Pentecost 23—November 16, 2025

“Judgment → Peace: When Justice Brings Rest”

Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10 Series: Navigating Life Through Divine Cause and Effect – Week 5 Theme Sentence: God’s righteous judgment gives His people lasting peace.

Goal: To lead hearers to find peace in God’s perfect justice rather than in personal revenge. Malady: Our sinful hearts want control, either despairing at injustice or delighting in vengeance. Means: Christ’s cross and coming judgment bring final vindication and eternal rest for His people.

Introduction – Justice and Peace Don’t Usually Go Together

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

If you asked people what would make our world more peaceful, “more judgment” probably wouldn’t make the list. We usually associate judgment with conflict, with punishment, with unrest. But Paul tells us in today’s reading that real peace depends on real justice.

When evil goes unpunished—when lies prevail, when cruelty is ignored, when victims are silenced—peace is impossible. A world without judgment would be a world where evil wins.

The Thessalonian Christians knew that firsthand. They were suffering for their faith. It looked like the wicked were winning and the righteous were losing. But Paul writes to remind them—and us—that God’s justice is already at work, and His final judgment will bring lasting peace.

That’s the divine cause and effect of this Sunday’s theme: Judgment → Peace.

I. The Bondage of the Lie: Our Struggle with Injustice

Paul begins by calling the Thessalonians’ suffering “evidence that God’s judgment is right” (v. 5). That sounds strange, doesn’t it? How can persecution be evidence of God’s justice?

Paul means that their endurance proves something. The very fact that they were still standing—still believing, still hoping—showed that God was already at work within them, counting them worthy of His kingdom.

Meanwhile, their oppressors seemed to prosper. But Paul assures them: God has not turned a blind eye. 

2 Thessalonians 1:6–7 NRSV

“For it is indeed just of God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to the afflicted…”

We get uncomfortable with that kind of language—repay, affliction, vengeance—because we know how quickly our hearts twist justice into revenge. Yet Paul isn’t describing human payback. He uses a very specific Greek word ἐκδίκησις (ekdikēsis)—that means righteous retribution which aligns perfectly with God’s own holy character — the One who is coming to judge the living and the dead.

The difference between God’s justice and ours is that His springs from mercy; ours often springs from pride. When we’re wronged, we want to settle the score. When others suffer, we secretly hope they’ll “get what’s coming.”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been there. I’ve been wronged by others, and our sinful flesh tries to plot in order that the perpetrator will experience some of what I’m going through. But here’s the rub:

If God truly gave us what we deserve, is there anyone here who could stand?

That’s why Paul must first break our illusion of control.

—We are not judges—we are witnesses.

—We are not avengers—we are forgiven sinners called to trust that the true Judge will set everything right.

II. The Freedom of the Truth: God’s Justice Revealed in Christ

The righteous judgment Paul describes is not only future—it was revealed once already, on a hill outside Jerusalem.

At Calvary, all the world’s injustice met its reckoning. Sin was condemned, not in the sinner, but in the Son. The “blazing fire” of divine wrath that we deserve fell upon Christ Jesus.

That’s the paradox of the Gospel: God’s judgment fell on Jesus so His peace could rest on us.

Because of that cross, we can read this passage without fear. When Paul says, “He will repay trouble to those who trouble you,” he is not giving us permission to gloat. He is giving us peace. Every wrong—every abuse, betrayal, injustice—will either be paid for at the cross or at the final judgment. Nothing will be left unaddressed.

Friends we need hear this again: Every wrong—every abuse, betrayal, injustice—will either be paid for at the cross or at the final judgment. Nothing will be left unaddressed.

That’s why the coming of Christ is described both as terror and as relief—pressure versus rest. The same fire that consumes evil will purify the righteous. The same Lord who judges the world will embrace His people.

The peace of the Christian does not rest on ignoring injustice—it rests on trusting that Christ Jesus—The Judge—sees, remembers, and will make all things right. Which leads us to our next point:

III. The Peace of the Redeemed: When Justice Brings Rest

Think about what that means.

Every victim who was never heard—God heard them. Every wound that went unhealed—He will heal it. Every injustice that escaped the courtroom—will stand before Christ’s throne.

That’s not a threat; that’s a promise. Because when Christ returns, His goal is not destruction—it’s restoration.

2 Thessalonians 1:10 NASB95

“He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed…”

That’s the endgame of divine justice: not retribution but renewal. When He appears, all that was twisted will be straightened, all that was hidden will be revealed, and all that was restless will finally find peace.

IV. The Present Application: Living Peacefully in an Unjust World

So what do we do while we wait?

Paul’s answer: we live as those who have already been judged righteous in Christ.

When we are wronged, we respond with forgiveness. When others boast, we rest in humility. When our faith is mocked, we stand firm—not because we are fearless, but because we are free.

That’s the effect of God’s justice on His people—it frees us from revenge. We don’t have to fix everything because we know the One who will.

The world we live in today often feels overwhelmed by constant judgments and a heightened sense of outrage. Social media, political discussions, and public discourse can sometimes feel like battlegrounds, where differing opinions are met with hostility rather than understanding. This environment can lead to division and a lack of true peace.

