Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Thessalonians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary | CCE)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Thessalonians is one volume in Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series. This series affirms that the Bible is a Christ-centered book, containing a unified story of redemptive history of which Jesus is the hero. It’s presented as sermons, divided into chapters that conclude with a “Reflect & Discuss” section, making this series ideal for small group study, personal devotion, and even sermon preparation. It’s not academic but rather presents an easy-reading, practical and friendly commentary. The series is projected to be 48 volumes.
- Seeks to display exegetical accuracy
- Offers helpful illustrations and theologically-driven applications
- Provides a commentary that busy pastors can use for weekly preparation of biblically faithful and gospel-saturated sermons
Top Highlights
“The thief/pregnancy imagery illustrates the inescapability of divine judgment for those who have rejected Christ. As Stott puts it, ‘The thief gives you no warning, and labor pains give you no escape’ (Stott, Gospel and the End, 109). Thus when the Day of the Lord begins, it will move unalterably to its inescapable end.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3b)
“Clearly, God sees our holiness as a priority. A quick look back at these verses gives keen insight into how this works. First, God establishes the pattern for our lives by revealing His will and holding us accountable for how we respond to it (4:3, 6). Second, Jesus Christ provides our only access to knowing and pleasing God (4:1). Only by entering into a relationship with Christ can we fully grasp the significance of God’s commandments (4:3). Third, God gives His Holy Spirit to us (4:8). The Spirit then empowers us to live a holy life. Allowing impurity to invade our lives would be in direct opposition to the work of the Holy Spirit (4:8).” (1 Thessalonians 4:8b)
“Perhaps the most helpful thing that a pastor can do to breathe new life into his church is not to introduce a new church growth model or to implement the latest church growth strategy. Rather, the most important thing a pastor can do may be to recall what the church really is and refocus his energy into what the gospel really does. The key to breathing new life into your church may not be in the discovery of something new. The key may be found in your discovery of a passionate recommitment to proclaiming something that is old.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1b)
