Their spirits had been broken, their hopes had been dashed, and their hearts had sunk into a deep pit of anguish. The Christians in Thessalonica had just recently been uplifted by the joy of their salvation to now have that joy erased as concerns arose concerning the end day. False teachers of some origin had thoroughly convinced these people of a two-fold error: (1) the dead would miss out on the hope of heaven, and (2) the return of Christ was imminent. This two-fold error led to a two-fold response: (1) they were sorrowing, and (2) they were panicking. They were broken, but Paul knew just what to say to build up the broken:
Title: “Building Up the Broken”
Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-6
Main Point: In 1 Thessalonians, Paul had gone about to try to comfort the brethren by letting them know that the dead in Christ would not miss out on heaven, but would in fact rise first to meet the Lord in the air. Now in 2 Thessalonians, Paul is going to instruct them about the truth regarding the judgment day and what they needed to concern themselves with leading up to it. By doing so he hoped to lift their spirits and build up their broken hearts. He would do so with three key components:
Discussion Points:
· Paul’s Encouragement (2 Thessalonians 1) – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 – The brethren were troubled. How troubling it must have been for those in complete ignorance to dash all hope that you have and make you live in a state of panic? That was the trouble the Thessalonians faced daily as they bore the brunt of the false teachers’ error, but Paul encouraged them to the contrary. As troubled people they could rest, for those who were troubled would receive the just recompense of their actions. This day of the Lord is described in the most frightening terms for those who were unprepared: flaming fire, divine vengeance, punishment, and eternal destruction. For the unprepared of the world, this day will truly be disastrous. However, for the righteous this day is described with the most uplifting terms: rest, glory, admiration. Therefore, amidst these dastardly and deceptive doctrines, the brethren were encouraged in their hope.
· Paul’s Explanation (2 Thessalonians 2) – 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 – Because some were dishonestly saying that the return of Christ was going to be immediate, there was a panic among the brethren. However, Paul explained that His return would not be immediate, and we know from scripture that there were New Testament prophecies that had not yet been fulfilled: (1) some would depart from the faith [1 Timothy 4:1-3], (2) some would not endure sound doctrine [2 Timothy 4:1-4], (3) damnable heresies would be introduced [2 Peter 2:1-2], and (4) scoffers would arise denouncing the truths of the Bible [2 Peter 3:3-6]. Therefore, before the world could come to an end, prophecy would have to be fulfilled in the great apostasy taking place. This apostasy would not be that of just one or a few, because that had already occurred on a number of occasions. This departure would be on a large scale and would result in a division between the people of God and the former people of God now organized under a new name other than that of Christ. This had not yet occurred. Therefore, Paul was able to explain the fact that Christ’s return was not imminent, but would be foreshadowed by certain other events, allowing the brethren to calm down and go about their business.
· Paul’s Exhortation (2 Thessalonians 3) – Finally, in the concluding chapter, Paul exhorts the brethren as to how they would progress from this point and does it through a number of encouraging instructions: vs. 1 – pray for the free course of the gospel; vs. 2– pray for deliverance from the unreasonable and wicked men; vs. 3-5 – trust in God; vs. 6 – withdraw themselves from the troublemakers; vs. 7 – behave themselves according to the divine principles; vs. 8-9 – follow the examples of Paul and his fellow-workers; vs. 10-12 – Paul tells them to go back to their normal lives, and if any refused to work that they should not eat; vs. 13 – don’t quit regardless of the discouraging actions of others; and vs. 14-15 – if anyone rejected the truths presented in this inspired epistle they should be avoided. By following the quick and common sense instructions their lives would be enriched and simplified, looking forward to the eternal blessing they had in Christ Jesus.
At times, we too, feel broken, dejected, and without hope.; even though we should be the most complete, uplifted, and hope-filled people in the world. By seeking this very practical and timeless advice of Paul, we too can have our lives enriched and simplified; looking forward to the eternal blessing we will have in Christ Jesus.
-Andy Brewer