finding purpose in life / sunday school- july 11, 2010 · finding purpose in life / sunday school-...

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FINDING PURPOSE IN LIFE / Sunday School- July 11, 2010 Unifying Topic: GLORY TO CHRIST

Lesson Text I. Purpose In Praise (2 Thessalonians 1:3) II. Purpose In Persecution (2 Thessalonians 1:4-8)

III. Purpose In His Presence (2 Thessalonians 1:9-12)

The Main Thought: Wherefore, also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this

calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power (2 Thessaloians 1:11, KJV).

Unifying Principle: People often commit to someone or some thing because their commitment serves a

purpose. What purpose does a particular commitment seek to fulfill? The text implies that God wants our Christian commitment to aim always at giving glory to Christ.

Lesson Aim: To encourage believers to be faithful in serving the Lord and to give Him glory despite

persecution and trials.

Life aim: To help students understand that even in difficult times one can find meaning and purpose by

serving Christ.

1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith growth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of god for your patience and faith in all your persecution and tribulations that ye endure.

1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.

1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.

1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on then that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day:

1:11 Wherefore, also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power

1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

HISTORY: In God’s plan, there is hope in God’s timetable, there is hope in being children of light, and there is hope in our

salvation. As Paul draws his letter to an end, there's so much he wants to say. These next eleven verses become a

rapid-fire of instructions before he signs off with a benediction.

These exhortations tell us how to behave toward the leaders of the church.

1Thess.5:12 "Know them which labor among you…" The word "labor" (kopiontas) means to labor to the

point of exhaustion and then to keep on laboring: to continue laboring even if one has become weary; to arduously

labor; to toil to the point of weariness; to work beyond what one is capable of doing. The minister of God is to

do all of the above. His whole mind, body, and soul belong to the Lord and are to be poured out into the lives

of God’s dear people, into both the believers and the unbelievers of the world. The word "know" (eidenai), means

to acknowledge, appreciate, respect, and know the value of. A committed minister labors and still has to manage

his household.

If he had to speak for thirty or more minutes—speak two or three times at a conference—speak every

week, two or three times to the same people.

If he had to attend several committee meetings—visit people in the hospital—visit people in their

homes—visit all the newcomers and prospective members.

If he had to conduct all the funerals—all the weddings.

The list could go on and on. Also look at the committed teacher of the Lord, who works all day at some job, and

then, when he gets home, think of the time spent…

In studying and preparing the lesson ● in praying ● in telephoning members ● in visiting

their home or hospital ● in counseling and ministering to others’ need ● in fellowshipping.

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The hours are endless, and just think, the committed teacher or leader/minister does this every week because they

take the calling of the Lord very seriously. The point is this: believers are to know their leaders—acknowledge, appreciate

and respect them. They deserve it!

1:13a Believers are to "highly esteem" their leaders.

In love: with affection, held ever so dear to a believer’s heart.

For their work’s sake—the work that they do. They are ministers of the Lord and they serve Christ and the

church and its believers. Believers owe much to them because of their sacrificial service.

1:13b "And be at peace among themselves." Note this exhortation is given to the leader as well as to the believer

or follower. Believers are not to criticize, murmur, grumble, envy, or oppose their leaders. Differ, yes, but not

oppose—unless, of course, he is acting contrary to scripture or to the love of God’s Spirit. Leaders are not to act

as lords over God’s people, nor are they to lead for the sake of seeking position, boosting ego, securing recognition,

receiving honor, or making a livelihood. A leader who leads for these reasons cannot feed the people of God. The

exhortation is for believers to be at peace among themselves. And when both leader and believer are doing

exactly what God has called them to do, both are so serving, then, they are a peace with each other and God.

These exhortations tell us how to behave toward the whole church family.

1:14 "Now we exhort you brethren…"

"Warn the unruly "(ataktous): those who are out of line—the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly. The

word "unruly" is a military term that referred to the soldier who broke rank and did not stand in his place.

Too many believers are not where they belong. They are out in the world doing their own thing, fulfilling

their own desires and lusts. The unruly must be warned and admonished. They are treading on thin ice.

