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Lesson Summary:

Paul encourages the Thessalonians in their suffering with the assurance of God’s justice and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Focus Passage: II Thessalonians 1

Outline and Lesson Goal

Principles and Applications

I. Encouragement by Words of Thanksgiving and Commendation (1:1-5)

Principle: Words of Thanksgiving and Commendation can Lift Up Believers in a Day of Distress.
Application: How is your life showing that you are continuously increasing in your faith and in the love for other believers? How you are encouraging other believers who are exhibiting these qualities in their lives?
Scripture Reference

³ We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
⁴ since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints;
Colossians 1:3-4 (NASB 1995)

II. Encouragement by a Word of Hope (1:6-10)

Principle: A Reminder of Christ’s Return can Strengthen Believers in a Day of Distress.
Application: What comfort do you receive in knowing Christ will return to glorify His people and to deal with sin once and for all? How are you sharing this great truth to encourage others who are suffering?
Scripture Reference

⁷ Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.
⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:7-8 (NASB 1995)

III. Encouragement by a Word of Prayer (1:11-12)

Principle: An Effective Word of Prayer Can Empower Believers in a Day of Distress.
Application: In what areas of your life could you use a new infusion of God’s power to fulfill His calling of you? Who can also benefit from your prayers for the same outcome in their lives?
Scripture Reference

¹² and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;
¹³ so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.
I Thessalonians 3:12-13 (NASB 1995)