"The God of Justice"
2 Thessalonians 1:5-12

Introduction:
A. Some years ago I was involved in a particular ministry with a number of others
(1) Everyone got sick, or had some difficulty, except one
(2) That person attributed that status to being super right with God
B. Now there are all kinds of issues that grow out of such and assumption but I will mention only two and really deal with only one
(1) The first is the extreme folly of actually thinking you stand above others before God
(2) The second is the clear lack of understanding that God graciously and lovingly uses all kinds of trials and tribulations to build us up
C. Our context today is that great day of judgment
(1) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment Hebrews 9:27
(2) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

I. Coming Judgment
A. Paul does not build an argument that judgment is coming
(1) This is a known understanding
(2) Familiarity with the Old Testament reveals that God is a God of justice
B. Paul begins our section today defining God’s judgment
(1) First he says it is righteous
(2) Secondly it is just in God’s site to repay the perpetrators of evil
(3) Last week we read from Romans 12 where we were admonished not to personally seek revenge, but allow God to repay evil
(4) In the end, “you reap what you sow” will be clear
C. God’s judgment is also real on those who do not know Christ and His gospel (good news) the only way to God
(1) A flaming fire {8
(2) Befitting vengeance {8
(3) Eternal destruction {9
(4) Absence from God and the total emptiness that brings as the glory of His might is taken away {9

II. Present Blessing
A. The greatest blessing of all is that Christ reaped what you and I have sown
(1) God laid on Him our iniquity
(2) The judgment due us was (not will be) laid on Him
(3) He received what we were due
B. We are considered worthy of the kingdom of God
(1) For which we are suffering for numerous results {5
(2) God is at work making us worthy in Christ
(3) By empowering us with works of faith {11
C. At His coming - He will be revealed for all to see {7
(1) We will receive the relief God has granted {7
(2) He will be glorified in us
(3) We will be marveled at among all who have believed, those who found the testimony of the Scriptures to be true {10

III. Ultimate Glory
A. In all things the name of Christ receives the preeminent glory
(1) “The name of our Lord Jesus” {12
(2) So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth Philippians 2:10
B. Christ glorified in us and us in Him {12
(1) And us in Him {12
(2) Based on His grace alone {12

“Not Quickly Shaken”
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Introduction:
A. In Romans 6:15, Paul states: What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!
(1) This is in response to those who would say that the more grievous our sin is, the more wonderful grace is and therefore we are free to sin
(2) But many take this to mean that the opposite of law is grace when in fact it is lawlessness
B. Now our text today speaks of a “man of lawlessness”
(1) This is not just someone who misunderstands grace
(2) But one coming, at the end of time, who is on a mission of rebellion and it also speaks of the coming of Christ and the great gulf between the results they achieve

I. The man of Lawlessness (or the man of sin)
A. Paul is here warning the church of a extreme apostasy that will besiege the church
(1) Its leader is not Satan, nor the beast of Revelation 13
(2) But someone who in his own efforts aggressively confronts the living God
(3) Not just apostasy, a mere falling a way, but active rebellion
(4) He is not called lawless because he is ignorant of God’s law, but because he openly defies it
B. I think it is best to understand our text in conjunction with Revelation 13 and 17
(1) To draw a first conclusion that we are dealing with both a movement (principle) and its final leader
(2) The spirit of anti-Christ and the movement (crusade) that endorses and supports it, have existed since the time of Christ
(3) His coming is by Satan who must yearn to have someone obedient to him as Christ was to the Father
(4) Those who continually reject the call of the gospel will be overcome by a power delusion, a hardening of their hearts (Pharaoh harden his heart and then God hardened it further (Exodus 7 & 9)
C. The man will be revealed shortly before the second coming of Christ
(1) He opposes God
(2) Exalts himself
(3) Takes his seat in the temple of God
(4) Proclaims himself to be God
(5) Performs signs and wonders that are counterfeit (false)
(6) Promulgating a wicked deception for those who are perishing – For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24
(7) Finds pleasure in unrighteousness
(8) Is restrained by the law of God and the Godhead

II. The Christ who is coming again (in victory and deliverance)
A. This fact alone should comfort us and free us from being easily shaken or alarmed by the deeds of lawlessness
(1) Whether it is some prophecy, letter, or report
(2) Or someone claiming Christ has already come
(3) We should not allow these things to deceive us
B. When Christ comes
(1) We will be gathered to Him
(2) To dwell with Him forever
C. The fate of the man of lawlessness
(1) He is doomed to destruction
(2) By the power of Christ’s breath (His Word)
(3) His efforts will be brought to nothing (confusion)
D. Satan threw his best at Christ in the wilderness (Matthew 4)
(1) At each point, the power of the Word brought victory
(2) “It is written”
E. Our peace, comfort, and security rests in Christ alone
(1) He has not left us comfortless right now John 14:16ff
(2) He has given us His Word John 16:13
(3) He is coming to gather us to Himself John 14:3

