Promise to the Persecuted

(2 Thess. 1:1–12)

Promise to the Persecuted

(2 Thess. 1:1–12)

Lesson 11Lesson 11

Key Text: Key Text:

“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” (2 Thess. 1:11, ESV).

Key Thought: The second coming of Jesus is the culmination of all The second coming of Jesus is the culmination of all Christian hope.Christian hope.

Key Thought: The second coming of Jesus is the culmination of all The second coming of Jesus is the culmination of all Christian hope.Christian hope.

Because written Because written correspondence could be correspondence could be slow, a church thatslow, a church thatwanted to talk to Paul had wanted to talk to Paul had to track him down and get to track him down and get a message to him, not a message to him, not always an easy process, to always an easy process, to be sure. be sure. Once contact was Once contact was finally made, the apostle finally made, the apostle would then dictate a would then dictate a response and have it hand-response and have it hand-delivered back to the delivered back to the church. church. The process might The process might take months. In the take months. In the meantime false beliefs meantime false beliefs would have time to develop would have time to develop and spread.and spread.

Because written Because written correspondence could be correspondence could be slow, a church thatslow, a church thatwanted to talk to Paul had wanted to talk to Paul had to track him down and get to track him down and get a message to him, not a message to him, not always an easy process, to always an easy process, to be sure. be sure. Once contact was Once contact was finally made, the apostle finally made, the apostle would then dictate a would then dictate a response and have it hand-response and have it hand-delivered back to the delivered back to the church. church. The process might The process might take months. In the take months. In the meantime false beliefs meantime false beliefs would have time to develop would have time to develop and spread.and spread.

This seems to have happened in This seems to have happened in Thessalonica, where new Thessalonica, where new problems arose in the church. problems arose in the church. These problems may even have These problems may even have become worse due to the become worse due to the misapplication of what Paul wrote misapplication of what Paul wrote in the first letter.in the first letter. SecondSecondThessalonians was Paul’s attempt Thessalonians was Paul’s attempt to further correct the situation.to further correct the situation.Paul’s words in this week’s Paul’s words in this week’s lesson come down to this: at the lesson come down to this: at the Second Coming, believers will be Second Coming, believers will be rescued by God’s spectacular rescued by God’s spectacular intervention in Christ. intervention in Christ. This This passage provides further passage provides further information about the natureinformation about the natureof His return.of His return.

This seems to have happened in This seems to have happened in Thessalonica, where new Thessalonica, where new problems arose in the church. problems arose in the church. These problems may even have These problems may even have become worse due to the become worse due to the misapplication of what Paul wrote misapplication of what Paul wrote in the first letter.in the first letter. SecondSecondThessalonians was Paul’s attempt Thessalonians was Paul’s attempt to further correct the situation.to further correct the situation.Paul’s words in this week’s Paul’s words in this week’s lesson come down to this: at the lesson come down to this: at the Second Coming, believers will be Second Coming, believers will be rescued by God’s spectacular rescued by God’s spectacular intervention in Christ. intervention in Christ. This This passage provides further passage provides further information about the natureinformation about the natureof His return.of His return.

1. 1. Fresh GreetingsFresh Greetings1. 1. Fresh GreetingsFresh Greetings

““Paul, and Silvanus, and Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”

(2 Thess. 1:1, 2). (2 Thess. 1:1, 2). What hope What hope and promise are found even in such and promise are found even in such a simple greeting as this? How a simple greeting as this? How much theology is in there, how much theology is in there, how much hope, how much promise? much hope, how much promise? How can we learn to make these How can we learn to make these hopes and promises our own?hopes and promises our own?

““Paul, and Silvanus, and Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”

(2 Thess. 1:1, 2). (2 Thess. 1:1, 2). What hope What hope and promise are found even in such and promise are found even in such a simple greeting as this? How a simple greeting as this? How much theology is in there, how much theology is in there, how much hope, how much promise? much hope, how much promise? How can we learn to make these How can we learn to make these hopes and promises our own?hopes and promises our own?

