God’s Love Gives Strength

2 Thessalonians Series Introduction

Thessalonians story: Acts 17 & 1 Thessalonians, a few weeks in synagogues and among Greeks, minority of Jews, majority of Greeks, some influential women, opposition caused Paul and team to leave sooner, a few months later sent Timothy out of concern, heard back and then sent letter 1 to repair hope in Jesus, His return, and eternal life to come (including for some who had already died, in faith). Transition verse: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, encourage one another with these words.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18  CSB

“God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:7  NLT

“Since it is just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:6–7  CSB

Relief – CSB/ESV/NASB  Rest – NLT/NCV/RSV/LSB  Rest/relief – an end to trouble and difficulty

What do we learn?

1. God’s love gives strength, rest, truth, endurance.

2. Receiving Jesus, as Savior gives us the hope of ultimate spiritual rest that will last forever.

4. Encourage each other, according to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.