Off the Shelf Sunday School--2 Thessalonians

Persecution & Judgment (1:5-12)

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. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus my be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1.????God hates sin and everyone will be judged based on their actions. Believers in Jesus will not be condemned but their deeds will still be judged. (Rom 14:12; 1 Cor 3:12-15; 1 Pet 4:16-19) How does persecution help us to see evil and to accept God’s righteous judgment?

2.????Persecution can separate Christians from the unsaved. It shows the true character and commitment of a person deep inside.?It is God's grace that qualifies a person for heaven, not suffering. It is God’s grace that enables us to endure persecution. God uses persecution to bring glory to himself and to give blessings and rewards. (Mt 5:10-12)

3.????Jesus will return to earth suddenly and punish those who do not have faith in him. This punishment is eternal. Jesus will be worshipped and praised by those who have faith in Jesus. His appearance will be so glorious that even believers will marvel at it. How are believers glorified in Jesus? (1 Pet 2:9; 1 Jn 3:2)

4.????Christians are to be motivated by faith to do good works. This means we must be changed by the Holy Spirit and then be obedient to his leading. Christians do not do good works to become more like Christ. Our good works come from our becoming more like Christ. Anything else is motivated by selfish ambition and is not pleasing to God.??