Paul, as he does so often, talks about grace and peacePaul, as he does so often, talks about grace and peace. In one sense, are they . In one sense, are they not related? Shouldn’t the realization of God’s grace, the promise of not related? Shouldn’t the realization of God’s grace, the promise of forgiveness in Jesus, lead to peace in our lives? How crucial that, no matter our forgiveness in Jesus, lead to peace in our lives? How crucial that, no matter our circumstances, we all take time to dwell on the wonderful provision of salvation circumstances, we all take time to dwell on the wonderful provision of salvation made for us and the grace it offers us, regardless of our unworthiness. What made for us and the grace it offers us, regardless of our unworthiness. What better way to experience the peace that we are promised? better way to experience the peace that we are promised? We need to keep the We need to keep the focus off ourselves and on Jesus and what we have been given in Him.focus off ourselves and on Jesus and what we have been given in Him.

Paul, as he does so often, talks about grace and peacePaul, as he does so often, talks about grace and peace. In one sense, are they . In one sense, are they not related? Shouldn’t the realization of God’s grace, the promise of not related? Shouldn’t the realization of God’s grace, the promise of forgiveness in Jesus, lead to peace in our lives? How crucial that, no matter our forgiveness in Jesus, lead to peace in our lives? How crucial that, no matter our circumstances, we all take time to dwell on the wonderful provision of salvation circumstances, we all take time to dwell on the wonderful provision of salvation made for us and the grace it offers us, regardless of our unworthiness. What made for us and the grace it offers us, regardless of our unworthiness. What better way to experience the peace that we are promised? better way to experience the peace that we are promised? We need to keep the We need to keep the focus off ourselves and on Jesus and what we have been given in Him.focus off ourselves and on Jesus and what we have been given in Him.

Compare Compare 1 Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians 1:1 1:1 with with 2 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians

1:1, 2.1:1, 2. There’s a small There’s a small difference in the wording. difference in the wording. What significance might What significance might

be found in that be found in that difference?difference?

Compare Compare 1 Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians 1:1 1:1 with with 2 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians

1:1, 2.1:1, 2. There’s a small There’s a small difference in the wording. difference in the wording. What significance might What significance might

be found in that be found in that difference?difference?

There is one difference There is one difference between between 1 and 2 Thes-1 and 2 Thes-salonianssalonians. Paul changes . Paul changes from from “in God the Father” “in God the Father” (1 Thess. 1:1) (1 Thess. 1:1) to to “in God “in God our Father” our Father” (2 Thess. 1:1). (2 Thess. 1:1). This adds a relational touch. This adds a relational touch. There are people There are people who feel close to who feel close to Jesus yet are afraid of God the Father. Paul assures the Thessalonians that they Jesus yet are afraid of God the Father. Paul assures the Thessalonians that they can have as much confidence in their relationship with the Father as they do can have as much confidence in their relationship with the Father as they do with Jesus. Jesus came to this earth to show us what the Father is like.with Jesus. Jesus came to this earth to show us what the Father is like.

There is one difference There is one difference between between 1 and 2 Thes-1 and 2 Thes-salonianssalonians. Paul changes . Paul changes from from “in God the Father” “in God the Father” (1 Thess. 1:1) (1 Thess. 1:1) to to “in God “in God our Father” our Father” (2 Thess. 1:1). (2 Thess. 1:1). This adds a relational touch. This adds a relational touch. There are people There are people who feel close to who feel close to Jesus yet are afraid of God the Father. Paul assures the Thessalonians that they Jesus yet are afraid of God the Father. Paul assures the Thessalonians that they can have as much confidence in their relationship with the Father as they do can have as much confidence in their relationship with the Father as they do with Jesus. Jesus came to this earth to show us what the Father is like.with Jesus. Jesus came to this earth to show us what the Father is like.

