1 Thessalonians

2 THESSALONIANS

“Paul tells the Thessalonica that he boasts about their perseverance in all the persecutions. All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God. He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.” (2 Thess.1:4)

Concern about the Second Coming “This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels (The end of the ages, the 2nd Coming). He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.” (2 Thess.1:5-10)

“Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, do not become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you for that day will not come until the rebellion (a falling away, defection, apostasy (Thayer's Greek Lexicon)) occurs and the man of lawlessness (man of utter destruction - Thayer) is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” (2 Thess.2:1-4)

Comment: A falling away or apostatizing can occur only by those who are in some group. In this case, it is a falling away of those in Christ.

“Don't you remember that when I was with you, I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” (2 Thess.2:5-12) Comment: Those who hear the truth have a choice to accept or reject. Christians everywhere need to see that His message is proclaimed.

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” (2 Thess.2:13-15)

“Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thess.3:1-3)

“Keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from

• Do not be a burden to any of you. We gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. Some among you are idle, are not busy; but busybodies. Urge them to settle down and earn what they eat.” (2 Thess.3:6-13)

Comment: Capable Christians need to provide for themselves, their family and those in need rather than those who can but will not.

“If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (2 Thess.3:13-14)

Key point from 2 Thessalonians ➢ Do not be misled by the teachings of some reported Christians that appear to be true but are contrary to the teachings of Christ or His apostles. One must know Christ and His teachings to not be led astray.

Question - What happens to Christians after they die?