2 Thessalonians 2 -- Serious Stuff

One of Paul's primary purposes for writing 2 Thessalonians was to correct the rumor that Jesus was going to come back immediately.  The people were growing discouraged and were confused.  Paul tackles this head on in verses 1-2, "we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us."

He then writes about how Jesus won't return until some "man of lawlessness" is revealed, who will oppose God, exalt himself, perform counterfeit miracles, and ultimately, be overthrown and destroyed by Jesus and the breath of his mouth and splendor of His coming (v. 4-9).

We also see how many will be deceived by the work of Satan, and that they will perish because they refuse to love the truth.  They refuse to be saved.  They will believe the lies of evil and will be condemned.  These are difficult, uncomfortable words to read...one of those aspects of Scripture that makes us cringe a little.  I want to say, "God are you sure that those who reject you and refuse to believe have to be condemned?  Isn't that a little extreme?"  It's in those moments when I'm reminded how desperate our condition is apart from Christ, and how unfathomably gracious God is to have sent His Son to die our death.

Paul closes the chapter by encouraging the Thessalonians in their saving relationship with the Lord.  They have been called and have responded in faith.  Paul urges them to "stand firm", hold to what they've been taught, and prays for their strengthening and encouragement.

2 Thessalonians 1 -- Honest Encouragement

Paul starts this second letter by telling it like it is.  He acknowledges the "persecutions and trials" the Thessalonians are enduring (v. 4), while making it clear to them that they ought to be encouraged by these trials.  They are "evidence that God's judgment is right" and that they have been "counted worthy of the kingdom of God" (v. 5).  Adversity is not necessarily a sign of God's disapproval, and often in Scripture we see the exact opposite taught.  The adversity is a sign of God's loving presence, as He works to achieve His purpose for us, both individually and collectively.

We also see the destiny of those who are troubling the believers.  We read about punishment for those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus (v. 8).  Those verses can make us uncomfortable.  We prefer to focus on the love and unconditional acceptance that God offers.  He certainly does that, and yet passages like this one make it clear that those who reject Him are choosing separation from the protection of His loving care.  It's never too late to turn to Him, but we must turn to Him.

Lastly, at both the beginning and end of this chapter we see Paul's commitment to pray for his spiritual children.  Prayer matters.

1 Thessalonians 5 - Children of the Light

In Christ, who are we?

"You are all sons (and daughters) of the light and sons (and daughters) of the day.  We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.  So then....let us be alert and self-controlled." (v. 5-6)

Why did Jesus come and die?

"He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him." (v. 10)

How are we to live -- what is God's will for us?

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (v. 16-18)

Any final words?

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." (v. 23, 28)