The Judgement of Christ's Coming part 2

Review of the Issues

The church was contending with intense persecution.

The church was still confused about the Day of the Lord.

Many in the church had become idle.

Thankful Boasting 1-4

Obligatory gratitude (3)

ought: Paul is saying he has a duty to give thanks to God for the Thessalonian church.

because your faith is growing abundantly: Paul’s gratitude to God was for the Thessalonians’ obedience and demonstrated growth in the faith.

and for the love of everyone of you for one another: Paul’s gratitude to God was also for the increasing love the Thessalonians had demonstrated for one another.

Public boasting (4)

Therefore: Introducing the result of the Thessalonians’ exemplary faith

we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God: Paul did this to encourage the churches, and he told the Thessalonians he was boasting about them in other churches to encourage them. Paul is also reminding the Thessalonians that they are participants in a wider movement that includes all who have responded to the call of God to salvation (see 1 Thess 1:9).

steadfastness: God granted the Thessalonians the power to withstand the hardship of their persecution. Remember, Paul had a concern that the church would loose their fortitude to remain faithful to God under their intense persecution (1 Thess 3:5), but his concerns were proven unnecessary.

Encouragement for Affliction (5-10)

The evidence that God’s judgement is right are the trials and sufferings of the Thessalonians.

Their suffering is not final (6)

Their relief is guaranteed (7)

The suffering of God’s people is a mark of kingdom worthiness

1 Peter 4:12–17 ESV

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

d. Justice will prevail (8-9)

vengeance is the result of a judicial decision

inflicted on those who do not know God and do not obey Him

their destruction will be eternal

destruction that comes from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might (9)

Isaiah 2:10 (ESV)

Enter into the rock

and hide in the dust

from before the terror of the Lord,

and from the splendor of his majesty.

e. God’s people will glorify God (10)

Continuing to Pray (11-12)

That they would live in a way that is consistent with their calling to salvation.

That God would empower them to do works of faith and show forth the goodness of God

The purpose of this prayer is that God would be glorified through them.