Read Read John 1:18 John 1:18 and and 14:7–1114:7–11. What . What assurance and hope can we draw assurance and hope can we draw

from these texts, especially in light from these texts, especially in light of of 2 Thessalonians 1:1, 22 Thessalonians 1:1, 2??

REFLECTIONREFLECTION

2. 2. Paul’s Thanksgiving

Paul had a tendency toward extra-long sentences. Paul had a tendency toward extra-long sentences. Second ThessaloniansSecond Thessalonians1:3–10 1:3–10 is a single sentence focusing primarily on events surrounding the is a single sentence focusing primarily on events surrounding the

second coming of Jesus. The central core of the sentence, however, is not second coming of Jesus. The central core of the sentence, however, is not focused on the Second Coming focused on the Second Coming (2 Thess 1:3(2 Thess 1:3, author’s translation): , author’s translation): “We are “We are

obligated at all times to give thanks to God concerning you.” obligated at all times to give thanks to God concerning you.” Paul’s Paul’s comments regarding the return of Jesus comments regarding the return of Jesus (2 Thess. 1:6–10) (2 Thess. 1:6–10) are part of the are part of the

reason that reason that he thanks he thanks God concerning the Thessalonians themselves.God concerning the Thessalonians themselves.

Paul had a tendency toward extra-long sentences. Paul had a tendency toward extra-long sentences. Second ThessaloniansSecond Thessalonians1:3–10 1:3–10 is a single sentence focusing primarily on events surrounding the is a single sentence focusing primarily on events surrounding the

second coming of Jesus. The central core of the sentence, however, is not second coming of Jesus. The central core of the sentence, however, is not focused on the Second Coming focused on the Second Coming (2 Thess 1:3(2 Thess 1:3, author’s translation): , author’s translation): “We are “We are

obligated at all times to give thanks to God concerning you.” obligated at all times to give thanks to God concerning you.” Paul’s Paul’s comments regarding the return of Jesus comments regarding the return of Jesus (2 Thess. 1:6–10) (2 Thess. 1:6–10) are part of the are part of the

reason that reason that he thanks he thanks God concerning the Thessalonians themselves.God concerning the Thessalonians themselves.

Read 2 Thessalo-nians 1:3, 4. What important spiritual principle do we find in these verses in regard to the question of faith? Whathappens to faith if it does not grow?

Read 2 Thessalo-nians 1:3, 4. What important spiritual principle do we find in these verses in regard to the question of faith? Whathappens to faith if it does not grow?

““We are bound,”We are bound,” or or “we ought,” “we ought,” to give thanks to God is the main verb ofto give thanks to God is the main verb of 2 2 Thessalonians 1:3–10Thessalonians 1:3–10. . Paul feels obligated to thank God for the Thessalonians Paul feels obligated to thank God for the Thessalonians because their faith is getting stronger and strongerbecause their faith is getting stronger and stronger. Meanwhile, their love for . Meanwhile, their love for one another is also increasing, and both verbs are in the present tense in the one another is also increasing, and both verbs are in the present tense in the original. This means that their growth in faith and love was consistent and original. This means that their growth in faith and love was consistent and ongoing. This kind of growth is basic to any healthy church. ongoing. This kind of growth is basic to any healthy church. Like a plant, if a Like a plant, if a church does not grow spiritually, it will die.church does not grow spiritually, it will die.

““We are bound,”We are bound,” or or “we ought,” “we ought,” to give thanks to God is the main verb ofto give thanks to God is the main verb of 2 2 Thessalonians 1:3–10Thessalonians 1:3–10. . Paul feels obligated to thank God for the Thessalonians Paul feels obligated to thank God for the Thessalonians because their faith is getting stronger and strongerbecause their faith is getting stronger and stronger. Meanwhile, their love for . Meanwhile, their love for one another is also increasing, and both verbs are in the present tense in the one another is also increasing, and both verbs are in the present tense in the original. This means that their growth in faith and love was consistent and original. This means that their growth in faith and love was consistent and ongoing. This kind of growth is basic to any healthy church. ongoing. This kind of growth is basic to any healthy church. Like a plant, if a Like a plant, if a church does not grow spiritually, it will die.church does not grow spiritually, it will die.

