What is Paul’s greatest desire for his friends in Thessalonica? While we tend to pray for health, happiness and prosperity for one another, Paul doesn’t mention any of these things. Instead, in verse 13, he is most thankful that his friends have been saved from their sins. Spiritual blessings are thus his top priority.

So, how do we gain this salvation? In verse 13, Paul says that we must be sanctified, set apart from sin and set apart for God by the power of the Holy Spirit. And as the Spirit gives us this new life, we believe in the truth, the good news that Paul has proclaimed to us about the saving work of Jesus Christ.

And how should our lives be different once we have been saved? In verse 17, Paul points to the good works we should do and the good words we should share, spreading the truth of Jesus Christ by word and deed. Yes, verse 15 indicates that we might experience opposition in the process, so we must stand firm, holding on to the truth of Scripture, living lives of selfless service and holiness no matter what the unbelieving world might say or think about us.

But such perseverance is only possible if we have a true, living relationship with Christ. In verse 16, Paul says that the Father and the Son are the only ones who can give us comfort and good hope, pouring out grace upon us in our time of greatest need, even thought we don’t deserve such blessings.

And what is the purpose of the Christian life? In verse 14, Paul says the main goal of salvation is to share in the glory of Christ, to experience Him in all His fullness. For after all, Christ is more valuable than any fleeting health or prosperity or happiness this world can provide.

So it is Christ Who saves us, Christ Who comforts and strengthens us to persevere, and Christ Who is our highest goal and greatest reward. May we trust Him and live in Him today and every day.

II Thessalonians 2:13-17 (ESV)

13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,
17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.