Don’t let anyone fool or trouble you by claiming they have special revelation about the return of Christ. This is nothing new as we can see as we read Paul’s letter. However here are some certainties 1 There is evil at work in the world, but we hide our heads in the sand if we deny it. 2 God is in control and His plan from before the creation of the world will never be thwarted. Chaos may seem all around us but in some strange way even evil is controlled by God. 3 The triumph of God is certain. Nothing can stand against God and win, Jesus broke the devil’s neck at Calvary he is already defeated even if he denies it. The Lawless one may have his day, but the day is coming when he will be consumed by the breathe of Jesus and be destroyed by the glory of Christs coming 2:8.

Throughout the ages as the Apostle John makes clear “1 John 2:18” many anti christ’s have come, (anti christ means instead of Christ as well as against) but just before Christ’s second coming “the man of lawlessness” he who brings destruction will arise he will be satan’s tool equipped with satan’s power this Lawless man will be the Antichrist 2:3.

Some thoughts to ponder from this passage. Before Christ comes the following has to happen 2:3.

1 A complete breakdown in law and order 2:7. 2 A great rebellion against God, and the revealing of the man of lawlessness who will do counterfeit signs and wonders. 3 God will send a great deception upon those who have rejected the truth of Jesus so that they will believe the lies of the devil and enjoy the evil they do 2:11-12.

What about the church? Paul writes with all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter 2:15

memory verse

Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed the one who brings destruction 2 Thessalonians 2:3 N.L.T.

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Paul quickly wrote a second letter to the Thessalonians because some of them had misunderstood his teaching on the second coming. Although Paul wrote this second letter to simply clear up some misunderstanding, The Holy Spirit gives us more insights into end time events not recorded elsewhere in scripture.

I will try and pick out some of the reasons they were perplexed. Paul had written that Jesus was coming soon causing some to wonder if they had been left behind, verified (so they thought) by a letter from Paul later proved fictitious. This gave rise to some thinking that they hadn’t made the grade or weren’t good enough to get to heaven and had been left behind to face the tribulation “ which again they mistook they for the persecution they were presently enduring at the hands of the Roman authorities”

Paul ever the wise pastor did not chide them but encouraged them as follows. He showed them that in spite of how they felt about themselves God saw that 1 Their faith was flourishing evidenced by their love for each other. 2 That in spite of persecutions and hardships they were enduring their faith was growing because of what they had to face. 3 That God uses such things to make christians worthy citizens in His Kingdom 1:3-5

Sometimes as we go through are own trials even persecutions we can begin imagining that we are failing to make the grade. It’s so easy to forget all that Jesus has already completed in us. Don’t let anyone tell you that Christians should not experience troubles, rather than being evidence of a lack of faith or because of sin troubles are often a part of Gods plan. They are meant to make us look upward to Jesus instead of inward, and forward instead of behind.

Memory verse

Then everyone will give honour to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honoured along with Him. This is all made possible because of the undeserved favour of our God and Lord,Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 N.L.T.

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When was the last time you spoke words of encouragement to your church leader? Remember they were called by God to minister to you, they deserve your support and prayers 5:13.

Every Christian is called and equipped by God to play their part in their local congregation, sometimes timidity can be mistaken for laziness, every one needs encouragement especially the timid, we must always be patience with everyone 5:14

Every genuine Church will be Joyful, Praying,Thankful, and always open to the Holy Spirit 5:16-19

memory verse

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit 1 Thessalonians 5:19 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

God has promised everlasting joy for all who believe. Those who have a future beyond this life may sorrow at the death of a Christian loved one but in this passage Paul reminds us that Christians have hope (a solid certainty) in the resurrection, unbelievers have no hope only sorrow and loss 4:13.

When Jesus comes again every Christian dead and alive will be reunited never to die again. We know that death is not the end, what a glorious day that will be when we all witness the return of our Lord Jesus Christ 4:14.

When Jesus comes for His own it will not be in secret it will be accompanied by a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God. 4:17

Although no one knows when Jesus will return we are not unaware of the promise of God, or the signs of the times. Jesus return will be a fearful surprise to the world for his coming will be like a thief in the night, but will not be a surprise to us who are looking and watching for His return 5:4-5

memory verse

For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2

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1 We are saved , 2 we are being saved , 3 we will be saved and have a new body when Jesus returns.

Every Christian becomes holy when they first put their faith in Christ, it’s at this time that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in their human spirit. Being made holy is a process (sanctification) of living the Christian life, it is the work of the Holy Spirit step by step to conform us to the image of Christ 4:3

Every new Christian should be warned about what to avoid. and how to resist the devil. Being called into the Christian ministry though does not mean we are called to avoid and resist work!