Paul will go on to Paul will go on to offer significant offer significant criticism of the criticism of the church in the secondchurch in the secondand third chapters of and third chapters of this epistle. this epistle. But he But he knows that people knows that people need a lot of affirma-need a lot of affirma-tion before they can tion before they can handle criticism handle criticism constructively. constructively. HeHeprovides that kind of provides that kind of affirmation in the first affirmation in the first chapter.chapter.

Paul will go on to Paul will go on to offer significant offer significant criticism of the criticism of the church in the secondchurch in the secondand third chapters of and third chapters of this epistle. this epistle. But he But he knows that people knows that people need a lot of affirma-need a lot of affirma-tion before they can tion before they can handle criticism handle criticism constructively. constructively. HeHeprovides that kind of provides that kind of affirmation in the first affirmation in the first chapter.chapter.

One of the reasons for Paul’s affirmations is that the church in Thessalonica is One of the reasons for Paul’s affirmations is that the church in Thessalonica is continuing to suffer persecution. continuing to suffer persecution. He particularly commends their He particularly commends their “patience” “patience” in in affliction. Instead of faith, hope, and love, Paul talks about their faith, love, and affliction. Instead of faith, hope, and love, Paul talks about their faith, love, and patience. Because patience. Because “patience” “patience” here is substituted for here is substituted for “hope,” “hope,” it leads Paul into it leads Paul into his exposition of the Second Coming later in the chapter. his exposition of the Second Coming later in the chapter. The result of their The result of their increase in faith and love is that their fortitude in the face of affliction has increase in faith and love is that their fortitude in the face of affliction has become a source of boasting for the apostles among all the churches they visit. become a source of boasting for the apostles among all the churches they visit. The Thessalonians have become a model of Christian commitment under fire.The Thessalonians have become a model of Christian commitment under fire.

One of the reasons for Paul’s affirmations is that the church in Thessalonica is One of the reasons for Paul’s affirmations is that the church in Thessalonica is continuing to suffer persecution. continuing to suffer persecution. He particularly commends their He particularly commends their “patience” “patience” in in affliction. Instead of faith, hope, and love, Paul talks about their faith, love, and affliction. Instead of faith, hope, and love, Paul talks about their faith, love, and patience. Because patience. Because “patience” “patience” here is substituted for here is substituted for “hope,” “hope,” it leads Paul into it leads Paul into his exposition of the Second Coming later in the chapter. his exposition of the Second Coming later in the chapter. The result of their The result of their increase in faith and love is that their fortitude in the face of affliction has increase in faith and love is that their fortitude in the face of affliction has become a source of boasting for the apostles among all the churches they visit. become a source of boasting for the apostles among all the churches they visit. The Thessalonians have become a model of Christian commitment under fire.The Thessalonians have become a model of Christian commitment under fire.

REFLECTIONREFLECTION

How can trials and affliction How can trials and affliction increase our faith? At the sameincrease our faith? At the sametime, who hasn’t struggled to time, who hasn’t struggled to

maintain faith precisely maintain faith precisely because of trials?because of trials?

3. 3. Suffering as a Sign of the End3. 3. Suffering as a Sign of the End

Second Thessalonians 1:5–Second Thessalonians 1:5–10 10 in the Greek has an Old in the Greek has an Old Testament feel (the Bible of Testament feel (the Bible of most New Testament most New Testament Christians was the Christians was the Septuagint,Septuagint,a pre-Christian Greek a pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old translation of the Old Testament). Testament). SecondSecondThessalonians Thessalonians exhibits exhibits many more references to many more references to the Old Testamentthe Old Testamentthan does than does 1 Thessalonians1 Thessalonians..Read 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 6.6. What is Paul saying?

