Glory and Joy
Every one of us has longings deep within our soul, longings which we cannot turn off or ignore, longings for things like glory and joy. We continually look for their satisfaction in all kinds of places and pursuits. In the letters to the Thessalonians, we find a people who have found the glory and joy they had been longing for. They found the one true source, they were growing in it, and they were on a path to increase their experience of it forever.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5, Paul helps us understand his experiences and suffering in light of God's priorities and mercy.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-3:5
Our greatest comfort in the face of doubt and affliction is a right understanding of God's salvation and Christ's glory, Paul encourages us to move forward in both of these in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17