Comfort & the Day of the Lord

The Day of the Lord is one of those phrases that conjures up a lot of different kinds of thoughts. For example, maybe you think of judgment. Others may think of the rule of Jesus upon this earth.

What do you think of when you hear of the Day of the Lord?

Last week we looked at the insecurity and emotional stress that bad teaching can cause. Today, we will continue with the study regarding comfort and the Day of the Lord.

As a reminder, Paul had come to this city during his second missionary journey. See . These Christians had turned to God from idols and were devoted to serving the one true God and waiting for the return of Jesus Christ.

There had apparently been some kind of communication to this church that told them they had missed the Day of the Lord. This must have been tremendously discouraging to them. As we said last week:

(1) Security and emotional stability is rooted in what is certain.

(2) Security and emotional stability is rooted in truth in spite of “spiritual” communications

Applications:

(1) Compare and contrast all teachings with clear teaching of the apostles’ doctrine (v1)

(2) Assemble together as evidence of your faith in our future gathering to Christ (v1)

(3) Don’t accept the message simply because of the means of the message (v2)

Proposition:

As we continue in our passage, the Day of the Lord is central to our consideration. What we must know is that our understanding of the Day of the Lord can lead us to comfort and security.

1. The teaching of the Day of the Lord gives strength against deception (v. 3)

Deception is the chief means of Satan and his ambassadors.

Satan deceived Eve according to

Satan is identified as the father of lies in

He is the complete antitheses of what Jesus Christ is.

The antidote against this deception is the truth. In particular, we must know that the Day of the Lord will come, in the which all lies will be exposed. Nothing will be hidden from the brightness of the coming of Jesus Christ.

Application: Don’t be deceived!

2. for that day shall not come, except… The teaching of the Day of the Lord gives assurance about Jesus’ justice (v. 3)

for that day shall not come, except… The teaching of the Day of the Lord gives assurance about Jesus’ justice

(i) This would have assured them that there was an end to their persecution

(ii) This would have assured them that the source was going to be addressed and not just the symptoms (people/unbelievers) -

(iii) It would have assured them of the worthiness of Jesus Christ

This day will indeed come and every knee will bow to Jesus Christ!

Application: Trust in the righteous vengeance of Jesus.

One of the common ways that we try to make ourselves feel better is by retaliation.

This is an attempt to find peace or security in our responses, when we have been wronged.

But Christians need to be reassured that when you’ve suffered for right doing, you are not called to vengeance. You are called to trust that the Lord will make all things right one day. -

This means that retaliation against coworkers shows a lack of assurance about the justice of Jesus.

This means that retaliation against loved ones shows a lack of assurance about the justice of Jesus.

This means that retaliation against the parents of children who have wronged our children shows a lack of trust in the justice of Jesus.

3. except there come a falling away first - The teaching of the Day of the Lord gives clarity about persecution (v. 3)

(a) Present persecution is not the ultimate sign of the coming of Christ

except there come a falling away first The teaching of the Day of the Lord gives clarity about persecution

(b) Present persecution glorifies Christ (sharing in) - ,

(c) Present persecution pales in comparison to the worship of God ()

(i) The son of perdition

(ii) Opposeth (to lie opposite; contrary) and Exalteth self above God, or that is worshipped

(iii) Sitteth as God, showing himself that he is God

Paul characterizes him in three ways. First, as “the man of lawlessness,” he is the epitome of opposition to the laws of God. Satan so indwells and operates through him that his main delight will be in breaking God’s righteous laws. Second, he is called “the man doomed to destruction”—literally, “the son of perdition.”

This is really the ultimate issue at stake. When looking at how glorious God is and how worthy of worship he is, they needed to keep temporary persecution in check.

Application: Don’t fall into the trap of self-worship because of hardship. The primary issue to fight for is the worship of God.

Self worship is where we set ourselves up as little gods. We make our decisions around our conveniences and comforts. We consider how much the cost of worship towards the real God may cost us. In the end, we end up serving ourselves rather than the Lord. We must ask ourselves the question, “What is the worship of God worth to us?”

Is the worship of God in our lives worth our bodies?

Is the worship of God in our lives worth our money?

Is the worship of God in our lives worth incomparable investment?

Do you desire the worship of God among other people more than you desire your own personal health?

Do you desire the worship of God among other people more than you desire physical comfort?

Do you see your present situations as ends in themselves or means to help gain more worshippers of God?

4. The teaching of the Day of the Lord leads to a prayer for comfort and strength for practical living.

This is really the source of their strength. What God has provided in Jesus Christ is an eternal consolation.

Application: Don’t allow this comfort to be exercised in vain activities. Be devoted to God-strengthened good works that reflect this comfort.

Application: Don’t allow this comfort to be exercised in vain activities. Be devoted to God-strengthened good works that reflect this comfort.

At a minimum we see that the exalted Christ is now revealed.

In Christ, we are made to be exalted royalty, though now, for a season it doesn't always appear this way.

In Christ, we trust that our victory is secure, so that our lives now can be faithful.

Conclusion:

(1) Have you taken time to see how the Day of the Lord should strengthen your faith?

(2) Maybe you’ve found yourself to be a vengeful person in heart. You’ve forgotten the vengeance that you deserved.

(3) Maybe your perspective is one that is self-centered. As a result, your decisions are about your comfort or the advancement of your family comforts. Realize that there is something bigger that the Day of the Lord reminds us of - the worship of the Lord.

(4) Be comforted inwardly and know the strength of the Lord in how you live.