Explore the Bible: God’s Glory

• The Explore the Bible lesson for May 1 focuses on 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12.

The most encouraging event for a pastor is when church people express a teaching or a biblical principle the pastor taught them. For the New Testament church, oral tradition was the tool for formulating the gospels. The term “word of mouth” is recording anecdotal information to pass essential lessons to generations to come.

This second letter to the Thessalonians is a re-expression of the themes of the first letter. The purpose could be that Paul needed to reiterate and underline these themes. Today’s church is no different, God’s word does not change, but people change. How important will it be for the believer’s mind to adjust and adapt their personal worldview to the biblical worldview? Many today seek to adjust the biblical worldview to their worldview.

Persevere, the Lord is just (2 Thessalonians 1:1-5)

Paul recognizes the faith of the Thessalonians. He expresses genuine gratitude for their works of faith and love. What is impressive is that these works of faith are not for strangers. In ministry, as in life, it is easier to do works of love and faith to strangers. This church is ministering to its people. How different our churches would be if we would begin to show the love and care for those at home.

Another impressive lesson is the perseverance to do what is right even when all seems to go against you. There is an urgent need for perseverance in our churches. As a pastor of an older generation, young people must persevere with our older generation. The key to church revitalization is when young and old persevere in works of faith and love. It is not easy. Many churches are closing their doors because of a lack of perseverance.

Retribution, the Lord is just (2 Thessalonians 1:5-9)

First-century Christians suffered persecution. They wanted to hear God was on their side. The pains of life are different for each person; nonetheless, there is no human being who has not faced suffering.

Today, Christians face a different kind of persecution that comes with suffering. While suffering, it is difficult to feel as if God is with you. Paul reminds the church in Thessalonica that God’s justice will come. God’s retribution will be exacted on those who have troubled the church. No person will escape God’s justice.

Suffering should not always be interpreted as if God is punishing a person. In Hispanic culture, anything bad is God’s punishment, but it is luck when a good thing takes place. Today, I want to encourage you to do works of faith and love. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by the persecution as a believer you are facing. A Christian is not looking for retribution. A Christian will wait on the Lord, for he is just.

Believe, the Lord is just (2 Thessalonians 1:10-12)

The glory of the Lord will come and will establish every heart. There will be a vindication of the Lord to those who suffer. Suffering is a theme of the New Testament, and no believer will have a life without suffering. Each mature believer must develop persistence.

We have to keep in mind that the Lord knows and understands our sufferings. God’s glory will shine upon those who believe. Our God is just, and he will glorify his name in those who place their trust in him. The vocation of the believers is not a calling for easy.

Many evangelists in the Hispanic culture make the false promise that if you “give your life to Christ,” all your problems will go away. The Lord will give you a new life and purpose, but it does not mean suffering-free. F.F. Bruce sums this up better than anyone: no cross, no crown. We are called to persevere and believe that he is a just God. I believe that he will glorify his name in all circumstances.

Ricardo Brambila, M.Div., is the pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Dallas and the executive director for West Dallas Community School, a Christian school for boys and girls with limited financial resources in West Dallas.