September 20 2026

September 20 Sunday

2 Thessalonians 1:1–2

“Grace and Peace for a Growing Church”

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Yesterday we began our journey through the little book of 2 Thessalonians. Today, let's begin looking at the first chapter, starting with verses 1 and 2: “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” These words might sound like a simple greeting, but there is a great deal of truth packed into these two verses. Paul begins by mentioning Silvanus, whom we usually know as Silas, and Timotheus, or Timothy. These three men had been together when the church in Thessalonica was established.

If you remember from our study of 1 Thessalonians, Paul had only been in Thessalonica for a short time before persecution forced him to leave. Yet in that brief period, people believed the Gospel, their lives were changed, and a church was born. Now Paul writes to them again. And notice how he describes them: “Unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” They lived physically in Thessalonica, but spiritually they were in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What a wonderful description of every believer! We live in a particular town. We have an address. We belong to a family and a community. But if we have trusted Jesus Christ as our Savior, our true spiritual position is in Christ. And that was especially important for these Thessalonian believers because they were experiencing persecution. Their circumstances were difficult. Their enemies were real. Their suffering was painful.

But none of those things could change their position in Christ. And neither can the circumstances you and I face today. You may be going through disappointment. You may be dealing with sickness. You may be carrying a burden that nobody else knows about. You may be facing uncertainty about tomorrow. But if you know Christ, you can remind yourself: I am in Christ. My circumstances may change, but my relationship with Him does not.

Then Paul gives them two wonderful words: “Grace unto you, and peace.” Grace and peace. Notice the order. Grace comes first, and then peace. We cannot experience the peace of God until we have first experienced the grace of God. Grace is God's undeserved favor toward us. We could never earn salvation. We could never deserve forgiveness. But God loved us and sent His Son to die for us. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8: “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” And once we have received God's grace, we can experience God's peace. Romans 5:1 says: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” First, we have peace with God through salvation. Then, as we walk with Him, we can enjoy the peace of God in the circumstances of life.

That is exactly what these Thessalonian believers needed. They couldn't control the persecution around them. They couldn't control what others said about them. They couldn't know what tomorrow would bring. But they could know the grace and peace that came “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” And so can we. Maybe today you are facing something you cannot change. Instead of allowing fear to control your heart, remember who you are and where you are. If you know Jesus Christ, you are in Him. You are surrounded by His grace. And you can rest in His peace. The world may be troubled around us, but Jesus said in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.”

What a wonderful way to begin this letter. Before Paul addresses their problems, their persecution, or their questions about the return of Christ, he reminds them of the two things they desperately need: Grace and peace. And my friend, those are exactly what you and I need today.

Let's pray. Father, thank You for Your amazing grace that saved us and for the peace that we have through the Lord Jesus Christ. Help us today to remember that regardless of what happens around us, we belong to You and we are secure in Christ. May Your grace strengthen us and Your peace guard our hearts as we walk with You today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!