Second Thessalonians 1:5–Second Thessalonians 1:5–10 10 in the Greek has an Old in the Greek has an Old Testament feel (the Bible of Testament feel (the Bible of most New Testament most New Testament Christians was the Christians was the Septuagint,Septuagint,a pre-Christian Greek a pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old translation of the Old Testament). Testament). SecondSecondThessalonians Thessalonians exhibits exhibits many more references to many more references to the Old Testamentthe Old Testamentthan does than does 1 Thessalonians1 Thessalonians..Read 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 6.6. What is Paul saying?

The word The word evidence (NIV) or token (KJV) means evidence (NIV) or token (KJV) means “proof” “proof” or or “plain indication” “plain indication” of of something. What does the persecution of Christians something. What does the persecution of Christians (vs. 4)(vs. 4) prove? It is certainly prove? It is certainly not evidence of God’s judgment against not evidence of God’s judgment against His people. To the contrary, it is a pointer His people. To the contrary, it is a pointer to the future judgment, in which the people of God are vindicated and those who to the future judgment, in which the people of God are vindicated and those who persecuted them receive the same kind of experience they inflicted on others.persecuted them receive the same kind of experience they inflicted on others.

The New Testament encourages believers to exhibit grace, mercy, and forgive-ness toward others. But when these actions are rebuffed and repaid with curses, blows, and confinement, it is encouraging to know that injustice will not last forever. Thus, the saints of God are invited to have patience (see also Rev. 14:12).

The New Testament encourages believers to exhibit grace, mercy, and forgive-ness toward others. But when these actions are rebuffed and repaid with curses, blows, and confinement, it is encouraging to know that injustice will not last forever. Thus, the saints of God are invited to have patience (see also Rev. 14:12).

There is a message here for us. There is a message here for us. Violence begets violence, and those who use Violence begets violence, and those who use violence against others have reason to fear for the future. violence against others have reason to fear for the future. God’s judgment sets God’s judgment sets things right. things right. Those who persecute the people of God will one day face the Those who persecute the people of God will one day face the justice of God.justice of God. But those who experience injustice on account of their faith But those who experience injustice on account of their faith today can look with confidence to God’s future judgment. On that day, it will be today can look with confidence to God’s future judgment. On that day, it will be evident to all that they were the objects of God’s evident to all that they were the objects of God’s favor.

There is a message here for us. There is a message here for us. Violence begets violence, and those who use Violence begets violence, and those who use violence against others have reason to fear for the future. violence against others have reason to fear for the future. God’s judgment sets God’s judgment sets things right. things right. Those who persecute the people of God will one day face the Those who persecute the people of God will one day face the justice of God.justice of God. But those who experience injustice on account of their faith But those who experience injustice on account of their faith today can look with confidence to God’s future judgment. On that day, it will be today can look with confidence to God’s future judgment. On that day, it will be evident to all that they were the objects of God’s evident to all that they were the objects of God’s favor.

In 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 6, therefore, Paul reminds the persecuted Thessalonians that the “righteous “righteous judgment of God” judgment of God” in the future will demonstrate His approval of them in the present. More than this, their patience and faith in the face of trial validates that God has chosen them. In this way Christian suffering can be the basis for rejoicing (1 Thess. 1:6, 7). It is real-life evidence of whose side we will be on when Jesus comes.

In 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 6, therefore, Paul reminds the persecuted Thessalonians that the “righteous “righteous judgment of God” judgment of God” in the future will demonstrate His approval of them in the present. More than this, their patience and faith in the face of trial validates that God has chosen them. In this way Christian suffering can be the basis for rejoicing (1 Thess. 1:6, 7). It is real-life evidence of whose side we will be on when Jesus comes.

Verse 5Verse 5 shows shows the righteous the righteous

judgment of God judgment of God in His approval in His approval

of theof theThessalonians. Thessalonians.

Verse 6Verse 6 shows it shows it in the in the

condemnation condemnation and destructionand destruction

of their of their persecutors.persecutors.

