2. Thessalonians #6 Expectation of Persecution 2Thessalonians 1:1-12

3. Thessalonians #6- Expectation of Persecution  To properly understand 2Thessalonians….  One must first understand 1Thessalonians….  And to understand 1Thessalonians, one must understand the situation....  So remember, the Church there was: >very young, >most if not all Gentile, >begun in the midst of persecution >necessarily left during infancy.

4. Thessalonians #6- Expectation of Persecution  So, 1Thessalonians was written by Paul to: -praise them for their faith & love after he received the good report from Timothy -continue/complete their instruction concerning proper sanctification (3:10) -correct some misunderstandings that had arisen concerning the Day of the Lord and its implications.  “Why then was 2Thessalonians written?”

5. Thessalonians #6- Expectation of Persecution  2Thessalonians was primarily written: -to express his joy to them over the good news given him of their continued faith & love, 1:3. -to try again to correct and further instruct them concerning their erroneous views concerning the coming of the Day of the Lord, 2:2. -to correct the resultant behavior of their views about the Day of the Lord, 3:11.

6. Thessalonians #6- Expectation of Persecution  Let’s look specifically at the text of 2Thessalonians 1: vv.1-2 the Salutation: -from Paul, Silas, & Timothy. Since they were well-known by the church, and this epistle closely followed the first, anything further was unnecessary. -Grace & Peace were very standard greetings from Paul to those with whom he was well acquainted.

7. Thessalonians #6- Expectation of Persecution  vv.3-4 Thanksgiving & Pride -Thanksgiving for the continued growth of their Faith & Love, cf.1Thess.1:3; 3:12. -This was source of great pride for Paul- that they were doing so well, v.4. The proud spiritual father can easily be seen. -But also in v.4, we are reminded that their growth had come in spite of persecution and affliction….

8. Thessalonians #6- Expectation of Persecution  vv.5-7 Persecutions & Afflictions: -are “plain indications of God’s righteous judgment” >these are part of Christian testing, 2Tim.3:12; and >necessary preparations for fitness / worthiness of the blessings of the coming kingdom. They are therefore both indicators of acceptance and preparatory in nature.

9. Thessalonians #6- Expectation of Persecution  vv.5-7 Persecutions & Afflictions: -are also the basis of the division between and judgment of the afflicted vs. the afflictors, v.6. -This highlights the justice of God, Col.3:25; Heb.6:10. -But the “relief” is promised only at the revelation of Jesus & His angels, cf. James 1:12 (7 times in Rev.2 - 3 blessings promised to those who “overcome” !)

10. Thessalonians #6- Expectation of Persecution  vv.8-9 Retribution: -is promised by God to two groups: >those who do not know God, cf. 1Thess.4:5 Gal.4:8; and >those who do not obey the gospel, Rom.2:5-13; 1John 2:3. -These are promised the penalty of: >eternal destruction- not cessation of being; >separation from Jesus & His power.

11. Thessalonians #6- Expectation of Persecution  vv.10-12 On that Day: -Jesus will be glorified in His saints and marveled at by those who believed, v.10. -Paul prayed earnestly that the Thessalonians worthy of that Day by the preparations of goodness, the work of faith, and power, v.11. -So that, Jesus might be glorified in them, and them in Him! v.12

12. Thessalonians #6- Expectation of Persecution  Don’t miss these powerful lessons: -Persecutions/Afflictions are a part of faithful Christianity…. learn to be OK with that! -Make no mistakes about it: Those who don’t know and/or don’t obey God will be eternally punished! -But for those who do, the Day of the Lord will be the ultimate glory!