3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV)
In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian he, along with Silas and Timothy, commented on the church’s “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV). They were thankful to the Lord for the believer’s spiritual progress.
Therefore, it is good to read and hear the Thessalonian believers were continuing in their faith, love and hope. Even though Paul did not include the phrase “steadfastness of hope” in today’s featured text, it undoubtedly continued due to their growing faith and increasing love. The believers’ confidence, or hope, in God’s character and promises displays itself by faith in God and love for the saints (2 Thess. 2:16).
Paul referred to the missionary trio’s prayers on behalf of the Thessalonians. He wrote, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right.” These prayers were collectively done. Paul, Silas and Timothy were all involved in praying for these believers. The prayers were actively done. The prayers were also continuously done. The phrase “we ought” (ὀφείλομεν; opheilomen), a present, active, plural verb, supports these observations.
These three men were also under obligation to give thanks (Εὐχαριστεῖν; eucharistein), a present, active infinitive verb. They prayerfully expressed their gratitude presently, actively and infinitely for the Thessalonians. .
Their prayers of gratitude were explicitly given to God (θεῷ; theo). This is always to be the case. Prayer should contain adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. All four are necessary components for an effective and God honoring prayer life. As Paul said, “as is right” (ἄξιόν ἐστιν; axion estin). This means prayer is presently, actively, and truthfully proper, fitting and expected of believers in Christ.
Dr. William Hendriksen states, “They feel impelled to express their gratitude to God. They cannot do otherwise. And this subjective necessity is in harmony with the objective necessity: “as is fitting” (ἄξιον).[1]
Do we mentally, emotionally and volitionally have the same sense of obligation and compulsion to pray for one another? Are we prone to give thanks to God for the believers in our lives? What was right for Paul, Silas and Timothy is also right for believers in Christ today.
Why were Paul, Silas and Timothy thankful to God for these believers? First, their faith was abundantly growing.Faith (πίστις; pistis) is a commitment to, a trust in, a dependence upon and a worship of the One, True God and Father, by the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, through the person and presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Thessalonian’s faith was growing abundantly (ὑπεραυξάνει; hyperauxanei). This means their faith was presently, actively and singularly flourishing and increasing beyond measure. This was an answer to Paul’s previous prayer (I Thess. 3:12; 4:1, 10). This idea also parallels the Apostle Peter’s words to other believers in Christ in his second epistle.
17 “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:17–18 (ESV)
The church’s love for one another was also increasing. Love (ἀγάπη; agape) is self-sacrificial love of the will. Biblically, it is the highest expression of love. This sacrificial love is to be the hallmark of the church (I John 2:9-11; 4:7-12) and it must increase (πλεονάζει; pleonazei). This means the believer’s love must presently, actively, truthfully and singularly multiply, abound and grow. There is never enough godly love to go around.
The overall tone of the text is one of exuberant joy and elation. This healthy church continues to be healthy and is progressively becoming healthier. The Apostle Paul and his companions could not be happier.
Do you have such joy and elation when you think of your church? Are your fellow believers abundantly growing in their faith and increasing in love for others? How are people displaying these two characteristics of biblical Christianity? Pray such spiritual growth begins and thank God when it does and continues.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of I-II Thessalonians, vol. 3, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 154.
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