Great Reasons for Gratitude (Part 4): 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 by Dr. Rod Mattoon

Scripture

• 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17

About this sermon

In part four of this message, Paul encourages the Thessalonian church with the truth of the great love that the Lord had for them. This was a blessing in the face of the persecution and hate they had been receiving. This message puts the spiritual magnifying glass on all the different aspects of the love of God. Thank God for His amazing love. Jesus proved His love for us at Calvary. The crimson puddle at the foot of the scourging post and the cross shouted out to mankind, "I love you." The sin debt of mankind had to be "paid in full." There were no exceptions to the fee for our folly and filth of sin. No one could pay the debt except He who was sinless. The only acceptable currency to God the Father was the crimson blood of Jesus which He freely gave for us. Like the granite foundations of mountains robed in purple, adorned with crowns of milky clouds, Christ's love is strong and enduring like those mountains. His promise to us is "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." His love for you and me is fragrant like a bouquet of roses plucked from a summer garden, bringing beauty and joy into our lives. It is as genuine as the touch of a baby's hand or the snowflake that surfs the wind on a cold, winter night. When He says, "I love you," it is for real. There is no pretending. There is nothing phony about it at all and He proved that with the puddle of His life-giving flow that rested at His feet at the cross. His love is also like the shimmer of a diamond when it is caressed by the light of the sun. It is not concealed, coded, confidential, or camouflaged, but candid and exposed. It is not a secret, but detectable, discernible, distinguishable, and distinct. The love of Christ is like the cool morning mist and the pearl drops of dew when the sun gets out of bed and opens its curtains at the dawn. His love is like golden drops of honey that drip from the honeycomb of Heaven. Jeremiah said, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). His love is more valuable than the veins of gold and silver nestled within the heart of the earth. Because of His saving grace and love, a poor man becomes rich, a weak man becomes strong, and a dead man lives by putting faith in Him. Thank God for His amazing grace, mercy, and love for all of us. This 32-minute message was preached on Sunday night, July 31, 2022, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.

Topics

• Gratitude
• Thanksgiving