Live in Light of Coming Judgment

The Hope of Christ’s Return should embolden us to live for Him

INTRO: Paul himself founded the church in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-9). He was only in the city a short time because he was forced out by enemies of the Gospel. But the church of the Thessalonians was alive and active, that was the good.

The reason for the letter was that false teachings about Christ’s return was spreading leading many to quit their jobs and wait for the perceived end of the world.

So Paul wrote to them again. While the purpose of Paul’s first letter was to comfort the Thessalonians with the assurance Christ’s second coming, the purpose of this second letter is to correct false teachings about the second coming. Paul wrote to clear up misconceptions and to comfort them.

EXEMPLIFY HOPE IN PERSECUTION

Thanksgiving and Commendation

2 Thessalonians 1:1–4 NKJV

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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, 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,

All I want to say here is that persecution weeds out those that are insincere in their faith and it surely causes suffering and loss. But, I also want all to understand, the church of the living God, has always. and will always face persecution, yes until the return of our Lord and Savior.

Persecution has often also encouraged growth even when believers have been forced underground. Paul felt indebted and compelled to offer thanks. God deserved praise because of the congregation’s conduct and maturity.

Worthy to Suffer for Christ

2 Thessalonians 1:5–6 NKJV

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; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,

Paul addressed the persecution the church was facing by not viewing these things as indication of God’s displeasure, but rather as “manifest evidence of God’s righteous judgment. In other words the church’s suffering because of their faith in Christ was because God had judged them “worthy of the kingdom”

God allowed them to suffer on behalf of the Gospel, because of their maturing faith and growth in grace. Now, to some then and now it seems that God did not intend to punish those would were unjustly tormenting them.

Paul reminds them that they serve a righteous God! Even if it does not happen during our lifetime. God would “recompense tribulation to them that trouble” to His saints. The wicked may believe they are immune to judgment, but they are : Romans 2:5 “But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,”

2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 The Message

5-10 All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You’re suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he’ll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we’ve been waiting for.

Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they’ve done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe, and all because you believed what we told you.

Deuteronomy 32:35 – “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence…”      Meaning in Context

God is reminding His people not to take matters of revenge into their own hands. Instead, believers are called to trust Him as the righteous Judge who will ultimately deal with sin, injustice, and wrongdoers.

This truth encourages us to:                                                                                   Release bitterness – not allowing anger to control us.                                            Trust in God’s justice – knowing He sees all and will set things right.                 Show Christlike love – overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21).

PREPARE FOR THE COMING JUDGMENT

God’s Judgment of Unbelievers

2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 NKJV

and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 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. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.

This promise points to the Day of the Lord and the rest He will give, which includes the end of sin. It will be a never ending rest in the Lord for those who believe and remain faithful to Him.

The reason some will suffer God’s wrath when Christ returns is not because they are the worse of sinners or even that they persecuted the church. The great sin for which they will be punished is, “unbelief in Jesus Christ”.

To Know God Is to Be in Fellowship With Him

To truly know God is more than simply knowing about Him—it is entering into a living, intimate fellowship with Him. This fellowship is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ and a life of obedience to His Word.

Believing the Gospel – Scripture says, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). Eternal life begins when we believe the gospel—that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Through faith, we are reconciled to God and brought near to Him (Ephesians 2:13).

Obeying the Gospel – Genuine belief is always accompanied by obedience. Jesus declared, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Fellowship with God deepens as we walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:6–7), living in holiness and surrender.

Fellowship Through the Spirit – When we believe and obey, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, enabling us to cry, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). This Spirit-led relationship is the essence of knowing God—not distant religion, but daily communion.

God’s Glory Among Believers

2 Thessalonians 1:10 NKJV

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.

The second coming of Christ is not only a day of judgement for those who do not know God and fail to believe the gospel, but it will also be a day of celebration for “all them that believe”.

Punishment of unbelievers is “everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. Contrast this with believers in Christ will admire, that is marvel at the glory of Christ when he comes. The saints will behold His presence and see His glory.

The Contrast Between Unbelievers and Believers at Christ’s Coming

1. The Punishment of Unbelievers                                                                    The Word of God speaks with solemn clarity about the destiny of those who reject Christ. Paul writes:

“…the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9).