Yet, as Christians grounded in the truth of God’s justice, we are called to offer something radically different. Instead of being swept up in a culture of constant verdicts, we have the opportunity to engage with calm confidence, knowing that the Righteous Judge reigns and will ultimately make all things right.

It’s essential to recognize the complexity of our times. While some societal changes can be challenging, they also present opportunities for growth and reconciliation. As believers, our role is not to contribute to division but to embody Christ’s love in our interactions. We are called to engage thoughtfully and graciously, being quick to listen and slow to anger, maintaining a spirit of peace and compassion.

Just as God calls us to be agents of peace in the broader community, we must also remember that peacemaking begins in our personal relationships. I urge each of you to practice forgiveness and reconciliation with those closest to you—whether family, friends, or colleagues. Reach out to resolve conflicts, offer apologies, or extend grace. By nurturing peace in our immediate circles, we lay the groundwork for a more harmonious community, reflecting the love and justice of Christ.

By doing so, we offer a powerful witness of trust in the ultimate justice of God. This not only brings peace into our own hearts but also serves as a beacon of hope and reconciliation in a world that desperately needs both.

V. The Gospel Invitation: Finding Peace in the Righteous Judge

So today, if you are weary—if you’ve been wronged and are waiting for relief—hear this: Christ knows all about it. He sees. And He is coming.

If you are burdened by guilt—afraid that when He comes, you’ll be on the wrong side of justice—hear this: He has already stood in your place. The verdict is in: “Not guilty—for Jesus’ sake.”

And if you’re longing for peace, remember: it’s not found in ignoring evil or pretending all is well. It’s found in the cross, where justice and mercy met.

As we just sang a few minutes ago:

So, sing with joy, afflicted one; the battle’s fierce, but the vict’ry’s won! God shall supply all that you need; Yes, as your days your strength shall be.

You are not left to face your struggles alone. God has promised to strengthen you, and sustain you amid every circumstance in this life, and has promised rest on judgment day.

Conclusion – The Day That Brings Peace

You see, Judgment Day isn’t something believers dread—it’s the day we finally rest.

On that day, the weary will find relief. The oppressed will be vindicated. The faithful will be glorified. And Christ will be marveled at by all who believe.

So until that day comes, we live in that peace. We endure the affliction knowing that the release is certain. We trust the Judge who became our Savior.

Judgment brings peace—not because we are righteous, but because our Judge is merciful.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

✠ Prayers of the Church ✠

Pentecost 23 – Judgment → Peace Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

For God’s People to Rest in His Justice

Gracious Father, You are the righteous Judge, and all Your ways are true and just. When we see evil prosper and the innocent suffer, keep us from despair and from the desire to take vengeance into our own hands. Teach us to entrust ourselves to You, who judges justly, and to find true peace in Your promises. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For Those Suffering Injustice, Hardship, or Affliction

Lord Jesus, You see every wrong, every wound, every injustice that burdens Your people. Strengthen the weary. Uphold the persecuted. Give courage to all who suffer on account of Your name. Bring relief to the afflicted, and let Your coming judgment be for them a day of rest and vindication. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For a Spirit Free from Revenge and Overflowing with Forgiveness

Holy Spirit, rescue us from bitterness and anger. Crush within us every desire to repay evil for evil. Shape our hearts by the mercy of Christ, that we may forgive as we have been forgiven and bless even those who hurt us. Make Your Church a beacon of peace in a world addicted to outrage. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For Peace Among the Nations

Almighty God, You rule the nations with justice and compassion. Bring peace where there is conflict, especially where violence, terror, and injustice threaten the innocent. Guide world leaders away from pride and vengeance and toward wisdom and righteousness. Protect all who work to preserve peace. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For the Sick, the Hurting, and the Weary

Father of mercies, look with kindness upon all who cry out to You: the sick, the grieving, the lonely, and the burdened. Grant healing to those who suffer in body or mind, steadfast faith to all who struggle, and peace to those nearing life’s end. Especially we pray for those we name in our hearts… [pause] Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For Our Congregation: Agents of Peace in an Unjust World

Heavenly Father, in a culture filled with condemnation and anger, keep this congregation steadfast in Your Word of truth. Make us slow to speak judgment, quick to offer grace, rich in forgiveness, and generous in love. Let Your peace rule in our hearts, that we may be instruments of reconciliation in our community. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For Faith in the Return of Christ

Lord Jesus Christ, give us confident hope in Your appearing. As we await the day when You will set all things right, strengthen our endurance. Keep us watchful, prayerful, and faithful, so that on the day of Your revelation we may be found rejoicing, not shrinking back in fear. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For Worthy Reception of the Holy Supper

Bless, O Lord, all who come today to Your Table. Grant forgiveness to those who receive the body and blood of Christ, and may they find forgiveness, strength for daily trials, and peace that surpasses understanding. Let this Holy Communion be for us a foretaste of the eternal rest You have promised. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For Ourselves and All the Saints

Eternal Father, we give You thanks for all who have gone before us in the faith and now rest from their labors. Keep us faithful unto death, that with all the saints we may marvel at Christ’s glory on the Last Day and enter the everlasting peace He has prepared for His people. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

Conclusion

Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen.