Key Verse: “That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him” (2 Thessalonians 1:12).
Paul wrote positive words about the Church in Thessalonica. Christians there were “in God” and “in Christ” (1:1); they were united as a church (1:1); they had “grace” and “peace” (1:2); other Christians thanked God for them (1:3); their faith grew… their charity abounded (1:3); and, they had patience with their faith (1:4). However, they suffered persecutions and tribulations from people who did not know God (1:4, 6).
God recompenses (pays back) people who make trouble for Christians (1:6). Paul said that God would pay back people who troubled the Thessalonian church. Trouble really comes from Satan (2:9). Satan will one day manifest himself through “the man of sin”, “the son of perdition” (2:3), the one who opposes God and tries to exalt himself above God (2:4), who will sit in the Temple and desire to be worshiped as God (2:4), and will be known as “that Wicked” one (2:8). God will pay back tribulation to Satan. God will “consume” and “destroy” Satan “with the brightness of his coming” (2:8). The brightness of Christ’s coming shows His glory—that He is God (Hebrews 1:3).
God gives righteous judgment. Christians who suffer trouble for God will share glory with God (2 Thess. 1:5-12). When Christians suffer for God, He counts them “worthy” to share His glory (1:5). God is glorified in them; they are glorified in God (1:12). Christians may endure tribulations and persecutions for a time, but they will enjoy glorification with Christ forever.
Application:
All who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. That’s okay. It is worth sufferingto bring glory to Christ… and to receive glory with Christ. Present Tribulation Brings Future Glorification!