Paul was an effective witness for Jesus Christ, this did not mean that he had no time for manual work. Paul was a tent maker respected by believers and unbelievers alike. I feel sure that his “trade” gave him many opportunities to preach the gospel 4:11-12.

memory verse

This should be you ambition : to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. I Thessalonians 4:11 N.L.T.

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Why was Paul right to be anxious about the Church in Thessalonica? Do you think anxiety is ever a sin? in view of Paul’s instruction in Philippians 4:6 what would Paul of done before sending Timothy back to Thessalonica? 3:10.

Paul had gone to Athens ahead of Timothy and Silas who remained in Berea for a while before they both rejoined Paul in Athens Acts 17: 13-15. After a while Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to seek news of the fledgling church. Timothy brought very good news that their faith was as strong as ever, good news that lifted Paul’s spirit! 3:6-8.

Paul was a Father to the Thessalonians and as such the Holy Spirit placed upon Paul a longing to see that the church was thriving and continuing to grow in spite of the trials they were going through 3:3-4.

If you are a Christian never be surprised by troubles and don’t think that troubles are always the result of sin or because of a lack of faith. Some trials are a part of God’s plan to build our character, or sometimes because we are being a thorn in the devils side! As Paul said don’t let the tempter get the better of you! 3:3-5

Does the report of your life bring other Christian’s great joy? 3:9

Memory verse

It gives us new Life, knowing you remain strong in the Lord 1 Thessalonians 3:8 N.L.T.

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Paul’s experience at Philippi did not make him less bold in preaching the gospel at Thessalonica. When God wants us to do something He will always give us the courage to overcome any obstacles that seem to lie in our path 2:2

Accept anointed preaching as the Word of God and it will continue to work in you as you believe. This is also true as we read the Bible, believe that God is speaking to you, come with expectancy and do what God is telling you 2:13

Their faith in Jesus Christ had also brought the Thessalonians trouble and persecution. Paul’s encouragement was to remind them that what was true of Jewish believers including himself and his team will be true for everyone who follows Christ 2:14

His fellow Thessalonian believers were to Paul his joy and crown he was expecting to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ together with those who had become followers of Jesus themselves through Paul’s ministry. What a glorious thought that those who led us to Jesus, we ourselves, and those who we have been able to help because of Jesus love shown through us will all stand together and receive the victors crown 2:19-20

memory verse

You accepted what we said as the very word of God which of course. it was. And this Word continues to work in you who believe. 1Thessalonians 2:13 N.L.T. emphasis mine.

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Paul wrote both his letters to the Thessalonians about A.D.50. Previously He had brought the gospel to the city as recorded in Acts 17 it is thought this was about A.D. 49. He writes to a young vibrant church that is boldly and fearlessly proclaiming the same truths they themselves had heard and believed in when Paul visited their city.

Whenever the Word of God is heard and obeyed the Holy Spirit changes lives. Paul relied not on his oratory or his power of persuasion to open the hearts of those who were coming to Christ but upon God the Holy Spirit. 1:4-6.

What motivates our work for Christ is faith in Christ. Never from a sense of duty or hope for gain or even fear. Anything that is not from faith is a dead work, that is a work that is devoid of the life of the Spirit 1:3.

For the Thessalonians any loving deed done for others was an overflow of the same love they had received themselves when they received forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ 1:3.

Like Christians throughout the ages the anticipation of Jesus soon return is our great Hope we know He is coming and this joy helps us bear trials with patience. Remember not a single Christian will miss the return of Jesus 1:3,10.4:16-17

Memory verse

Jesus, whom God raised from the dead.He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 N.L.T.

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Ill gotten riches become a curse to those whose god they become. It is not money but the love of money that leads to evil and can lead some people to oppress others 5:1-6.

Like Job we need patience in suffering for Gods plan will always result in good towards those who continue to trust in Him 5:7-8.

If you are sick its up to you to send for the elders of the church to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Lord. A it takes a step of faith to send for the elders. B oil is a reminder of the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. C We are to ask everything in the name of Jesus He is the Lord.

Could the prayer of faith 5:15 be referring to the gift of faith? 1 Corinthians 12:9 Before praying for physical healing we need to search our hearts and if necessary confess our sins for the sure promise of Gods forgiveness, so that our prayers may be answered 5:16

Memory verse

My dear brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back again, you can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. James 5:19-20 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

Perhaps you think that todays heading is a bit strong! However it strikes me how easily we forget to honour God as God in the everyday things of life.

Christians should not be judgemental of those who God has saved, or we could find we are criticising the extent of Gods grace in others. God is Judge we are not 4:12

When we make our own plans without consulting God. its as if we don’t believe God has a plan for our lives and we know what’s best anyway 4:16

When we pray ”Thy will be done” this does not mean because God is sovereign, His will will automatically be done. We should pray not my will Lord but yours be done. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives but He expects us to ask Him for advise and then do it 4:17 Luke 11:

memory Verse

Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17 N.L.T.

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