"Standing Firm"
2 Thessalonians 2:13-16

Introduction:
A. Have you ever heard someone say “There are no absolutes?”
(1) Sure, we all have and we hear it more and more
(2) Moral relativism is the cancer of our day
(3) We are called upon to judge nothing and to tolerate everything
(4) I hope everyone understand the statement “There are no absolutes” is itself, an absolute
B. Paul continues to encourage the believers at Thessalonika
(1) It is a church in which he had invested himself and he wanted to see that investment grew in Christ
(2) He wants that for us too

I. Thanksgiving for brothers
A. We
(1) Paul, Silas, and Timothy
(2) Missionary companions
(3) Men with interests in Thessalonika
(4) We have previously seen Paul address those in Thessalonika in a loving, caring, fashion
B. We are obligated to give thanks to God
(1) Because He alone is worthy of thanks
(2) Because of God’s love
(3) Because of what He has done

II. God’s great work
A. God’s choice at Thessalonika
(1) Chosen people
(2) Beloved of the Lord
(3) First-fruits, from the beginning – even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, 6 to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:4-5
B. The gift of the truth – absolutes
(1) The Scriptures
(2) Paul’s (an Apostle) spoken word or one of his letters
(3) An effective world view
(4) Everything filtered through the lens of God’s Word
C. Together with the Spirit produces sanctification
(1) To this end we are called
(2) By the power of the gospel – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7
(3) To obtain the glory of Christ

III. So then (or So what?)
A. Because of Christ we are to stand firm
(1) Do not allow yourselves to be tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Ephesians 4:14b
(2) Give no opportunity to the devil Ephesians 4:27
(3) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 4:11
B. But we do not just stand, but stand with purpose
(1) We ask our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father (16) and the Spirit (13) for God alone can hear and answer our call
(2) For God loves us and gives us eternal comfort and good hope through grace
(3) Comfort your hearts against sin and its results
(4) Establish your heart in the word and every good work prepared in advance for us Ephesians 2:10

"That The Word Might Spread"
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Introduction:
A. When was the last time you prayed for the spread of the gospel?
(1) Do you have any systematic approach to praying for the power of God’s Word to make a difference in people’s lives?
(2) Paul was doing the work of the gospel and he knew that success depended upon God’s people praying
B. In this regard, nothing has changed today
(1) We all know our world is a dangerous place and the seriousness of the threats we face can hardly be overstated
(2) What we must have is a heart that desires to see the power of God’s Word spread

I. A Request for Prayer
A. Not an idle comment
(1) A heartfelt need
(2) A life that testified to prayer
(3) A call to intercession
(4) Remember our need for Kingdom focused prayer and not just personal wants and desires
B. Pray for us
(1) A personal request that grew out of a personal need
(2) A request to those who are seen as brothers
C. That the Word of the Lord
(1) May speed ahead
(2) May be honored
(3) Remember your own testimony of the power of the Word, how it adorned their own lives
D. That we might be delivered
(1) From wicked and evil men – no doubt a measure of personal safety
(2) But more so that they wicked and evil men might now hinder the work of the Word
(3) Their evil most likely reflects they were men who lacked faith and opposed the gospel of Christ, and His ambassadors

II. The Foundation of Prayer
A. The Lord is faithful
(1) Ever ready to protect and meet the needs of His children
(2) Against those who lack faith or have little faith stands the Lord who abounds in faithfulness
B. He will establish
(1) The purpose of D Day was to establish a beach head from which the invasion of Europe would be launched
(2) God’s purpose is to establish in us in such a way that we gain victory
(3) This gives us strength on the inside to do battle with Satan and his attacks on the outside
C. He will guard
(1) To prevent them from falling into the snares of the evil one
(2) Such snares as: fanaticism, idleness, defeatism, meddlesomeness, and neglect of responsibility
D. This two fold establishing (strengthening) and guarding we find this positive result
(1) Strength in faith, love, good works, and the Word
(2) Guarded against Satan’s corruption

III. The Result of Prayer
A. Confidence in the Lord
(1) About those serving Christ
(2) Who are faithful in serving Him
B. Godly direction
(1) Direct your hearts – heart of the matter is the matter of the heart
(2) Direct your hearts to God’s love
(3) Direct you to steadfastness in Christ

