Paul’s 2 main teachings from 1 Thessalonians 4:12 to 1 Thessalonians 5:11 are: 1)Christ’s Return for His Church 2)The Day of the Lord.

Eternal Perspectives

1 Thessalonians 5:12 - 2 Thessalonians 1:12

Lesson 5

Introduction

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Paul’s 2 main teachings from 1 Thessalonians 4:12 to 1 Thessalonians 5:11 are:

1) Christ’s Return for His Church2) The Day of the Lord

Christ’s Return for His Church

The Rapture3 Common Views on the Rapture’s

Timing:1. Pre-tribulation Rapture - Before the

seven year period known as the “Tribulation”

2. Mid-tribulation Rapture - 3 ½ years into the “Tribulation” and before the “Great Tribulation” or the last 3 ½ years

3. Post-tribulation Rapture - At the end of the “Great Tribulation”

Important Points Regarding “the Rapture”

Jesus will return for His church. Believer’s have no need to fear. It will be on God’s timetable. It will happen instantly. Our knowledge of this should

encourage us.

Death For a believer For an unbeliever

Fixed eternity (Luke 16) Spirit is present with the Lord Body remains “asleep” Body is resurrected, glorified

and rejoined with the spirit at Jesus command

Appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account for our lives in Christ (for rewards) (timing?)

Live in the New Jerusalem for eternity

Important PointsRegarding “the day of the Lord”

This day is not for believers. It will happen suddenly. People will not be expecting it. It will be inescapable. It will bring judgment on all

unbelievers.

Death For a believer For an unbeliever

Fixed eternity (Luke 16) Spirit is present with the Lord Body remains “asleep” Body is resurrected, glorified

and rejoined with the spirit at Jesus command

Appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account for our lives in Christ (for rewards) (timing?)

Live in the New Jerusalem for eternity

Fixed eternity (Luke 16) Spirit in a place of torment Body remains in the ground Appear before Jesus at the

“Great White Throne Judgment” Body resurrected (?) Cast into the lake of fire to live

for eternity

text division:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 - God’s Order

in the Church

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 – In Closing

2 Thessalonians 1:1-1:12 – God’s

Vengeance

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

God’s Order in the Church It is clear from this section that God

has ordained a system of leadership within the body of Christ.

We are to respect, esteem and honor our church leaders.

This can’t be done unless we are willing to submit to authority.

Note:

God uses people to help us become more like Him but it is unique to the situation. Admonish – warn and point in the right

direction Encourage- build up confidence Help – assist unto maturity

How would our churches be different if we:

Rejoiced always, Prayed unceasingly, Gave thanks in ALL circumstances?

This is an attitude to live by, and it is born of complete trust in God!

In Closing

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

Who is it that sanctifies them?

The God of Peace

He is faithful!

“Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5

God’s Vengeance

2 Thessalonians 1:1-1:12

This second letter was likely written 6 months after the first.

This shows the connectedness that Paul had with his flock.

It also reminds us that we have a more hands–on responsibility to new Christians.

Grace to you and peace...

The word “peace” appears 6 times in these 2 letters.

Paul is thankful for their growth in faith , love and perseverance.

Our Servants Team gives thanks to God for the growth that has been reported to us.

“What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him. I planted,

Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-6

Evidence

This growth is the evidence of God’s righteous judgment.When we face trials we should think like Peter…“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17

God the sanctifier.

 ”To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Judgment on those who afflict us:

Whether it is in the here and now or in the final judgment, the Lord Jesus will inflict vengeance on those who make us suffer for His name’s sake.

With minds focused on eternity and our future glory:

It helps us to live through suffering. It helps us to forgive our brothers and

sisters. It helps us to pray for those outside the

church.

Are you focused on eternity?