They are damaging their own souls and hurting others through their unruly testimony.

"Comfort the feebleminded" (oligospsuchous): the faint-hearted, timid, reserved, dispirited; those who

lack courage and are cowardly; those who are easily discouraged and disappointed; those who fear

difficult situations. The picture is that of a person who hesitates to serve or witness; a person who fails to

live for Christ because of being faint-hearted. We are not to rebuke or despise them, but instead comfort,

encourage, and assure them.

"Support the weak": the spiritually weak; those who yield so easily to temptation; those who are so easily

burdened, discouraged, defeated, and led astray. These need to be "supported"(anthechesthe). The word

means to cling and hold to. They need our support.

"Be patient (makrothumeo) toward all men." Leon Morris points out that being patient is the opposite of

being short-tempered (The Epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians. "Tyndale New Testament Commentaries", p.101).

We must bear and forbear; we must suffer a long, long time with persons, no matter the situation.

1:15 "None render evil for evil unto any man." Note: it is understood that throughout life some people

will do evil against anyone of us. This verse clearly states that we are responsible for each other and

responsible for how we respond to evil. See to it that none of us retaliates or mistreats those who mistreat us.

o If we mistreat an unbeliever, we lose all chance of reaching him for Christ.

o If we mistreat another believer, we lose all chance of reaching him and growing him in Christ.

But we are to "ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men." We must pursue

what is good in our relationships to all men.

These exhortations tell us how to behave toward God—personal behavior.

1:16 "Rejoice always"; rejoice evermore: If we love God, God promises that He will take all the circumstances

that attack us and work them out for good (Rom.8:28). And on top of this, He has given us eternal life, the glorious

privilege of living face to face with Him and serving Him forever and ever. The believer who knows and keeps

his mind upon these glorious facts can do nothing but rejoice.

1:17 "Pray without ceasing." Prayer is God’s ordained way for man to receive things from Him. God moves, acts,

and responds to prayer. Why? -Because prayer stirs fellowship and communion with Him and brings about a greater

knowledge and understanding of God.

1:18 "In everything give thanks." How can we thank God for terrible trials such as accidents and death and sin/evil?

We don’t; this is not what scripture means. Evil does not come from God, but, He allows it. Therefore, what it

means is: to thank God for His presence and power as we walk through such trials. When evil strikes, we can still be

thankful for "Who" God is and for the good He can bring through the distress. In Christ Jesus there is victory and

triumph over all, no matter how terrible. Therefore, in everything (not for everything)—as we walk through all—

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thank God for the victory He has given us through Christ. Note the statement: "this is the will of God in Christ

Jesus concerning you." What "Will?" All three exhortations that have just been given in verses 16-18.

1:19 It goes on to say "quench not the Spirit." "Quench" (Gr sbennymi) means in this context to "suppress." Paul

is saying, we should not ignore or toss aside the gift the Holy Spirit gives. For then he mentions prophesying in

verse 20, a gift, not to be despised. Prophecy is the gift of proclaiming the gospel and of predicting the future

under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Both proclamation and prediction are included in the gift. Sometimes

spiritual gifts are controversial and cause division in a church. Rather than trying to solve the problems, some

Christians prefer to smother the gifts. This impoverishes the church. We should not stifle the Holy Spirit’s work in

anyone’s life, but encourage the full expression of these gifts in the body of Christ.

The four major sins against the Holy Spirit:

Quench the Spirit (1Thess.5:19). To quench means to stifle, to snuff out, or to stop. The believer quenches the Spirit’s work by:

o Ignoring Him o disobeying him or by simply o procrastinating.

Grieving the Spirit (Eph.4:30). To grieve means to pain, to vex, to sadden. The believer grieves the Spirit when he…

o Allows impure things to penetrate his life o behaves immorally o acts unjustly o Allows or participates in anything contrary to the nature of the Spirit.

Blasphemy against the Spirit (Matt12:31).

Lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4).

