2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5.  Paul had just assured the Thessalonian believers that Christ had not come yet – that there remained a “strong delusion” to come that would produce an apostate church.  He now tells them that they are among the “firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth” (2:13).  They are the true church that took hold in the first century AD, and turned their world upside-down.

1. They were a gospel church. They were called through the gospel that Paul and his companions preached (1:14; 3:1).
2. They were a grace church.  God would continue to comfort their hearts (encourage them) and establish them in every good work and word by his grace (2:16-17; 3:3-4).
3. They were a glory church. They were called to obtain the glory of Christ (2:14).  God had given them eternal (permanent) good hope through his grace (2:16).  That hope is the event of Christ’s second coming.  When Christ comes, the glory that is our destiny from Christ will be obtained.  If we don’t feel  very glorious today, we need to trust in his promise, and cling to the Holy Spirit, who is sanctifying us.

LORD, may your church today reflect your firstfruits church.  May we be driven by our call to spread the gospel.  May we be encouraged by our salvation by your grace.  May we cooperate with the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit by striving toward ever-increasing glory as we anticipate our glory with you at your return.