Written around A.D. 52, only a few months following his first epistle to the Thessalonian church, Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians includes instructions for believers as they await the second coming of Christ.
In this section of his letter, the apostle calls on Christians to rely on God for revenge and trust in His perfect plan for our lives as we glorify and worship Him above all things.
“1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:1-2)
Paul identifies himself as the author of this letter, accompanied in Corinth by Silas and Timothy who both contributed to this epistle. this introduction is identical to the first Thessalonian epistle in that it conveys God’s grace and peace to its audience.
“3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-5)
The apostle shares his gratitude for the abundance of faith within the church in spite of persecution. He also commends believers in Thessalonica for the love they shared for each other, a clear sign of spiritual growth in lieu of the attacks brought on by the enemy and the fact these were young Christians.
Paul counts the Thessalonians’ suffering and sacrifices as blessings to be rewarded by our heavenly father according to His perfect plan.
“6 Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8)
The apostle calls on believers to rely on the Lord for vengeance for those who trespass God almighty and His children. Paul tells us it is righteous and good for God to punish those who wrong or offend believers.
By this divine promise those who are persecuted by men will be delivered and given rest, while offenders against God or the gospel place themselves under His judgment which Paul describes as a “flaming fire.”
“9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.” (2 Thessalonians 1:9-10)
Paul elaborates about the punishment bestowed upon transgressors of God or His word by describing it as “everlasting” which in itself has no bounds, very much indicative of the pain and suffering found in the lake of fire called hell.
The apostle confirms prophecy, that upon the Lord’s return judgment will come upon those who do not believe. On that day of reckoning, blessings will also come to those in Christ who are re-born of faith and promised salvation according to God’s everlasting love, mercy and grace.
“11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
Paul’s hope and prayer for the Thessalonians, and all believers is to continue to seek and rely on the Lord as each Christian works out our salvation, and prove ourselves worthy of the mission assigned to each one by God almighty as part of His perfect plan. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
