William Burkitt's Expository Notes

2 Thessalonians 1:3

Observe here, 1. The holy wisdom and pious prudence of our apostle, who being about to magnify and extol the graces of the Spirit wrought in the Thessalonians, particularly their faith and charity, instead of commending them for these graces, he breaks forth into praises and thanksgivings unto God for them: We thank God that your faith groweth exceedingly, and that the charity of every one of you aboundeth. His business was not to celebrate the praises and commendations of them, but to admire the special grace of God conferred upon them, and conspicuous in them.

Learn hence, that as it is our duty, it will be or great wisdom and prudence, so to speak of the graces of God, which we see and observe in others, as that they may not be puffed up with any conceit of their own excellences, but see matter of praise and thanksgiving due unto God only; and nothing to themselves.

Note, 2. The special and particular graces which St. Paul, observed in the Thessalonians: their faith, and their charity, together with the evidence of the sincerity of these graces namely, that their faith was. growing faith, their love an abounding and overflowing love: Your faith groweth exceedingly, and your love aboundeth,

Learn hence, That as the saving graces of faith and love do admit of degrees, and do not come to their height and perfection at once; so all other graces do either increase or decrease, grow or fade, together with these; vigour or decay of these cardinal graces have an answerable influence upon all our other graces.

But how did St. Paul know that their faith did thus grow?

Ans. He knew the increase of their faith by their constancy in sufferings.

Note, 3. Our apostle doth not barely commend these graces of faith and love, which were found in the Thessalonians, but he makes an holy boast of them, he glories in them, and excites other churches to. praise-worthy imitation of them; We glory in you in the churches of God.

But for what?

Even for your courage and patience under sufferings, persecutions, afflictions, and tribulations, for the sake of Christianity, and for your constancy in the faith of Christ.

Learn hence, 1. That persecutions, afflictions, and tribulations, for the sake of Christianity, (when maintained, especially in the power of it,) are the common lot of God's faithful children and servants.

Learn, 2. That it is the highest glory of. Christian to bear afflictions, and undergo persecutions, for the sake of the gospel, with and undaunted courage and an invincible patience.

Learn, 3. That it is not unlawful, but sometimes necessary and expedient, for. minister to glory in his people; not in their multitude, nor in their riches, not in their greatness, nor in their high estimation of his person and abilities, but in the eminent graces of God's Holy Spirit in them, and in the great services and sufferings undergone by them: We glory in you for your patience and faith, in and under all the persecutions and tribulations that ye endure.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

2 Thessalonians 1:3

Old Testament

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