Flourishing when chaos reigns.

As part of the weekly Bible Study at church, I have started leading the group through 2 Thessalonians and, as we all know (and as Shrek would say) the Bible has “layers”. Reading again through this epistle (written by Paul around AD 51–52) there is much to be gleaned for the believer today as he addressed a fledgling congregation caught in a severe storm.

Writing as he did from Corinth, Paul reached out to this church community whom he had a special affection for and who were struggling under immense local “pressure” (2 Thess 1:1-2). Thessalonian persecution had escalated dramatically and in this melee and chaos many confusing rumours regarding the “Day of the Lord” had had surfaced and sparked widespread panic and theological confusion among the church. One thing to note though is that Paul opens his correspondence not with frantic worry or defensive frustration, but by expressing gratitude, deep pastoral affection, and divine comfort.

Now, in verse 3, Paul marvels that their faith is “growing abundantly” and their mutual love is increasing continuously (2 Thess 1:3) and he uses a Greek word “hyperauxanō” – a striking botanical term farmers and gardeners used to describe a healthy plant growing seemingly beyond ordinary limits. This I think creates a beautiful picture of a church that, despite the harsh, icy climate of Roman opposition and social isolation, was by the power of the Holy Spirit, seeing their faith and brotherly love to surge uncontrollably and consequently, Paul boasts about their steadfast endurance across the churches of God (2 Thess 1:4). Catch that; rather than crushing their witness, Paul sees that external trials drew them closer together in genuine Christian fellowship.

There is a growing online phenomenon (well to me) perhaps growing stronger since 2020, of vocal and damaging divides in the Christian witness across the world. These divides seem now not to be along lines of denomination or doctrinal differences but alas, politics. The external world has become fully internalised by the Church and decisions made seem to be at the behest of the secular world not the teachings of Holy Scripture. Here in the UK we have seen so much of this in the last few years through the centring and lifting up of environmentalism (important of course) and of a socialist gospel (that is no Gospel), and now more vocal claims of hijacking the Christian faith for political ends (it happens), claims of racism dressed up in Christian garments (it happens), and it seems a work of the deceiver that whatsoever divides the world shall now divide the church.

Perhaps we forget that as Christians we meet at the foot of the cross and nothing should divide us, because of the unity we have in the sacrificial and redemptive work for US, of Christ, for the glory of God. I am not suggesting unity at the cost of truth but I am suggesting that truth, ultimate truth and love cannot be found in this world, but only in the One who created the World.

But, I digress perhaps too much. Let us dare to say that this dynamic so evidently at play in the Thessalonian church then, offers vital encouragement for the Church at large now. When trials, cultural opposition, or secular pressure arise, we often view them as unwelcome disruptions to our comfort however, Paul reminds us that steadfast endurance amidst affliction is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgement and refining grace at work (2 Thess 1:5). Furthermore, God sees every injustice, and even in this He is promising eternal relief to the weary and righteous retribution to oppressors when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His mighty angels (2 Thess 1:6-10).

Finally we see that Paul connects the future hope directly to present living through constant intercessory prayer (2 Thess 1:11-12). He himself prays that God will make them worthy of His calling and empower them by His Spirit to fulfil every good resolve and work of faith.

Importantly, real spiritual growth does not rely on fragile human willpower, but on the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit working in our daily routines so that the name of Jesus may be glorified in us.

May I offer two things to act on over the next few days.

• Surrender your grievances: Hand over unfair treatment or lingering resentment to God, trusting His righteous care. Try not to leave something at the foot of the cross and then, casually walk by two days later and pick it up again to carry!

• Encourage a brother or sister: Look around your church, parish or home group for someone quietly growing in faith during a difficult season, and let them know you notice God’s grace in their life.

Pax