SALVATION FROM ETERNITY TO ETERNITY - WORDS OF BENEDICTION
READ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”
Words of blessing. That's what the word “benediction” means.
These are verses of benediction. Paul tells us who God is again. Notice what appears in these two verses as words of blessing:
1. “God, even our Father, which hath loved us…” He's right back to the love of God. We can't get away from it. Don't ever get away from the love of God.
2. “…and hath given us everlasting consolation [encouragement]. God gives us eternal encouragement. If your sins are forgiven, your sins are forgiven eternally, and that is eternal encouragement. You are going to heaven and live with Jesus forever when you die. That's eternal encouragement.
3. “…and good hope through grace.” What a wonderful hope we have through this grace we experience in Jesus.
4. “Comfort your hearts…” Encourage your hearts.
5. “…stablish you [make you stable] in every good word and work.” The word “stablish” was used as a column in a building. Stability is important in every area of life.
Economic stability is important. It is important that a building be stable and secure.
Stability of personality is important. Here, he says God comforts your hearts. That's the inward work. God stablish you, stabilize you. That's the outward work.
6. “In every good word and work.” Look how he puts those two together. Word and work. He's saying that it is so important that your walk match your talk. And your talk matches your walk. The greatest testimony a Christian can give is a changed life.
What this old world wants to see out of you and me is the testimony of a changed life.
By our word and by our work we give testimony that we've been changed.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. What does the word benediction mean? What was included in Paul’s benediction?
2. Have you done anything recently to be a blessing to someone?
3. What has God done recently to comfort your heart?
4. Why is it important that your walk matches your talk?