaves Timothy in Ephesus to shepherd the people and correct false teaching in the city.

  • Overall, Silas and Timothy working together with Paul remind us that ministry is not a one-person show, but a team effort. We need an intergenerational band of brothers and soul sisters for support and to strengthen each other to serve Jesus and spread the gospel. This letter uses first-person plurals “we,” “us,” “our” throughout this letter.[4] Who is your Silas/Timothy or who is your Paul? (Think intergenerationally)

We need an intergenerational band of brothers and soul sisters for support and to strengthen each other to serve Jesus and spread the gospel.

To the church of the Thessalonians

Thessalonica was a populated and prosperous port city. Its location enabled travel to Rome for it to thrive socially and economically. Yet, as any other major Roman city, it was permeated with idol worship and immorality, which made it difficult for Christians to exist. 

Paul & Silas had traveled to Philippi and were imprisoned there for preaching the gospel. They were eventually released and asked to leave the city, but not before converting their jailer. Their next stop was 100-miles away in Thessalonica. After preaching the the gospel for three weeks, a mob riot formed and chased them out of the city; yet again, not without new believers starting a church.

Paul would write two letters to this young church. In Paul’s previous letter, he testified that the Thessalonian faith and actions were echoing throughout the known world (1Thes 1:7-10). Everywhere Paul traveled, people were hearing how Thessalonians were turning from idols to serve the living and true God, Jesus Christ.

  • We can give thanks that people around the world are hearing of the gospel of Jesus Christ due to our cooperative program (CP) efforts at SBC. Our financial giving supports compassionate and skillful disaster relief efforts on a large scale in line with national needs. More specifically, our CP giving enables ~2500 missionaries and 3700 chaplains among churches, universities, and our military communities through NAMB. Further, our IMB supports almost 3500 missionaries across the globe in the most difficult to travel and darkest regions. Good news and gospel hope is faithfully shared because of our financial support resulting in 100+K baptisms and almost 200K new believers with 21K new churches started in 2022.[5] Church – that’s something to say amen and stir us toward increased generous giving. So… YES, SBC has their faults and shortcomings, but our influence for the gospel and impact for eternity is multiplied in untold ways because of our partnership with thousands of other churches in the Great Commission.

  • We can be personally challenged for our work and witness to echo across geography and generations. #WhosYour1
    • VBS involvement impacts whole families.
    • Open small group strategy
    • Host 1+ neighbor in your home with church invite or gospel witness this summer.

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul writes to this church with the reminder they are in Christ and extends to them God’s grace and peace.
While this was a typical greeting from Paul, it was not trite. Paul was always deliberate to establish a common identity with those who belong to Jesus.

Christians come from various backgrounds and diverse circumstances. Yet, the one thing that binds us together – the glue that holds us when the outside world wants to pull us apart – is the steadfast grace of Jesus Christ. And did you see the emphasis and equation of God the Father and the Lord Jesus? Paul is reminding us not only of the theological doctrine on the deity of Christ, but the practical faith application that Christians are not solitary – we are adopted into a family before our Heavenly Father. We are no longer orphans or strangers, but fellow citizens and children as brothers/sisters in the family of God (cf Rom 8:14-23; Gal 3:26-27; 4:4-7; Eph 2:11-22; Col 3:11).

Ultimately grace and peace are good and simple summary words of Christianity. We do not earn salvation or acceptance with God, it is simply by God’s grace – His works, not our own. Therefore, grace is the essential building block for life, relationships, and faith. Additionally, peace is the ongoing result of having encountered God’s grace and received His gospel.
Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God in every circumstance.

Illus: The Titanic not only carried almost 2300 passengers but thousands of bottles of wine and other beverages. Since the morbid tourist industry of the Titanic started, some of these bottles were recovered. The years since has grown the fad of underwater aging of wine bottles. Essentially, scientists discovered that if there is an equal internal pressure to the outward pressures, then the glass bottles will not combust.
The same is true of our life that will not cave or be crushed if the Spirit of God is pressing back and pushing forward to survive worldly trials and tribulations. 

Additionally, one can walk through a graveyard and see signs “R.I.P.” While there is much resting in a graveyard, there is no peace. People are troubled and traumatized by life’s prevailing virus (death), for which there is no cure.

Likewise, when Paul writes about peace, it’s not abstract or trite. This man endured floggings and execution attempts, imprisonment, shipwrecks, hunger & thirst, and every part of his physical body wanted to die (cf. 2 Cor 1:9; 12:10; Php 1:21-23). Yet, through every situation he found contentment in God’s provision (Php 4:12).

We need to realize that peace is only understood when challenges arise and conflicts rage around us. Peace is not a magic wand being waved over our problems but a meaningful relationship that is disciplined by prayer, Scripture reading, and persistent trust in God.

Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God in every circumstance. It is only understood when challenges arise and conflicts rage around us, yet God sustains us.

Paul knows the Thessalonians are enduring persecution and suffering situations that require them to recall God’s steadfast grace and lasting peace.

  • Know Grace Know Peace. No Grace No Peace.
    If you are missing peace, perhaps you should evaluate if you’re attempting to operate life in your own grit rather than God’s grace.
    If so, then today pour out your heart and release what’s in your hands to the Lord.
    Ask for His peace that passes understanding and trust God will provide your needs.

