In this expositional sermon from 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18, pastor Ben Smith makes clear that being saved through faith in Jesus Christ is the only source of peace and the only hope of grace. Although simple and brief, these concluding words to the Thessalonian church testify to the hope and blessing of salvation, encouraging the church to continue in the faith.

These are Paul’s last recorded words to the Thessalonian church. He signs the letter to ensure that they will know that these words are authentically his (17). The church had received a counterfeit letter (2 Thessalonians 2:2), and Paul wanted to assure the church that this letter was genuine, authentic, and authoritative. In addition to his signature, he prays for them and blesses them. Both the prayer and the blessing are founded on their salvation in Jesus Christ. Paul wanted to remind the church of the blessings that flow from salvation in Jesus Christ.

These verses encourage the church with two blessings that flow from salvation in Jesus Christ: 1) The peace that comes only from Jesus Christ, and 2) the grace of Jesus Christ.

The gospel transforms believers into people who live righteously in the present world with anticipatory hope of Christ's return, proclaiming the gospel's good news with authority and boldness until then.

In this passage, Paul connects the instructions for how Christians are to live (2:2-10) with the why and how. The hope of the gospel transforms Christians before God. It also transforms how Christians live in this present age. The hope of the gospel is the fundamental truth that defines what the church is and how the church is to live in this world.

No matter how far a child has wandered or how great a child has rebelled, godly parents do not give up hope that God will draw them back. No matter how long it has been, godly parents continue to call on the Lord to rescue their child and take every opportunity to speak the truth to their child.

This is the heartbreaking intensity with which Paul writes this passage. He loved the church at Corinth. He considered them his children in the faith. And he is brokenhearted that they may be led astray by wicked men. And so, he contends for them by preaching the truth in love.

Being a pastor’s wife comes with some unique challenges. This week’s episode is a conversation with my wife, Dana Smith. Dana shares from her perspective the joys and struggles of being a pastor’s wife. With honesty about the struggles and wisdom for others, she talks candidly about her own life in the ministry married to a pastor. If you are a pastor’s wife, a pastor, or someone who cares deeply about the health and well-being of your pastor’s family, this episode is a must-listen.