1:20 The Thessalonians are then exhorted to "prove all things; hold fast to what proves to be good." The word

"prove" (dokimazete) means to test and to prove. Both gifts and behavior of the believer are to be tested. We are

not to blindly accept what people say, even if it is the preacher or servant of God. How are we to do this? By

measuring what he says and does by the scripture. But note: the scriptures must be studied in order to measure

what people say and do. 1:21 Now note: when a person or truth is proven, "hold fast" to it. Do not let a good

person go: learn from him. Do not let a good doctrine or exhortation go: hang on to it, live and practice it, and

teach it to others.

1:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil." The very appearance of evil:

If something even appears or borders on evil, get away from it.

If there is any chance whatsoever that it could be wrong, flee it.

If there is even a suggestion that it could be wrong, flee it.

What Paul is calling for here is balance; Christians should neither be overcritical nor gullible.

1:23-24 If a believer will behave properly; if a person will follow the exhortations given in this passage—he will

experience four things:

1. The believer will experience the presence of the God of peace: "peace" means to be bound, joined, and

weaved together. Only God can do this. Only God can bring peace to person’s soul—the kind of peace

that beings absolute assurance, confidence, and security to a person’s heart.

2. The believer experiences sanctification: the word "sanctification" means to be set apart and separated to

God. The word "wholly" means completely, in every respect God is to be involved in every aspect of our

lives. The person who follows this is greatly blessed by God. God sets him apart unto Himself and gives

him a special relationship with Himself.

3. The believer has his spirit, soul, and body preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He will be acceptable to God and receive a full reward. The idea is that the whole man (spirit-soul-body)

will be preserved (only if the believer follows the exhortation of the scripture).

4. The believer experiences the assurance of God, the very faithfulness of God. The work of salvation is

God’s work from beginning to end. If a person is not living for God, it is evident that he is not really a

true believer. But if a person is living for God by following the exhortation of scripture, it is clear evidence

that he is a true believer. How do we know this? Because God is faithful. If God possesses a person, God

continues to work in the person until the person is fully saved in the glorious day of redemption.

1:25-28 The final exhortation for behavior is:

Pray for us (ministers). Paul does not say please or if you will. He emphatically charges this. He says us not

me—all God’s chosen ministers. What an impact would be made upon the world if we obeyed this one charge.

Greet all Christian brethren with a holy kiss (greet them immediately with care). The point is that affection

and care are to be expressed between believers.

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Read this epistle to all the holy brethren (believers). Why was that necessary for Paul to give this exhortation?

The answer is not known, but the lesson to us is clear. We must see to it that every believer studies this

epistle as well as the rest of the Word of God. What a challenge to the churches! To provide ministries that

will carry the Word of God out to those who are unable to worship and study at the regular service.

Paul ends it with a benediction: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." Only God’s grace resting upon

them can they heed and follow the exhortations.

2Thess1:1-2 As we continue on to 1

Paul's second letter, to the Thessalonian body of Christ, it begins in a

customary way. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are introduced as the people that the epistle is from. Paul is the specific

author. He has the apostolic calling and authority. He also places his name first, which is typically a custom of

signifying importance. As he ends his letter in 1Thessalonians 5:28, he also begins his greeting in his second letter

to the Thessalonians in the same customary way. Both grace and peace are blessings. Paul is wishing extra favor

upon them from God, and the peace that passes understanding in the midst of persecution. There can be no true peace

until we recognize that God has bestowed His grace upon us in completely forgiving us of all our sins in Christ Jesus.

LESSON:

2 Thessalonians 1:3 Purpose In Praise Paul was in constant thanks to God. The believers should have a love that abounds and overflows toward one

another. In the letter of 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul had exhorted the church to grow more and more in love for one

another. They needed the message because there was some tension in the church surrounding the Lord’s return.

Paul’s exhortation had worked: The word "exceedingly" (huperauxanei) means to grow beyond measure; to grow

far beyond what would be expected. The church had straightened out the differences and the differing parties

were now walking hand in hand with one another, overflowing, abounding, and growing in love for one another.

