2 ThessaloniansIf 1 Thessalonians is “The Lord Jesus is coming again,” then 2 Thessalonians is “He has not come yet.”

Acts 17:1-10

Purpose:

2 Thessalonians

“To give encouragement and direction to the fledgling church at Thessalonica and to

give further instruction on matters that had been raised in the first letter but had not

been correctly understood and/or applied, especially regarding the end times.”

Central Theme:

2 Thessalonians

“Patient waiting, watching and working.”

Other themes:

Comfort, Correction and Confrontation

2 Thessalonians

Other themes:

“2 Thessalonians describes the effects of Christ’s Second Coming. While 1 Thessalonians reveals the

expectation of Christ’s return, 2 Thessalonians describes the glorification of believers on that day and

God’s judgment of unbelievers (1:10, 12; 2:8–12).”

2 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians

Addresses how the Thessalonians were evangelized as they received the Word of God.

Addresses how the Thessalonians are being edified, noting their

progress in faith, love and patience.

The imminency and importance of the Lord’s return is

emphasized.

Misunderstandings about the Lord’s return are corrected.

The saints are comforted and encouraged.

The saints are assured of God’s judgment on His enemies.

Outline: Patient waiting, watching and workingI.COMFORT—FROM THE HOPE OF CHRIST’S RETURN (CH. 1) A.The consolation of it in the present (1:3-7). B.The compensation by it in the future (1:8-12).

II.CAUTION—ON THE TIME OF CHRIST’S RETURN (CH. 2) A.The when and the how of the coming (2:1-12). B.The why and the how of the waiting (2:13-17).

III.COMMAND—IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST’S RETURN (CH. 3) A.Basis of command: appeal, confidence (3:1-5). B.Nature of command: must work as we wait (3:6-15) (J. Sidlow

Baxter).

2 Thessalonians

Key words: “work”

“For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.”

(2 Th 3:11 NKJV)

2 Thessalonians

Key words: “command”

2Th. 3:4 (NKJVS) And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and

will do the things we command you.

2 Thessalonians

Key words: “word”“stand fast and hold the traditions which you were

taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (2 Th 2:15 NKJV)

“And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle”

(2 Th 3:14 NKJV)

2 Thessalonians

Key words: “righteous”“which is manifest evidence of the righteous

judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also

suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,”

(2 Th 1:5–6 NKJV)

2 Thessalonians

Key words: “eternal/everlasting”

“punished with everlasting destruction” (2 Th 1:9 NKJV)

“who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation” (2 Th 2:16 NKJV)

2 Thessalonians

Key words: “good”“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself,

and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and

good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and

work.” (2 Th 2:16–17 NKJV)

2 Thessalonians

2 ThessaloniansThe Message for

Today