"We are bound to give thanks to God always for you..."
Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:13
REJOICING IN THE LORD
There is so much to rejoice in where true salvation is found! The apostle Paul expressed this special sense of joy and thanksgiving as he reflected on the salvation that the Thessalonians had.
“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you,
brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning
chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit
and belief in the truth.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13
1. False and true salvation
a) False salvation
i) When people say that they believe in the Lord.
ii) But they do not love the truth.
iii) They abide in darkness.
iv) They choose lawlessness as their way of life (Matthew 7:21-23; John 3:18-21).
b) True salvation
i) Those who truly believe in the Lord without reservation.
ii) They love the truth.
iii) They walk in the light.
iv) They reject the paths of darkness.
2. Features of salvation that should bring great joy to the heart
a) Rejoicing in the Lord’s love outpoured.
b) Rejoicing in being chosen by the Lord.
c) Rejoicing in the gift of the Holy Spirit.
i) He indwells us.
ii) He sanctifies us.
iii) He empowers us.
d) Rejoicing in the truth.
i) Love for truth.
ii) Love of abiding in the truth.
iii) Recognition of the relationship between truth and the Lord Jesus Christ.