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The Righteous Judgement of the Lord

Text: 2 Thes. 1:4-10
22 January 2011

1. The persecutions and tribulations of the Thessalonians

a) Paul had to endure persecutions and tribulations

b) The Thessalonian Christians also had to endure persecutions and tribulations

2. Such problems forewarned by Jesus

a) 8th Beatitude          Matthew 5:10-11

b) Problem of persecution highlighted          Matthew 10:21-25

3. On the part of believers

That you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer…
2 Thessalonians 1:5

4. The example of the apostles in the Jerusalem Church

So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name
Acts 5:41

5. God’s Judgment on those who persist in persecuting believers

Which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God…

Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you…

2 Thessalonians 1:5a, 6

a) God will one day judge those who wickedly persecute believers

b) Evidence against the persecutors will be the persecution and tribulation endured by believers

c) God’s judgment of the wicked will be a righteous one

GROUP DISCUSSION

1. How may we endure persecution?

2. What should fill our hearts and minds when we face persecution?

EVERY ENCOURAGEMENT TO PERSEVERE IN OUR FAITH

1. Teaching of Jesus concerning how we may endure persecution

a) There should be no fear          Matthew 8:26

b) There should be understanding and acceptance that this is part of our identification with the Lord Jesus as His disciples          Matthew 8:24-25

c) There should be courage and strength to endure persecution          Matthew 8:21-22

2. Teaching of Paul concerning how we may endure persecution

a) It is to be seen as part and parcel of our faith in Christ

b) Persecution is just proof of the perdition of the persecutors

c) Reference to personal suffering          Philippians 1:28-30

3. Teaching of Peter concerning how we may endure persecution

a) We are to remember that we are kept by the power of God          1 Peter 1:5

b) We are to continue to learn how to rejoice in the Lord and His salvation          1 Peter 1:6-9