2 Thessalonians 1:1-3-12

Introduction: Are you going through a “Tough Time” in your life, when you don’t understand? Are you feeling tired and weary? Does it seem like you are losing focus on God’s will for your life? What are we supposed to do? In times like these, Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers of three (3) irrevocable experiences that are AHEAD and what we need to do:

1. Believers in Jesus Christ can EXPECT to be PURIFIED! (2 Thess 1:3-6)

“3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;”

     • Give thanks (v 3)

     • Growing your Faith (v 3) 

{The word “exceedingly” in the context of faith growing is in the present tense, which means constantly}

      • Love is showing (v 3)

      • Faith is growing  (v 3)

      • Patience is flowing (v 4) 

2. The devil’s crowd can EXPECT to be HORRIFIED! (2 Thess 1:7-9)

“7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”

{The word “troubled” is thlee bo, which means “press – grapes, to afflict, persecute}

{The word “rest” is anesis, which means relaxing, relief, rest}

In other words, Paul was saying to those who were “troubled” persecuted, or pressed, to relax and be relieved, because Jesus is coming again and will make things right.

3. We can EXPECT JESUS to be GLORIFIED! (2 Thess 1:10-12)

“10When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 11Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

     • Jesus will be glorified in His saints

     • Jesus will be glorified in His name 

Conclusion: Paul reminds all believers that God’s ultimate calling and purpose is to count His saints “worthy,” “fit” (v 12) through this life, even in “tough times,” that His power and His will may be accomplished. This will be fully understood and rewarded when Jesus Christ comes again.