Thematic Bible: When faithful


Thematic Bible



And when the Supreme Shepherd [i.e., Jesus] comes back, you will receive [for your effort] a glorious crown [of reward] that will never fade away [Note: The idea of "fading away" is suggested by the laurel wreath bestowed on the winner of an athletic contest]. Verse ConceptsFutureCrowns Of Christianseternal life, nature ofAthleticsHeavenly RewardsLast ThingsHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityPeter, Preacher And TeacherPrizesReward, For God's PeopleSelf DisciplineShepherds, As Church LeaderChrist, The ShepherdNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForNo DecayCrowns For God's PeopleBemaGlorification

If the work of anyone lasts [i.e., if his converts are judged faithful], he will receive a reward [i.e., his converts will constitute part of his reward]. Verse ConceptsWagesReward For Worksassertiveness

Truly I tell you, he will put that slave in charge of his entire estate.

For if I preached because [I personally decided] I wanted to, I could claim a reward. But if I did not preach from a personal decision to do so, then it would be because I was entrusted with the task [by God]. Then what is my reward? It is being able to preach the good news without receiving financial support [for it], so as not to claim my full rights in [the work of preaching] the good news.


I always thank God for you, [especially] for God's unearned favor that was given to you [in providing salvation and blessings] in Christ Jesus. Verse ConceptsAppreciationThanksgiving, OfferedThanking God For PeopleThe Grace Given To MenGod's GraceThank YouBeing GratefulGrateful HeartatheismgraciousnessFinding Comfort In God

For how can we thank God [enough] for you, in return for all the joy we have over you, in the presence of our God? Verse ConceptsAppreciationHappinessJoy, Of The ChurchThanking God For PeopleThank YouBeing GratefulThanksgiving And Gratitude

For what is [the basis of] our hope, or joy, or crown of honor in the presence of the Lord Jesus when He comes back? [Note: By "crown" Paul alludes to the laurel wreath awarded to the victor in an athletic contest]. Will it not be you people? Verse ConceptsCrowns Of ChristiansCrowns, Spiritual UseCrowns, Figurative UseHeavenly RewardsHope, As ConfidenceSpiritual InvestmentSelf DisciplineThe Soul Winners JoyCrowns For God's PeopleHope Regarding BelieversPaul's BoastingThe Fact Of His ComingJoySpiritual crownscrowns

But now Timothy has returned to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love, and [reported] that you have good memories of us. [He told us that you are] longing to see us, just as we also long to see you. So, brothers, through all of our distress and persecution, we were encouraged over you because of your faith, for now we [really] live, if you [continue to] stand firm in [the service of] the Lord [i.e., Paul could enjoy life much more in knowing that the Thessalonians were living for the Lord faithfully]. read more.
For how can we thank God [enough] for you, in return for all the joy we have over you, in the presence of our God?

Instead, we have renounced [the practice of] secret, disgraceful behavior. We do not practice deception, nor resort to distorting God's message. But, by making known the truth [i.e., the true message], we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the presence of God. Verse ConceptsIntegrityCraftinessConsciences, Before OthersFaithfulness, In Human RelationshipsDeceit, Practice OfDeception, Christian Leaders Must NotHonestyMorality, And CreationRejecting ThingsRenunciationSecrecyWord Of GodTruthMinisters, Should Not BeMinisters, Way They Should TeachIntegrity, Examples OfReceiving God's WordAvoiding SecrecySpeaking TruthCommending OneselfEliminating ShameClear Consciences


I have great confidence in talking to you; I have great pride in you and I am full of encouragement [over you]. In all of our troubles I am overflowing with joy. Verse Conceptsencouragement, examples ofJoy, Of The ChurchOptimismDistressTrusting Other PeopleHuman ComfortPaul's BoastingPrideholy BoldnessEncouragementJoy And HappinessBoldnessSpeechencouraging