Unbelievers will experience:                                                                           Separation from God’s presence – not merely physical death, but eternal exclusion from His fellowship.

Everlasting destruction – not annihilation, but a state of ruin without remedy.

Loss of glory – they will never taste the beauty and joy of His majesty.

2. The Reward of Believers                                                                                   In striking contrast, believers will stand in awe of Christ’s glory. Paul continues:

“When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe…” (2 Thess 1:10).

Believers will experience:                                                                              Marvel at His glory – the splendor of Christ will overwhelm and captivate the saints.

Fellowship in His presence – unlike the lost, the redeemed will see Him face to face (1 John 3:2).

Shared glory – “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).

3. The Eternal Divide                                                                                          For unbelievers: everlasting destruction and separation.

For believers: everlasting joy and admiration in His presence.

This stark contrast highlights both the seriousness of rejecting the gospel and the blessed hope of embracing Christ by faith. 

LIVE IN THE POWER OF GOD

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 NKJV

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, 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.

Worthy of God’s Calling

“We pray always for you…” Paul’s heart for the Thessalonians is pastoral—he prays continually for their spiritual growth. This shows that perseverance in the Christian life is not in human strength, but upheld by God’s grace through prayer.

“…that our God would count you worthy of this calling…” “Worthy” does not mean earning salvation; rather, it means living in a way consistent with the high calling of God (Philippians 1:27; Ephesians 4:1). It is walking in holiness, integrity, and devotion that reflect the gospel.

“…and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.” Paul prays that God would bring to completion every good desire He has planted in them, and that their faith would be active, powerful, and fruitful (Philippians 2:13).

“…that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him…” The ultimate aim of the believer’s life is that Christ’s name is glorified through us. In turn, believers share in His glory when He is revealed (John 17:10; Romans 8:17).

“…according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” All of this is not by human effort but by the enabling grace of God. Grace begins, sustains, and completes the believer’s walk.

Key Themes                                            Prayerful dependence – Growth in faith and holiness is sustained through prayer.

Worthy living – Believers are called to live in a way that reflects God’s calling.

Faith in action – True faith works with power, producing fruit for God’s glory.

Mutual glorification – Christ is glorified in His people, and His people are glorified in Him.

Grace-driven life – Everything rests on God’s grace, not human merit.

Summary: Paul prays that believers would live lives worthy of God’s calling, empowered by faith, so that Christ is glorified in them, and they in Him—by grace.

Unbelievers face eternal separation from the presence of God, while believers will marvel in Christ’s glory and dwell forever in His presence.

God’s Faithfulness to Those He Calls

1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 NKJV

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

The Prayer for Complete Sanctification (v. 23)

Paul closes his letter with a prayer that the “God of peace Himself” would sanctify the believers completely. The emphasis is on God’s active role—He Himself does the sanctifying, not man’s effort alone. Paul asks for their whole spirit, soul, and body to be kept blameless. This reflects the totality of the human person: the spiritual life, inner being, and physical body. God’s purpose is not partial holiness but wholeness—a life fully aligned with Him until the return of Christ.

The Assurance of God’s Faithfulness (v.        The encouragement lies in the promise: “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”

God does not merely call us to salvation—He equips us to remain faithful.

His faithfulness guarantees that the sanctification He began, He will bring to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Our assurance does not rest in our weakness, but in God’s unwavering commitment to His people.

Application for Today                                                             Confidence in God’s Work - Sanctification is not about striving in our own strength but trusting God to shape us into Christ’s likeness.

Holistic Holiness – God desires purity in spirit (our connection to Him), soul (our thoughts, emotions, and will), and body (our physical actions and lifestyle).

Hope in Christ’s Return – This prayer points us to the coming of Jesus, reminding us to live expectantly and blamelessly in preparation.

Rest in His Faithfulness – The same God who called you by name will never abandon the work He began in you.

Encouragement: Beloved, take heart—your sanctification is God’s project, not just yours. He is faithful, and He will finish what He started in you. Trust Him to preserve you blameless until the day of Christ.

“God of peace sanctifies completely—spirit, soul, and body—preserving believers blameless until Christ’s return. He who calls is faithful; He will surely fulfill His work.”