3 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. 4 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.

Paul was not blind to the Thessalonian’s shortcomings or sins (1 Thess 5:12-22; 2 Thess 3:6-15). Yet, before Paul critiques he compliments the Thessalonian church. This is a wise and helpful tip for parents/teachers/mentors.

Paul compliments and gives thanks for three realities of the Thessalonian church:

1) Their abundantly growing faith. Paul is not placated with shallow belief in Jesus for the benefits of grace without the responsibility of faith. Instead, Paul recognizes these new believers are expanding their knowledge, cultivating godly character, developing spiritual disciplines, and maturing in devotion to Christ.

Spiritual growth does not occur without intentional practices. The Thessalonians are an encouragement to us but also a rebuke to those who are complacent in their Christian affirmation.

  • GOSPEL Dashboard available as a tool to diagnose and guide your spiritual growth at spbc.[6]
  • Read & journal thru 1-2Thess (8-ch.) each week in July.

2) Their increasing love for one another. Paul recognizes the Thessalonians for their agape – unreserved and sacrificial love for one another. This was a direct answer to Paul’s prayer in his earlier letter, “may the Lord make you increase & abound in love for one another & for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God & Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus w/ all his saints” (1Th 3:12-13; cf 4:9-10).

While we cannot see love, we can see its tangible effects.

  • Love is when people notice someone new or someone alone and go to commence conversation or sit next to them.
  • Love is taking time to ask questions and genuinely listen to others. It’s affirming that a burden shared is a trouble halved, and a blessing shared is a joy doubled.
  • Love is making a meal and sharing it with someone who is struggling and recovering from a difficult experience.
  • Love is sincerely praying for the Lord’s strength to uphold someone, and to grant them faith when they are weak. It’s coming alongside someone to not only pray but share Scriptures that their faith, though fragile, might be held together with your encouragement and God’s promises.
  • Love is enduring rudeness, slights, insults, and persecution because of your faith and responding with humility and kindness.
    • If you experience abusive behavior, that does not mean you must submit to ongoing encounters. Sometimes the most loving response can be to walk away, pray for their change, and if necessary, involve authorities.

> Some ways you/we can increase love in our church is to linger after worship, link up with those alone or needing encouragement, and loathe the temptation to quibble about minor details or preferences of things going on in your church. Strive to make your church a place that escalates gratitude and eliminates grumbling.

Strive to make your church a place that escalates gratitude and eliminates grumbling.

3) Their steadfast faith amid persecutions and afflictions. The apostle Paul could identify with the Thessalonian believers. Before he arrived in their city, he was wrongly imprisoned in Philippi. After arriving in their city and preaching the gospel, mobs formed and attacked Paul’s friend Jason. They dragged him out of his home and paraded him before city officials to protest they were worshiping Jesus instead of Caesar. They made Jason pay a bribe and bullied other Christians so they would not speak up, or would have to leave the city.

Yet, clearly, Thessalonian believers would not be intimidated or silenced. They remained devoted to king Jesus and feared the condemnation of God more than the censure of men.  

  • Persecution is the path of the faithful and a badge of honor for believers. “Everyone who desires to live a godly life will be persecuted” (2Tim 3:12). If you do not hear attacking comments, unfair criticism, fabricated labels, or unreasonable punishments about your faith, then it is likely you are not living as salt and light for Jesus. Allow the Thessalonians to be a wake-up call to live in light of the imminent return of Jesus Christ.
  • When grapes are crushed, something sweet and savoring occurs. We trust the sovereignty of God to allow our crushing to result in the savoring praise of His grace and glory.

Persecution is the path of the faithful and a badge of honor for believers. If you do not hear attacking comments, unfair criticism, fabricated labels, or unreasonable punishments about your faith, then it is likely you are not living as salt and light for Jesus.

APPLY/THINK

The Western Hemisphere has been and is expecting to continue experiencing low air quality with hazy skies and hazardous breathing conditions. These are due to wildfires in Canada – almost 500 active fires and half of those out of control – with estimated 30K sq. miles being burned (est size of South Carolina). Experts believe the conditions are unlikely to change any time soon.

Likewise, our culture is increasing its haze and losing visibility between truth and falsehood, right and wrong. The moral air quality is hard to breathe and can suffocate our spiritual life.

The keys to fighting fire are hydration and removing fuel sources. As Christians, our hydration is the word of God, and removing fuel of the cultural fires occurs through repentance. Let us reflect and respond to God as we sing to our Holy God.

[1] https://dornob.com/inverted-art-house-designed-upside-down-inside-out/

[2] Cf. Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears, Vintage Jesus, pp. 202-211.

[3] cf. 1 Cor. 16:21; Col. 4:18; see also Phm. 19 and Gal. 6:11–18. Scholars believe these concluding verses are likely a change in handwriting from Paul’s amanuensis to his own autograph.  

[4] Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Thessalonians, vol. 10, Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2016), 113.

[5] See https://www.namb.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NAMB_2022_Annual_Ministry_Report.pdf,  https://www.imb.org/fast-facts/.

[6] https://tinyurl.com/spbcgospeldashboard

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