1 Thessalonians 4:2

1 Thessalonians 4:2 (ESV) "For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus." 

Do we get what Paul is saying here? All the teaching and instruction given to these believers by Paul and his companions was done through the Lord Jesus Christ. It's not just the words and the instruction, it's the truth of those words and the power in which they were delivered. It's the ability to walk through the suffering and persecution Paul mentions many times in earlier chapters. It's the joy and gladness at the reception of the good news. And it's the work of it the Holy Spirit evident in their midst. 

All of it comes through Jesus Christ because he is the Way. It's not just the work of the cross which makes a way for all who believe to be saved. It's not just that Jesus is the door and the narrow gate and the way to the Father. He is the Way in all things. There is nothing that exists without Jesus Christ. He is the way of restoration for all humanity.

As Paul says in Romans 11:36, "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."

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