"Diligence in Serving Christ"
2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

Introduction:
A. What is the purpose of church?
(1) Is it a nice place to visit?
(2) Is it a place where we come to be entertained and enjoy ourselves?
(3) Or is it a place to worship God and seek the grace necessary to be a diligent servant of Christ?
B. Today we continue our study of 2 Thessalonians and as Paul is drawing to the end of his letter, his purpose is to sharply focus the believers in faithfulness in serving Christ
(1) He addresses error in the church – and there was error and there is error today
(2) He encourages the believers
(3) He encourages those guilty of error

I. Avoid Idleness
A. A command – previous exhortations had failed
(1) In the name and authority of Jesus Christ
(2) He alone has authority in the church, then and now
(3) Issued to “brothers” showing this was not an idle comment but directed to people he loved and cared about
B. Avoid the idle
(1) This idleness was not just someone who slowed down to rest
(2) But someone who “walked in idleness”
(3) That is, it was a way of life for them (v 11)
(4) And usually was not just that they did nothing, but were often engaged in loafing, gossip, wanting support, meddlesomeness
C. Generally not living as becomes the followers of Christ

II. Imitate Us (Paul, Silas, & Timothy)
A. Not a boast but a genuine example of love expressed to the people
(1) They not only talked the talk, he also walked the walk
(2) They supported themselves so as not to be a burden
(3) Busy night and day
(4) To avoid being a burden
(5) To be an example
B. Be diligent in serving Christ
(1) Faithfulness in the Word
(2) Faithfulness in prayer
(3) Faithfulness in witness
(4) Walk the walk
C. Support the work of the gospel
(1) Paul makes clear it is the responsibility of the church to support the work of the gospel
(2) In the context of sending His disciples two by two and their taking nothing for self support, Christ said “for the worker deserves his wages.” Luke 10:7
(3) Paul noted to the Corinthians: I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 2 Corinthians 11:8
(4) He commended the church at Philippi for their support in 4:18

III. Not beyond redemption
A. Paul had truly warned the faithful to avoid the idle
(1) To prevent their negative influence
(2) As a clear warning to them that their behavior was not acceptable
(3) But this did not mean Paul gave up on the idle
B. Paul speaks to such people
(1) Again he issued a command in the name and authority of Christ
(2) But it was from a heart of redemption
C. Go to work
(1) Not with a big show but quietly – diligently and faithfully
(2) Earn their own living
(3) In so doing they will help themselves Spiritually and materially
(4) And they will help build the Kingdom of Christ

"Peace At All Times"
2 Thessalonians 3:13-18

Introduction:
A. Today, in our final lesson from 2 Thessalonians Paul gives up the secret of living at peace
(1) This is a precious offering, worthy of all consideration
(2) Who would knowingly pass up such a blessing?
B. Even a quick reading of 1 & 2 Thessalonians shows Paul truly cared about this church (people, not building)

I As for you, brothers
A. Paul here is making clear that the poor example of others is not a worthy standard for God’s people
(1) Every parent knows that one of kids first justification for anything they want to do is to say “everyone is doing that”
(2) It is consistent with our nature to look at others and want to emulate them
B. Paul knows we such look to Christ and make Him our example (this is not to suggest that Christ is simply for us a good example)

II. Obedience is Paul’s goal
A. Paul states this negatively “If any does not obey what we say in this letter”
(1) Christ had taught, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” John 14:15
(2) Paul understood the key to Christian living is faithfulness to Christ’s teachings (the Word)
(3) We are able to be faithful because God has been faithful in dealing with us
(4) Obedience is only possible in Christ
B. He understood his writing (letter) was in fact authoritative because it came from God
(1) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
(2) Here “man of God” is a common Old Testament expression meaning “messenger of God”
(3) Paul knew the power of truth
(4) He acknowledged other “letters” in verse 17

III. The Disobedient
A. Biblical discipline
(1) Purpose is repentance, and restoration, faithfulness
B. Personal – do not fool yourself
(1) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:17
(2) So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift Matthew 5:23-24
C. Mutual – accountability
(1) Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing 1 Thessalonians 5:11
(2) Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another Proverbs 27:17
D. Church – Matthew 18
(1) Purpose is to not allow open and willful disobedience to prevail and infect others
(2) Now seek to build a sense of shame as you warn this brother
(3) Remember, the enemy is Satan

IV. Peace with God at all times
A. This comes from the Lord of peace
(1) No from Paul
(2) Nor it is manufacture by human effort
B. Paul’s prayer is that God Himself give peace
(1) To those who seek to walk in obedience
(2) At all times in every way
C. It flows from the grace of Jesus