1.4 CONTINUED MATURITY (2 Thessalonians 1:4,5)

2 Thessalonians 1:4 "We ourselves boast ... for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure."

2 Thessalonians 1:5 "All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering." (NIV)

Those who are saved by grace are given grace to suffer for the kingdom of God, and offer faithful service. Patience - faith and endurance are marks of maturity, that in God's evaluation count for worthiness of His kingdom, and in the midst of the trials and suffering God continues the process of spiritual maturity. At the same time mature understanding of God's righteousness recognises that God Himself will "repay with tribulation" (2 Thessalonians 1:6 ) the ones who do the persecuting of His people.

1.5 COMING MASTER (2 Thessalonians 1:6-12)

In 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12 there is teaching on the coming Lord and Master, in the relation of that coming to the saved and the unsaved.

He Will Execute Righteous Judgment

2 Thessalonians 1:6 "since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you".

Philippians 1:27,28 "With one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God."

When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven, the Christ rejectors will know the vengeance of fire (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 ).

2 Thessalonians 1:8 "On those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ".

The unsaved will be punished with everlasting destruction. With everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (2 Thessalonians 1:9 ).

Ryrie comments: "Not annihilation, but ruin by reason of separation from the presence of the Lord. In 1 Thessalonians 5:3 the destruction is said to be sudden, here, eternal."

Theirs will be perpetual banishment from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power.

Those under persecution and pressure for their faith will have rest (2 Thessalonians 1:7 ). He will be glorified in His saints (2 Thessalonians 1:10 ). He will be admired among all those who believe.

2 Thessalonians 1:10 "When He comes to receive praise and admiration because of all He has done for His people, His saints, and you will be among those praising Him, because you have believed what we told you about Him." (L.B).

We can pray for one another the prayer of preparation for our Lord's coming.

• "That our God would count you worthy of this calling" (2 Thessalonians 1:11 ).
• "That He will fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness" (2 Thessalonians 1:11 ).
• "And fulfill ... the work of faith with power" (2 Thessalonians 1:11 ).
• "That the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you" (2 Thessalonians 1:12 ).
• "And you in Him" be glorified (2 Thessalonians 1:12 )
• "According to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:12 ).

The purpose of this prayer of preparation for His coming is that we live such a high quality of life that we will bring honour to Christ who indwells us by the Holy Spirit, and honour to Him when He comes again in person.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What is the difference in the coming of the Lord in the case of the unsaved?
   • Why will Christ be glorified in you when He comes?

2. What do you need to pray for, for yourself and others so as to be prepared for His coming?