In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul gave thanks to God for them. They were “beloved by the Lord”, as He chose them “for salvation” (2:13). He called them by the “gospel” (cf. Romans 1:16), so that they might obtain “the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2:14). In these words their standing as God’s children is well established.
Paul did not stop with commending them for their faith. He did not just give thanks for the standing they enjoyed. He in the remainder of this chapter and beginning of the next exhorted them to faithfulness and industry, working for the Lord. This is similar to what he wrote to the Ephesians in Ephesians 2:8-10, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
So, what are the good works that God has prepared for Christians to do? They are manifold. These good works are encapsulated in the two great commandments as expressed by our Lord in the gospel of Matthew, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (22:37-39). James wrote about a part of the practice of our faith. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
Paul also weighs in on the subject in our text in 2 Thessalonians. Note (2:15), “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” This idea of tradition should not be confused with man-made traditions. Here Paul is referring to those things revealed in the preaching and writing of inspired men. These established “traditions” were from God, not men. As such they had binding force, and the Thessalonians were required to stand fast in them.
In 2:17, Paul prayed that the Thessalonians would be established “in every good word and work.” The words and works were good because they were of God, not men. Remember, we are created in Christ Jesus for works that God has prepared for us to do! (cf. Ephesians 2:10).
Finally, in chapter 3, Paul contrasted the Thessalonians with unreasonable and wicked men, devoid of faith (3:2). He expressed confidence in them, that they “do and will do the things we command you.” He then prayed for the Lord to “direct your hearts.” (3:4-5).
Contrast Paul’s writing with the common religious screed of our time. “God doesn’t care what you do as long as you are sincere.” In fact, He does! He has prepared good works, revealed what they are, and differentiated between His works and those created by men. The faithful disciple is the one who does what God directs him to do.
This is true even in His call to love Him. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). If Paul were writing a letter to you and your brethren, would he be able to commend you as he did the Thessalonians? Think about it!
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