This is the reason Paul thanks God for their overflowing love. What does it mean to overflow with love for one

another? An overflowing love is the kind of love…

that binds individuals together as a family—as the family of God

that binds individuals in an unbreakable union

that holds individuals with the deepest affection

that nourishes and nurtures one another

that shows concern and looks after the welfare of one another

that always cherishes one another, comforts, supports, and encourages one another regardless of

differences or circumstances

Paul had a purpose in praising the Thessalonians. There faith and love grows exceedingly and abounds. This

was just that kind of love that the model church at Thessalonica had. This is what an abounding love is. This is

that kind of love every single believer is to have for all other believers. The initial seed of faith that sprouted when

they first became Christians had been fertilized and now was exploding with growth. Most of us have some

boundaries in our minds of how far we will go in loving someone. Limitless love is love that goes beyond those

barriers. Paul gives thanks for the increase of all those graces, that they were not only true Christians, but

growing Christians. A flourishing faith in Jesus and a limitless love for other people are two vital signs for a

growing spiritual life.

2 Thessalonians 1:4-8 Purpose In Persecution Paul also glories in them before the churches of God. Paul did not glory in his own gifts, nor in his labor among

them, but he gloried in the grace of God which was bestowed upon them, and so his glorying was good, because

all the commendation he gave to them, and the pleasure he himself felt, centered in the praise and glory of God.

Why did he esteem them and thanked God? -Namely, for the increase of their faith, love, and patience. The

believers should have strong patience and faith in facing persecution and tribulation. The word "patience"

(hupomones) means to be steadfast, to endure, and to persevere. The Thessalonian believers endured and held

fast to their faith in Christ through all the persecutions and tribulations thrown against them. The word "tribulations"

(thlipsesin) is a more general word than persecutions, and refers to any kind of trial or trouble. The Thessalonian

believers were persevering and holding fast to their faith through all the trials of life: temptations, peer pressure,

disease, accident, loss of job, death—whatever the trial was, they remained faithful to Christ. They did not

1 http://www.bridgewaybiblechurch.com/index.php/sermons/1-thessalonians-study/133-1-thessalonians-1-1 (Also taken from June 6, 2010

lesson—Witness In Daily Life.

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buckle under and give into the crowd, nor to discouragement, and despair. They held on to their faith in Christ.

1. Their endurance and faith was a strong testimony to others that Paul and the others boasted of them.

2. Their endurance and faith was a sign of God’s coming judgment upon unbelievers. The believers received

a supernatural strength—God’s strength, when they were persecuted.

They demonstrated a serene peace and responded in an active love, exhorting and encouraging their persecutors

to trust the Lord—all the while they were in the midst of being mistreated. What a testimony! Persecution is a

clear sign of God’s coming judgment. So, the keys to surviving suffering are patience and faith. The point is

this: the presence of God and His glory in the believer is a clear sign that God exists and is and is going to

vindicate His dear believer.

1:5 Scripture, "Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God…" "Token" (Gr endeigma) refers to

the result of a demonstration and thus means a "sign", "proof" or "evidence." It would seem that from verse 4, it

is not the suffering, but it is their patience and faith in the persecutions and tribulations was proof or evidence of

God’s righteous judgment. Rather you do right or wrong, he is always going to be righteous and judge righteously!

He will judge righteously. How? God’s wise process of purging, purifying, and perfecting through suffering was

working to make His beloved people worthy of the kingdom. Therefore, it was evident that God was with them

perfecting them and developing Christian character. What happened because of this? Paul and the apostles gave

"praise" or "glory" to the Thessalonians, which could also certainly be understood as a sign of the way God would

look upon endurance (with praise or glory) in His righteous judgment at the coming of Christ. They endured

persecution and tribulations, with patience and faith in God by having the right attitude.

3. Their endurance and faith proved that the believers were counted worthy of God’s kingdom. Note the

phrase "counted worthy" (kataxioo) means to count, reckon, and declare worthy. A believer is not saved

because he remains faithful through the sufferings of this life. He is saved because he believes in Jesus

Christ as his Savior and Lord. However, when he suffers in this world and endures through the suffering,

with a right attitude, he is counted worthy of God’s kingdom. He does not disappoint God. He proves

his grit—that he is truly a man or a woman of God. He is worthy to enter heaven, for he has proven his

faith. Therefore, there is a purpose in persecution when the believer’s patience and faith endures to

bring Christian character to give God glory.

