1 and 2 Thessalonians: “Perfect That Which Is Lacking in Your Faith” (October 16-22)

“St. Paul writing to the Thessalonians” by Jan Lievens

During Paul’s second mission, he preached in a city called Thessalonica. (See Acts 17:1-4.) He had quite a bit of success there but also endured severe persecution from unbelievers, so much that he had to leave the city and travel to Athens. (See Acts 7:5-15.) Paul continued to think and pray about the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:2). He wanted to visit them again, but instead sent them at least two letters. (See 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:27, 2 Thessalonians 3:17.)

In both letters, he provides information about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus had prophesied that He would one day return (Matthew 24:27-31), and two angels had testified to the apostles as they watched Jesus ascend to heaven that He would return to earth “in like manner” (Acts 1:11). Paul clarified three points in these letters:

• Those who have died will also be part of Jesus’ return. We will be joyfully reunited with loved ones who have passed on. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:17.)
• No one knows when the Savior will return, and the timing will likely surprise us. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3.)
• The Lord’s return will be preceded by an apostasy, a “falling away” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3).

The Book of Mormon provides additional clarity about this future event. For example:

• We must be refined and purified in order to be ready for that day. (See 3 Nephi 24:1-3, Malachi 3:1-3.)
• Elijah will return prior to that day. (See 3 Nephi 25:5-6, Malachi 4:5-6.) This event occurred at the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836. (See Doctrine and Covenants 110:13-16.)
• The publication of the Book of Mormon will be a sign that the Savior’s return is imminent. (See 3 Nephi 29:1-2.)

For more information, see the following blog post:

• What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

Here are some additional lessons I’ve learned from these epistles:

1. We can teach with both the word and the power of the gospel.

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the gospel came to them “not…in word only, but in power” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). What does that mean?

The Book of Mormon testifies that the word of God can be powerful. When Alma organized a group of missionaries to preach to the Zoramites, he observed that “the preaching of the word…had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them” (Alma 31:5).

However, the word is not automatically accompanied by power. When Alma’s friends, the sons of Mosiah, traveled to preach to the Lamanites, they dedicated significant time and energy to prayer, fasting, and scripture study, so that they could teach “with power and authority of God” (Alma 17:2-3). As a result, many people were converted to the Lord. (See Alma 17:4, Alma 53:10.)

Here’s a blog post about what we can do to teach the word of God with power:

• According to the Word and Power of God – Alma 17:17-18

2. We should render all the gratitude we can, even though it is not enough.

Paul asks, “What thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God” (1 Thessalonians 3:9).

King Benjamin similarly expressed the futility of trying to compensate God for our blessings: “If you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you…ye would be unprofitable servants” (Mosiah 2:20-21).

We will never be able to repay God, but we have every reason to try. We should “render all the thanks and praise which [our] whole soul has power to possess” to God. Why? Because He has given us so much. It is incumbent upon us to do whatever we can in return, even if it will never be enough.

Here’s a blog post on the topic:

• What Does It Mean to “Render” Thanks?

3. Be prayerful, humble, responsive to promptings, joyful, and grateful.

At the end of Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians, he provides a rapid-fire list of admonitions:

1. “Rejoice evermore.”
2. “Pray without ceasing.”
3. “In everything give thanks.”
4. “Quench not the Spirit.”
5. “Despise not prophesyings.”
6. “Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good.”
7. “Abstain from all [types] of evil.”

(See 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22.)

Near the end of his sermon to the Zoramites, Amulek provides a similar list. (See Alma 34:38-40.) As I’ve pondered these admonitions, I’ve learned that they are not as independent as they might seem. Humility, joy, openness to inspiration, and gratitude are interconnected. When you choose one, you get the others.

Here’s a blog post about these lists of admonitions:

• Live in Thanksgiving Daily – Alma 34:38

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