2 Thessalonians – The Lord Is Coming

After receiving Paul’s first letter about Jesus’ imminent return, some of the Thessalonians decided to pack up shop. If Jesus is coming soon, why bother with working anymore? They decided. In fact, why bother with anything at all since heaven lies just around the corner anyway?

Their laziness and lack of understanding hurt the believers who were tracking with the truth. So Paul followed with a second letter to the Thessalonians, expanding on the theme of the first.

The day of the Lord is coming, Paul confirmed. But much work needs to be done until that time, he explained. Then Paul gave detailed accounts of specific signs God would send before the end of the world would come. A man of lawlessness, one who opposed and exalted himself up against God, would come first. His power and deception would be so strong that unbelievers would easily follow His lead. But when Christ returned, His arrival would leave no doubt. Accompanied by fire and mighty angels, He would swiftly end the evil one’s reign with the simple power of His breath. Then all of God’s people would unite—both those who were still living and those who had died—in eternal perfection and glory.

Knowledge of God’s impending judgment and return should not promote moral lethargy. Instead, it should propel us to action, knowing our work done in the Lord is not in vain. Believers can stand against the powers of hell because God’s Spirit equips us to do so. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to end the idleness and rise up with vigor and energy to carry out the kingdom’s work, fighting the enemy’s schemes, and to actively invite all who will come to seek shelter from the coming wrath in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

How does your daily life come into conflict with God’s desire for your life?

Why is the 2 Thessalonians letter so important to believers?

How do you discern false teachings?

How do you encourage others in the hope that we have in Jesus?