II THESSALONIANS
Theme: Second coming of Jesus in judgement
Author: Paul
Time: 50s AD
Paul is writing to the Thessalonians church about the return of Jesus Christ
Key Words:
Faith 8
Love 6
Revealed 4
Command 4
Key Scripture:
2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Jesus’ return shouldn’t create anxiety but are welcomed for those who are Christian. It should give us peace
Structure:
Chapter 1: prayer for and encouragement to the persecuted Church
They were wondering if he would return while they were being persecuted
Justice will be brought to their persecutors
Chapter 2: Coming of Christ
A wonderful time for christian and a terrible time for unbelievers
Second coming won’t be immediate but will be progressive and cataclysmic events. IT WILL BE OBVIOUS
Purpose of the Book:
1. To give further details concerning the coming of the Lord
2. To encourage the believers in the midst of severe persecution
The church has always been persecuted: Romans, barbarians, Islam, Asia,
Persecution is not the sign but other signs that are more major
3. To command them to continue in their occupation and well-doing until the coming of the Lord
Message of the Book:
1. Coming of Christ is a judgment upon this who do not know God
Coming like Noah and Lot - marked by unrepentant sin
2. Spirit of the antichrist is already at work within the world
It’s not just a person but a spirit that mimics the person of the Holy Spirit
It’s a fake that is trying to mimic what Jesus looks like
3. In light of the coming of both Christ and the antichrist, the believer should now work orderly
We should expect opposition and for things get worse and not be surprised by that
Noah focused on building the arc, and we’re focused on building the church