1:6 Why is there to be judgment? The purpose of judgment is to rectify injustices. Much of the world’s behavior

(man’s behavior) is evil and unjust. Therefore, God must judge, for judgment is the righteous and just thing. Not

to judge would be the wrong and an unjust thing. He Himself is just and righteous! Therefore, His very nature

demands that all the injustices and wrongs that men have inflicted upon others be judged and punished. The

word "recompense" (Gr antapodidõmi) means to reward or pay back. The enemies of the gospel, those who are

now troubling the Thessalonians, will be paid back by God for the suffering they caused; they will suffer themselves.

God will repay those who trouble you with trouble. Just as righteous judgment of God works to perfect believers,

so it works to repay the wicked. It is all determined by Him!

1:7 Jesus Christ is coming to give "rest" (Gr thlibõ) to the believer as well as to judge the world. The word "rest"

(Gr anesis) means primarily "release" or "relaxation." The believer will be released from the injustices, sufferings,

and death of this world. Note: the Person who will execute judgment is Jesus Christ Himself.

1. His return in judgment shall be a spectacular appearance from heaven. The word "revealed"

(apokalupsei) means to be unveiled and uncovered.

2. His return in judgment will be with His powerful angels. The angels will return with Him for several purposes.

a. To add to the majestic glory and triumph of His person and presence.

b. To carry out His orders and to execute His justice and mercy.

3. 1:8 His return in judgment shall be "in flaming fire." Fire is a symbol of judgment. This is a reference to the

brilliance and glory and holiness of His appearance—so brilliant that it will be the flaming fire of God’s pure

holiness. He comes with the sword of God’s vengeance to destroy. Who are those to be destroyed?

a. Those who do not know Him; who do not have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

Instead of seeing God and coming to know Him, men have rejected Him.

b. Those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will be judged.

i. Every person who have heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and rejected it.

ii. Every person who have professed the gospel of Jesus Christ but does not obey the

commandments of the gospel.

iii. Every person who have been baptized but does not obey the commandment of the gospel.

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iv. Every person who has joined the church and holds a membership in the church but does not

obey the commandments of the gospel.

The purpose In the Thessalonians was their obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter what.

2 Thessalonians 1:9-12 Purpose In His Presence The penalty of judgment will be terrible but it will be deserved. Why? Because those who are to be judged had

the opportunity to know God, but they chose to deny and curse Him and to walk as they desired throughout life.

Note three significant facts about the penalty and punishment of judgment.

1. The word "who" (hoitines) means persons "who are such as" deserve this punishment.

2. The phrase "shall suffer punishment"(diken tisousin) means to pay the penalty.

3. The words "eternal destruction" (olethron aionion) do not mean annihilation or ceasing to exist. They

mean complete ruin and loss; to cut off, excluded, removed, separated, extinguished, deprived,

abhorred, and banished from all the good things of life.

complete ruin and loss : from all that life should be

to cut off: from all presence of God and from the glory of His power and of heaven.

excluded: from all joy, pleasure and satisfaction. It is utter emptiness.

removed: from all companionship and associations and from all possessions. It is being left all

alone and left with nothing. It is utter loneliness.

separated: from the presence of all goodness and righteousness—from God and from all those

who sought after righteousness. And there is no prospect of the separation ever

ending, not even for an hour.

extinguished: from love and affection. It is a hell of passion let loose.

deprived: from the Holy Spirit restraining the force of evil. It is a hell of lawlessness.

abhorred: from the bodies of glory. It is a decayed carcass.

banished: from all hope. It is being eternally lost forever, and there is no prospect of the banishment

ever ending—not even for one hour.

Hell is the absence of God’s presence and glory of His power.

1:10 The time of the judgment is set. Note the word "in" (en). When Jesus Christ returns, His glory is going to be

seen in His saints. The entire world will see the wonder and glory of…

The height of His love. ●The depth of His mercy. ●The length of His grace. ●The breadth of His power.

