Paul closes with with three directives regarding work: 1) follow Paul’s example of being willing to support himself; 2) work to meet your own needs; and 3) stop enabling those who won’t work.
Paul reassures the Thessalonians that Christ has not returned because certain events must happen first. But they can take comfort that Christ will return to bring both justice and salvation for those who believe.
Paul encourages a suffering church by reminding them of the certainty of God’s justice and judgment. One day their suffering will end. But more importantly their faithful response through suffering is evidence that they will inherit a place in the kingdom of God.
Paul closes this letter with what appears to be an arbitrary list of exhortations. However, the list follows a theme, as Paul explains how a church community should treat each other.
Paul explains what it means to be alert, awake and prepared for judgment day: have faith. Christians know how the world will end and we do not have to fear it. Jesus died for us so that we might live with him.
Paul deals with a second issues related to how live as a Christian: work. His advice is strive to follow God, rather than impact the world.
In 1Thessalonians 4, Paul addresses specific questions and issues in the Thessalonian church. First, Paul addresses how Christians should handle their sexuality. Then he tackles work.
While Paul laments his inability to visit the Thessalonians, he rejoices over their faithful response to the gospel. Paul claims his crowning joy is seeing people like them respond to the gospel.
Paul explains how he conducted himself at Thessalonica and why his message his trustworthy. Today we face the same choice: whether or not to believe Paul.
In their first year of faith, Paul sees three changes that confirm the genuine belief of the Thessalonians: their “work of faith,” “labor of love,” and “steadfastness of hope.”
Paul is writing to a very young church of people from different ethnic groups in a city that is intensely hostile to them. Paul wants to encourage them to persevere in the faith and clarify some issues that confuse them.
Study questions, maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study Paul’s second epistle to the Thessalonians.