Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
Sermon notes
Second Thessalonians #12 : Conclusion—grace and peace 2Thess 3:16-18
As Paul concludes he draws our attention to these two necessary resources for these saints.
They are specifically required in the light of:
- Christ’s return. This epistle has centred on that glorious theme but especially on the dark truth that a deep apostasy will precede that event which will climax in the emergence of the man of sin.
- The fact that error on that subject repeatedly surfaces. In both epistles the Apostle has had to combat ignorance and false teaching on the events surround the Saviour’s coming. In the face of such error, the child of God needs the grace and peace that only God can give.
- The issue of dealing with the disorder that such error produces in the church. The disciplinary measures that are in the immediate background to these words, can only be worked through with these resources on hand. These are difficult and often painful matters to process through in Church life and for the individual believer. Yet grace and peace are available.
I PEACE AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
The author of peace. There is no true peace but that which the Lord gives. Cp Phil 4:7, Jn 14:27, 1Cor 14:33. The Lord of peace is a unique expression in Scripture. Given the content of this epistle, it is possible that Paul is considering the coming Kingdom of peace which the Saviour will usher in. His desire is for them to know something of that peace now. Cp Heb 7:2 also Rom 16:20 which also references Christ’s return.
God’s people may experience this peace:
- Always. There is a constancy of peace that saints may know. In every circumstance the peace of God can prevail in our lives.
- By all means. In all its various forms—peace of heart, conscience, life; and in every aspect of life and behaviour—home, church, business.
Peace is the consequence of:
- Prayer, v16. Paul is expressing a prayer here. As we seek the Lord in prayer we should pray for peace. Cp Ps 122:6.
- The gift of God, v16. It is He who gives peace.
- The presence of God, v16. It is as the Lord is with His people that they know peace. It is critical for the Christian to know the presence of the Lord. In this too He is our peace! (Eph 2:14)
II PRAYER FOR A PRESENT EXPERIENCE OF CHRIST’S GRACE.
Cp v18.
- Infinite resource. Grace is simply the all encompassing resources which are at the disposal of believers. The riches of Divine grace are in view. Cp Eph 2:7. There is an eternity ahead to display the dimensions of this grace!
- Found in Christ. These resources are found in and accessed through Christ alone. The grace of God is equally described as the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. What He is in His person, office of Redeemer, identified by these names/titles is the means of us having this grace. If He is OUR Lord Jesus Christ then the grace is ours too!
- Grace is the resource of every saint. Paul writes this truth to you all. Not one believer is denied access to this grace. Cp Heb 4:14-16.
III AN IMPORTANT STAMP OF AUTHENTICITY.
The words of v17 are like a signature at the end of the letter.
- These are the words of Paul. This was an important matter! There had already been attempts made to pervert his teaching, 2:2, and it was important for them to see this stamp of authenticity. It is critical for God’s people to get to the genuine statements of Divine truth. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that we must get to the real truth of God’s word.
- A reminder of Paul’s handicap. It cost the Apostle something to do as he did. He laboured in spite of the physical handicap of eye problems. Such was his burden and desire to fulfill his heavenly calling that he persevered in the apostolic ministry. His desire to communicate the truth of God and his own interest in them, had him triumph over these difficulties.
- A salutation. He gives them a verbal embrace! It is an expression of his love for them. The truth of God’s word is always spoken in love. Even when hard things have to be said and painful duties discussed, the word is in love.