I and II Thessalonians--Christ Our Hope

I and II Thessalonians--Christ Our Hope The personal coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ is the hope of the Church, and the main subject of both these Epistles, being mentioned in every chapter.

I Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, Christ’s Coming an incentive to conversion. This was mainly a Gentile Church; they turned to God from idols, to serve the living God and to wait for His Son from heaven.

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, Christ’s Coming an incentive to faithful ministry. Paul’s conduct had commended his preaching. The Thessalonians became an eager Missionary Church.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, Christ’s Coming an incentive to Christian love. They were already “taught of God to love one another” (1 Thessalonians 4:9); but Paul’s prayer for an increase of that love was answered (2 Thessalonians 1:3).

1 Thessalonians 4:13-16, Christ’s Coming the ground of comfort in bereavement. When Christ comes those that have fallen asleep believing in Him will be the first to rise to meet Him. The majesty of His Coming is set forth. Compare 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6, Christ’s Coming an incentive to watchfulness. Compare Mark 8:33-37.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Christ’s Coming an incentive to holiness. Compare 2 Peter 3:14.

II Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Christ’s Coming supplies comfort under persecution. “Rest with us.” This was a much persecuted Church. This passage also foretells the judgment of the impenitent.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17, Christ’s Coming in connection with the growth of apostasy and revelation of the man of sin, who shall be destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s Coming.

2 Thessalonians 3:5, Practical preparation for His Coming.