Think about It.

INTRODUCTION

People were longing for the return of the Lord, and some were more or less checking out of life, expecting Him to come at any moment.

In the last couple of chapters of 1 Thessalonians, Paul wrote to comfort and encourage the folks concerning what would happen to those who died in Christ before His return.

This brings us to the book of 2 Thessalonians.

2 Thessalonians was written just a few months after 1 Thessalonians.

This fact would put the date of the letter between late 52 AD and early 53 AD.

The letter was written because a report had reached Corinth concerning some troublesome new developments in the life of the church at Thessalonica.

Some, using forged evidence alleged to be from the missionaries themselves (Paul, Silas, and Timothy), have been teaching that the day of the Lord had already begun.

Paul needed to correct the false teaching.

Paul indicated that certain great events must precede the Day of the Lord and insisted those events were still in the future.

Some undisciplined (remember last week's message) Christians were still refusing to work to support themselves; those who were doing that needed to repent and become productive.

The working Christians are directed to quit enabling undisciplined ones to continue in their undisciplined lifestyle and to take measures to lead the undisciplined to repentance. (Gareth Reese- 1-2 Thessalonians Commentary).

We have talked about the temptation to think that God is not with us and that God does not care about how it appears that those perpetrating evil in this world are getting ahead.

One would think that following Jesus would shield one from falling victim to being persecuted. Yet, at the church in Thessalonica, they faced the same persecution that Christians faced throughout the empire.

In today's message, entitled Think About It, Paul seeks to encourage those in Christ to keep moving forward.

He also wants them to understand that folks who reject Christ will not do well when the Lord returns.

It can become easy to give up and quit when things are difficult.

Paul wants all of us to think about the choices we are making in life because those choices matter; some, like will I obey Christ or reject Him, will have eternal ramifications.

Let's turn to 2 Thessalonians 1, we will begin with verses 3-4.

2 Thessalonians 1:3–4 (NET 2nd ed.)

3 We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith flourishes more and more and the love of each one of you all for one another is ever greater.

4 As a result we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you are enduring.

SERMON

I. The praise.

The passage begins with Paul's praise for the Christians' faith at Thessalonica for standing firm amid persecution.

The word "OUGHT" expresses a moral obligation, not just a duty on the part of Paul to give thanks to God.

In the first letter, Paul praised the Church highly, and the church may not have felt they deserved such high praise.

Paul insists he has a moral obligation to offer such high praises for their faithfulness.

The phrase RIGHTLY SO can be translated as IT IS FITTING; so what follows shows why the praise has been earned.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 provides us with a remarkable example of the Thessalonian believers' unwavering faith and love despite persecution.

This passage offers an opportunity to explore the theme of spiritual growth amid adversity.

In verses 3-4, we can recognize the power of faith.

The Thessalonians' faith in God grew amidst trials, becoming a source of strength and encouragement for others.

We can see how faith empowers us to face challenges, trust God's promises, and find hope in difficult times.

Perseverance stresses active endurance under difficulty and pressure.

It denoted patience put into practice in suffering.

1&2 Thessalonians (A. Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Growth and Endurance in Persecution (1:3–4))

Faith refers in this context particularly to constancy in faith, or faithfulness: the readers have maintained their position in Christ despite the difficulties it has brought to them.

Adversity, particularly persecution, can either strengthen you or destroy you.

Amid all that was happening to the Christians at Thessalonica, faith flourished and strengthened.

Perseverance and faith are the Thessalonians' one response to trials and persecution.

Paul used two terms to describe what the church was facing.

Persecution indicates suffering inflicted by others because of their opposition to one's beliefs.

Afflictions can refer more broadly to any suffering, but in the New Testament, it is frequently used to refer specifically to persecution resulting from one's faith.

The combination of the two words probably was used to emphasize the severity of the suffering the church was experiencing.

The word FLOURISH was a metaphor taken from the observable rapid growth one can see in the animal or vegetable world.

Such growth is exciting to view.

One of the ways one can determine if one's faith is growing is by one's love for God and others.

Despite persecution, the Thessalonians' love for one another and God remained steadfast.

Paul praised their cultivating a Love that grew while being persecuted.

The transformative power of love enables us to extend grace, forgiveness, and kindness even in the face of hostility.

The church was embracing Growth amid adversity.

Adversity has the potential to hinder or strengthen our faith.

Challenging times offer us the opportunity for spiritual growth, allowing our faith and love to mature through perseverance and reliance on God's grace.

Paul used the overall example of the church at Thessalonica to encourage others.

As in 1 Thess 1:7–10 Paul stresses that the Thessalonians' living out of the Gospel has been reported as an edifying message to other churches.

By using "boast" to refer to these reports, Paul implies that his own work has had their growth and faithfulness as its objective. (Jon A. Weatherly, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, The College Press NIV Commentary (Joplin, MO: College Press Pub. Co., 1996).

The Thessalonians' example of faith and love can inspire us to support and encourage fellow believers in their own faith journeys.

We should always explore practical ways to uplift and strengthen one another as we navigate trials.

The example of 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 can encourage us to grow in our faith, deepen our love for God and others, and find inspiration in the unwavering commitment of the Thessalonian believers.

