Reading in 2 Thessalonians 2 this morning reminds me of the dangerous times in which we live. (Can it really be that I actually needed reminding?!)

Verse 3 talks about “a falling away.”

Verse 10 mentions the “deceivableness of unrighteousness.”

And I actually needed reminding of such dangers?!

If I am that forgetful about the peril to my own soul, how shall I “stand fast” (15)?

How shall I survive?

How shall I be more than a mere survivor?

How shall I be even more than a conqueror?

“Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work” (16,17).

That’s how!

The church at Thessalonica must have been quite the church!

They had . . .

• Faith that was really growing.
• Lots of love for each other.

No wonder Paul was continually thankful for them.

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).

Though this was given as a statement about a congregation, it had to be true of the individuals making up that congregation.

Is anybody thankful for me that way for those reasons?

No.

But that’s not their fault.

If I had the heart of a panting hart, that would change.