Several times throughout this study, we have mentioned that the Thessalonian believers were living in suffering, specifically via persecution from non-believers in the city. Paul, Silas, and Timothy have written this letter to encourage them by reminding them of who God is so that they might find rest in Him. As Paul closes this short letter, he reminds his audience of the grace and peace God offers. As this study of 2 Thessalonians draws to a close, we look for closure in a similar way: what should we take away from this study? What are the most important truths and principles this little book has taught us and how do we live those truths? Answer: when you are suffering, you must run to God and His Word. In this last passage there are three actions we must take if we would run to God and His Word. 

1. Rest in God’s peace (v. 16)

First, we find Paul’s prayer that the God would give peace to the Thessalonian believers. We saw how the church struggled to find peace (2 Thess. 1:3-4). They had an unrelenting fight, and we know that pain, despite victory, is still hard. Therefore, Paul goes on to remind the Thessalonians of God’s character. Specifically, that God is just and is the Lord of peace. Paul goes so far to make it clear you cannot know peace if you don’t know God. In salvation, God makes you whole (II Cor. 5:17). In ourselves, we might think we can find some semblance of a peaceful life. When the family gets along, when the bank account is full, or when life is a little less busy, it is easy to feel at peace. Then, trials come and we might claim to be at peace; but without God, our souls are in utter turmoil. So, we turn our hearts to the Lord of peace. 

What does it look like to run to Christ and rest in His peace? One way to test if you’re running to God for peace is to pay attention to how you talk about your suffering. When you’re telling others about your pain, are you verbally acknowledging God’s goodness in bringing you this trial? Are you thankful for how God is working through it? Realize that everything happening to you in life is meant to bring glory to God. Now, talking the “right way” about your suffering will not lead you to peace - that can only be found in thirsting for a relationship with God (prayer, Bible study, church, community, etc.). Yet, if you’re resting in God’s peace amid your suffering, it will be audible. If you are to endure trials, you cannot do so without resting in God’s peace. 

2. Trust in God’s word (v.17)

It is important to note that Paul signed the end of the letter to – in a way – authenticate it. The purpose of this signature is two-fold; first, so the Thessalonians could trust the information, and second, so they understood that they were expected to obey the instruction. Authenticity was a call not only to believe, but to obey. Similarly, you and I can trust God’s word in many ways. First, we can trust the word because we know it is true. God’s word is meant to lead us to truth, and in times of fear or doubt or pain, give us comfort. However, trust is not all about feelings. If you trust God’s word is true, you will do what it says. You will do so because God calls us to obey and what He says is true and right. So, do you trust in God’s word? Like resting in His peace, whether you trust in God’s Word or not is revealed in your relationship with the Bible. When you’re struggling with temptation, do you go to God’s word for strength? When you’re failing to endure suffering, do you go to God’s word because you know it will enable you to endure? If you don’t go to God’s word amid suffering, it is evidence you do not trust it (or rather you trust yourself more than God’s word). Trusting God’s word is critical to dealing with our suffering and enduring through it.

3. Rely on God’s grace (v.18) 

The final verse of 2 Thessalonians is a common farewell for letters of the day; however, the commonality doesn’t make it less significant. Often, we don’t realize how much grace we need. Paul has been clear throughout this book that enduring in godliness amidst trails is only possible because of divine grace (2 Thess. 1:3; 2:13; 3:5). So, what is grace? In short, it is God’s favor given to us even though we don’t deserve it. We have been offered so much grace through salvation. This grace does not promise us an easy life, but it does promise us rest, strength, hope, and joy. This is a grace which is available to all – including the disobedient. So, even if your suffering is a result of your own sin, you are never so far gone that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace (Matt. 11:28). Run to the grace of God. In Him is the only foundation for hope and suffering. 

Conclusion: 

It is easy to let our suffering overwhelm us and make everything about ourselves. However, we have a much better option given to us by God. When you are suffering, you must run to God and His word. This is done by resting in God’s peace, trusting in His word, and relying on God’s grace. We cannot deal with our pain apart from God. Well…we can try to, but it won’t work. Life comes with pain. The question is not if, but when we will suffer. When we do, we must be prepared to run to God and His word. It is there we find the grace to continue living the sake and glory of His name. 

Questions for Discussion

1. Read v. 16. Who is the source of peace? If you want peace, where should you go? 
2. Read v. 17 and discuss how the authenticity of this letter gives it authority. Why should you listen to what God’s Word says?
3. Read v. 18. How have you seen God’s grace at work in your life? What does it mean to rely on His grace every day?