2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers beloved of the Lord… I. HOW IT IS HERE SET FORTH. 1. By the rise of it, which is the mere love of God, for Paul calls these "brethren, beloved of the Lord" (Deuteronomy 7:7, 8). There is no antecedent worthiness in those whom God chooses (2 Timothy 1:9). 2. By the act itself "hath chosen you" making a distinction between them and others. Those whom God chooses He separates from the world (1 John 5:19). Their names are kept in the records of heaven (Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3), whereas others are not (Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:15). 3. By the antiquity of it "from the beginning" (Ephesians 1:4; Matthew 25:34). Love in God is of old standing, even from eternity, and what is from everlasting is to everlasting (Psalm 103:17). 4. By the means of its accomplishment two are mentioned, one on God's part and one on ours — Sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. Where, note — (1) That God's decree is both of ends and means, for all His purposes are accomplished by fit means. He who has chosen us to salvation has chosen us to be holy, and to believe the truth. And without the means the end cannot be attained; for without faith and holiness no man shall see God or escape condemnation (John 3:36; Hebrews 12:14). What God has joined together let no man separate. If we separate these things God does not change his counsel, but we subvert His order to our own destruction. (2) That these are not causes but fruits of election (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:2; Acts 2:47; Acts 13:48). (3) That being the necessary fruits they are also evidences of our election. All that are sanctified by the Spirit and believe the truth belong to the election of God. (a) Sanctification is not only an external dedication to God, but an inward and real change (1 Corinthians 6:11). (b) Faith is not a cold assent to an opinion as to the Christian religion, but such a lively trust as brings us under its power (vers. 10, 12). The Thessalonians received the truth so as to obey it and suffer for it. (4) The connection between the two — (a) There is a necessary connection between them as of cause and effect, for none are powerfully drawn to believe but such as are sanctified. To incline and bring us to God is a work wholly reserved to the Spirit. (b) There is the connection of concomitancy between the gospel and the Spirit. The Spirit only goes along with the gospel; and so both external and internal grace are of God (John 17:17). (c) There is a subordination of faith to this work of the Spirit by the truth; for the greatest things work not till they are considered and believed (1 Thessalonians 2:13). II. THIS IS THE GREAT MATTER OF OUR THANKSGIVING TO GOD. Consider — 1. That thanksgiving to God is a great and necessary duty, expressly enjoined by Him, and expected from us (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 2. That we are to give thanks chiefly for spiritual and eternal mercies (Ephesians 1:3). 3. That the great expression of God's mercy is in election. (1) There we see all our blessings in their rise, which is the love and grace of God. Waters are sweetest and freshest in their fountain (John 3:16). (2) It shows us God's distinguishing grace, and who it was that made us differ from others (John 14:22; 1 Corinthians 1:26; Matthew 11:25, 26). (3) Then we may see that grace takes off self-boasting (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Ephesians 1:6). (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: |
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