He will not only be glorified but will be admired. In that day, all believers will adore and worship Him, including

those in the Thessalonian church who believed Paul’s testimony of the gospel.

1:11 Paul’s prayers are the encouragement he desires to impart to them. Only God can accomplish His will in

the lives of the believers.

1. A person must be counted worthy by God. How can a person be counted worthy? No person has any

worthiness of his own. If a person is to be acceptable to God, he is to approach God through faith in His

Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. God only accepts a person as worth only if he comes in the name of Jesus

Christ—believing in and trusting Jesus Christ to save him. God counts and credits us with righteousness

because we come to Him in the perfect righteousness of His Son.

2. God must complete the work of faith in us. We age, deteriorate, die, and decay. We cannot complete

anything, not permanently. God has to take our initial belief in Christ…

a. and complete the good pleasure of His goodness in us

b. and complete the work of faith in us—complete it with omnipotent power

3. 1:12 The name of Christ must be glorified in us and we in Him. This simply means…

a. we must let Him live and move and have His being in us—everyday

b. we must live and move and have His being in us—everyday.

c. We must let Him be glorified in us.

The result of the answer to this prayer would be that God will be glorified in the believers and that the believers

will be glorified in God. All this will be accomplished by God’s wonderful grace. His presence in our lives makes

all the difference in the believer.

SUMMARY:

Paul's Second Epistle to the Thessalonians is in one sense a follow-up to the first letter. The Thessalonians were

undergoing dreadful persecution. Though persecuted, their faith did not fail, but became stronger. The apostle

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at least rejoiced at the increase of their faith, and the abundant exercise of their love. These people are the fruit

of Paul’s ministry. They were walking well, but the false teachers profited by their condition to mislead them by

means of their sufferings. Their sufferings not only proved a judgment to come, but tried them, purified them,

and proved them worthy that would perfect and develop character. However, it was not to make His own suffer

that He was coming - it was to punish the wicked. It is a righteous thing for God to punish those who trouble

you. We are to leave judgment and vengeance in God’s hands. God will bring rest to the believers who are

persecuted. We will see God's vengeance on those who reject His Son.

2

Two principles here are established:

First, the righteous judgment of God: it is righteous in His eyes, on the one hand, to reward those who

suffer for His kingdom sake: and, on the other, to retaliate (pay back) those who persecute His children.

In the second place, the glorious manifestation of the Lord Jesus: All believers will look upon Him with wonder

and admiration.

In flaming fire—the intense fire of God’s holiness will consume and destroy evil. He shall be revealed from heaven

with His mighty angels. None will be able to resist at the final judgment. Two reasons for judgment--they did not

know God, and they did not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The wicked will not be annihilated, as some

suppose. However, Hell is real and is a continual state of destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the

glory of His power. The righteous in contrast will be with the Lord forever.

On that final day, The Lord will be glorified in the Thessalonian believers by the power of faith, which would shine

the brighter through their persecutions; and that afterwards they might be glorified in Him at the manifestation of

His glory according to the grace of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. This includes us also. Because the Thessalonian

Christians were in the midst of persecution and tribulation, they needed prayer. Paul assured them that he and his

associates pray always for them. When God sees that we are real and count us worthy of this calling, the name of

Jesus is glorified. The calling is to see Jesus glorified in us at His coming. We find God’s awesome purpose in life

when He is glorified. Who we are in Jesus is more important than who we are in anything else.

There is purpose in praise, because of the work God has done in us. There is purpose in persecution when our

character is being perfected and developed even during injustices. And there is purpose in God’s presence

especially in that final day of His Second Coming when evil will be no more. We don’t want to forever lose the

opportunity to connect to "Who" gives meaning to life. Our eternal fate will not be like those who have troubled

and persecuted us. They will be punished with everlasting destruction. And we will find rest. When our life is

committed to bringing glory to God we find true purpose in life.

APPLICATION:

Can you pass the test of persecution and tribulation with patience and faith? It can only be done by the power of

God. Do not hesitate to embrace the Savior.

2 http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/john-darbys-synopsis-of-the-new-testament/2-thessalonians/2-thessalonians-1.html