Paul’s Epistles to the ThessaloniansPaul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians

Lesson 12:Lesson 12:

God’s Sovereignty, the Second God’s Sovereignty, the Second Coming,Coming,

and the Suffering of the Saintsand the Suffering of the Saints

2 Thessalonians 1:5-122 Thessalonians 1:5-12

September 12, 2010September 12, 2010

I. Introduction to Lesson 12A. The Christian life is not a cruise ship

1. Luke 9:23, 57-622. Mark 4:16-17; John 6:47-663. Luke 19:37-38; 23:33-374. Matthew 24:9-10

B. The Thessalonian saints knew this1. Paul had come from Philippi (1 Th. 2:1-2)2. Paul warned they would suffer (1 Th. 3:3-4)3. And suffer they did (1 Th. 2:14f.)4. But they also thrived in their adversity.

a. 1 Thes. 1:2-10; 2:13-16b. 2 Thes. 1:3-4

5. Now Paul turns to the sovereignty of God & Second Coming as their solace in suffering.

II. God’s purposes for persecution and suffering (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

A. Observations1. Three terms are used for suffering here.2. Use of Old Testament language, terms.3. “Righteous judgment” here (vs. 5) = justice

for both the wicked and the godly.4. Justice is executed at the Second Coming.5. This is when the saints’ suffering and

persecution end & wicked are punished.6. More attention given to fate of unbelievers,

who are their persecutors.7. The Second Coming in 1 Thessalonians

compared with our text in 2 Thessalonians.

II. God’s purposes for persecution and suffering (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

B. The Second Coming, righteous judgment, and unbelievers.

1. The basis for their condemnation:a. Unbelief (vs. 8)b. Disobedience to gospel (vs. 8)c. Persecution of saints (vs. 6)

2. Their penalty a. Payback (vs. 6)b. Eternal destruction away from God’s

presence & from His glory

C. Persecution, the Second Coming, righteous judgment, and believers.

1. The basis of their salvation: calling (vs. 11) and belief (vs. 12)

2. The purpose of persecution is to prepare & prove saints worthy of the kingdom of God (vs. 5; Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:3-9).

3. The Second Coming: punishment for those who have persecuted the saints (Romans 12:17-21; 1 Thes. 5:15; Psalm 73).

4. The Second Coming will give saints rest from their persecution and affliction.

5. Second Coming: God is glorified in and by the saints.

D. Problem: Why the emphasis on works? (Matt. 5:20; John 5:24-29; Rom. 2:1-10; Revelation 20:12-15; 21:10-15)

E. Solution:1. Rewards2. Godly works precipitate persecution (1

Peter 2:11-12; 4:1-5)3. Works are an evidence of faith

a. Hebrews 11b. Luke 3:7-14c. 1 Thes. 1:2-4

4. Ultimately, it is all of God . . . (2 Thessalonians 1:10-11)

III. Problem solved (verses 11 & 12)A. Paul prays for God to make the Thessalonians

worthy of His calling (vs. 11).B. Paul prays that God will, by His power

1. Fulfill every desire for goodness2. Fulfill every work of faith

C. To the glory of God (not men)1. Through men whose lives He has changed2. By the praise of those whom He saved

D. By God’s graceIV. Conclusion

A. This is not prosperity preaching!B. The sovereignty of God & the suffering of His

saints. Suffering is for our good and His glory.C. Prophecy and Prayer

IV. ConclusionD. Payday Someday: Heaven or HellE. Hell is a moral necessity.F. Cruise ship or battleship?

1. Self-indulgence or personal sacrifice2. Mission: to serve, or to be served?3. The price we are willing to pay4. The Captain: our commander-in-chief, or

our social director? (Is He serving us, or are we serving Him?)

5. Chain of command?6. Our relationship to others on board ship7. Our responsibility to others on board ship