II Thessalonians 1:1-12

II Thessalonians 1:1-5

• The church here was good but not perfect. No local church is perfect because people are imperfect. God’s design for the church, however, is perfect.

• The church in Thessalonica had internal problems, but also had external pressure of loving in a wicked city (Acts 17:5-ff). II Thessalonians 1:4; 5:11

• There’s always going to be some admonishment required in a local church. That is part of God’s design and doesn’t mean the church has failed.

II Thessalonians 1:6-10

• Does God’s punishment contradict His love? No! People were hurting God’s children. He was protecting them and being just.

• Compare II Peter 3:9.

• Revelation 18:20

• Romans 12:19

• Psalm 140 – An “imprecatory” psalm, calling for judgment on someone.

• Paul was comforting the Thessalonians by reminding them that God would take vengeance on those who were persecuting them.

• Revelation 6:9-11

• Paul connects Judgment Day with positive words for the Thessalonians. Compare I Thessalonians 4:8; 5:11

II Thessalonians 1:11-12 – We glorify God when we live according to His will.