The world around us needs to see our love for one another.

Instead of blasting a brother or sister in Christ when we do not get our way, why don't we proclaim our love for one another despite trying relationship obstacles?

When we blast one another or bad mouth one another to others, what kind of impression does that give, first of all of you, second and more importantly, of Christ?

So think about it: when things are difficult, how will you react, and how will the trials affect how you love God and others?

Will you let difficulties define and destroy you, or will you be victorious in Christ?

Let's move to verses 5-10.

2 Thessalonians 1:5–10 (NET 2nd ed.)

5 This is evidence of God’s righteous judgment, to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which in fact you are suffering.

6 For it is right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,

7 and to you who are being afflicted to give rest together with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.

8 With flaming fire he will mete out punishment on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

9 They will undergo the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his strength,

10 when he comes to be glorified among his saints and admired on that day among all who have believed—and you did in fact believe our testimony.

II. The persecution.

1&2 Thessalonians (B. Encouragement in Light of God’s Judgment (1:5–10))

Though it can remain an abstraction for those without difficulty, the problem of evil is a burning question for those suffering.

"Why is this happening?" is perhaps the most troubling question human beings must confront.

The question is even more intense for those who suffer because of their faith.

Christians who believe themselves to be the people of God, those who have received God's salvation and are experiencing the fulfillment of his eternal promises, have an even more difficult question to answer.

If God is really on their side, if he is really loving and powerful, why do they suffer?

In 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 Paul states:

1 Thessalonians 3:3–4 (NET 2nd ed.)

3 so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

4 For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know.

Some things happen as a result of our identity in Christ.

Because we are united with Christ, we must also be united in His suffering.

One would think belonging to Jesus would ensure a smooth life without trouble; however, the opposite is true.

To belong to Jesus can lead to suffering in this age.

However, God has a response waiting for those who cause the suffering.

2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 presents a powerful message about the righteous judgment of God.

This passage provides several thought-provoking issues.

God's Justice in Persecution.

The Thessalonians faced severe persecution for their faith, and Paul assured them that God's righteous judgment would befall their oppressors.

This encourages us to trust in God's justice, knowing that He sees our struggles and will ultimately bring justice to those who oppose His people.

The Purpose of Suffering.

Paul explains that the Thessalonians' suffering is evidence of God's righteous judgment and His desire to count them worthy of His kingdom.

This prompts us to reevaluate our perspective on suffering, recognizing that it can refine our faith, deepen our dependence on God, and prepare us for the eternal glory that awaits us.

The Future Punishment

The passage describes the future punishment that awaits those who reject God and oppose His people.

It highlights the seriousness of rejecting the Gospel and serves as a reminder of the consequences of unbelief.

This thought shows us the urgency of sharing the Gospel and the importance of making a decision for Christ.

Verse 10 moves us to the hope of the Second Coming.

Verse 10 speaks of the second coming of Christ when He will be glorified and admired by His followers.

This instills hope in believers, reminding us that our present sufferings are temporary and an eternal reward awaits us in Christ's presence.

We also see the importance of responding to God's Righteous Judgment.

This section challenges us to reflect on how we live in light of God's righteous judgment.

We should be prompted to examine our hearts, align our lives with God's truth, and live faithfully, knowing that our actions and choices have eternal consequences.

So think about it.

How will you respond to God, even when suffering for your faith?

Let's go to verses 11-12 for a final thought.

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 (NET 2nd ed.)

11 And in this regard we pray for you always, that our God will make you worthy of his calling and fulfill by his power your every desire for goodness and every work of faith,

12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

III. The prayer.

Paul concludes the passage by sharing with his readers his prayer for them.

Paul prays that when the Lord returns, his readers will have a life that lives up to their calling.

Living this type of life is a theme Paul goes to often.

For example

Ephesians 4:1–2 (NET 2nd ed.)

1 I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called,

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love,

A life worthy of the calling is a life that is lived in faithful service to God.

Paul also prays that God will help us to live that kind of life; this is what he is driving at in the later part of verse 11.

This prayer is offered because we cannot live a life worthy of the calling without the help of God and the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

The prayer is that God would fulfill the Thessalonians' desire to live a life worthy of their calling.

This prayer should cause us to reflect on the unique purpose and calling God has for each one of us.

We need to discover and fulfill our God-given purpose, allowing our lives to bring glory to Him.

We see our life's purpose in Christ: for Jesus to be glorified in us, and we will be glorified in Him.

When we are in Christ, life is all about Him!

Paul's prayer acknowledges that living a worthy life is made possible by the grace of God.

There is transformative power with God's grace, which empowers us to live in obedience, overcome challenges, and grow in spiritual maturity.

So think about it.

What is your life about?

Who are you living for, and why?

CONCLUSION

Life is not easy, and many want to choose the easy path.

The only path to eternal life is through Jesus.

During this life, we will face pain, suffering, and persecution at the hands of others.

But when the Lord returns, all will be made right!

Philippians 2:10 (NET 2nd ed.)

10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow —in heaven and on earth and under the earth—

Our application point for today is not letting life distract us from God.

We need to think about when we are tempted.

If you are going to leave Him, to where will you go? Who else has the words of eternal life?