Have you been unfairly victimized, with the Have you been unfairly victimized, with the perpetrators receiving no apparent punishment perpetrators receiving no apparent punishment for their actions? If so, what comfort can you for their actions? If so, what comfort can you take in the promises of God’s judgment? Ortake in the promises of God’s judgment? Orlook at it this way: have you treated people look at it this way: have you treated people

badly, unfairly, and have gotten away with it (at badly, unfairly, and have gotten away with it (at least so far)? If so, how do you view the least so far)? If so, how do you view the promises of God’s end-time judgment?promises of God’s end-time judgment?

REFLECTIONREFLECTION

4. FUEGO Y DESTRUCCIÓN4. FUEGO Y DESTRUCCIÓN Lee Lee 2 Tesalonicenses 2 Tesalonicenses 1:7 al 9. 1:7 al 9. ¿Cuál es la ¿Cuál es la

razón principal de la razón principal de la destrucción de los destrucción de los

impíos en ocasión de impíos en ocasión de la segunda venida de la segunda venida de

Jesús? ¿Cómo Jesús? ¿Cómo entendemos estos entendemos estos

versículos pensando versículos pensando en un Dios lleno de en un Dios lleno de

amor, gracia y amor, gracia y perdón?perdón?

Lee Lee 2 Tesalonicenses 2 Tesalonicenses 1:7 al 9. 1:7 al 9. ¿Cuál es la ¿Cuál es la

razón principal de la razón principal de la destrucción de los destrucción de los

impíos en ocasión de impíos en ocasión de la segunda venida de la segunda venida de

Jesús? ¿Cómo Jesús? ¿Cómo entendemos estos entendemos estos

versículos pensando versículos pensando en un Dios lleno de en un Dios lleno de

amor, gracia y amor, gracia y perdón?perdón?

Muchas personas se sienten incómodas con estos versículos. Sienten Muchas personas se sienten incómodas con estos versículos. Sienten que que “dar retribución”“dar retribución”, venganza, castigo, y el infligir sufrimientos es , venganza, castigo, y el infligir sufrimientos es indigno de un Dios de amor, gracia y misericordia. Pero, el castigo indigno de un Dios de amor, gracia y misericordia. Pero, el castigo justo y la retribución es un tema frecuente de Pablo justo y la retribución es un tema frecuente de Pablo (Rom. 2:5; 12:19).(Rom. 2:5; 12:19). Él es inequívoco: la justicia de Dios un día se manifestará con poder.Él es inequívoco: la justicia de Dios un día se manifestará con poder.

Muchas personas se sienten incómodas con estos versículos. Sienten Muchas personas se sienten incómodas con estos versículos. Sienten que que “dar retribución”“dar retribución”, venganza, castigo, y el infligir sufrimientos es , venganza, castigo, y el infligir sufrimientos es indigno de un Dios de amor, gracia y misericordia. Pero, el castigo indigno de un Dios de amor, gracia y misericordia. Pero, el castigo justo y la retribución es un tema frecuente de Pablo justo y la retribución es un tema frecuente de Pablo (Rom. 2:5; 12:19).(Rom. 2:5; 12:19). Él es inequívoco: la justicia de Dios un día se manifestará con poder.Él es inequívoco: la justicia de Dios un día se manifestará con poder.

Cualquier buen Gobierno Cualquier buen Gobierno en el mundo actual, en en el mundo actual, en algún momento, debe algún momento, debe ejercer la fuerza para ejercer la fuerza para frenar el mal. Aunque la frenar el mal. Aunque la fuerza no siempre es vio-fuerza no siempre es vio-lenta (como cuando te lenta (como cuando te detienen por violar las detienen por violar las reglas de tránsito), en reglas de tránsito), en algunos casos, como algunos casos, como cuando los criminales usan cuando los criminales usan violencia, deben recibir violencia, deben recibir violencia como respuesta.violencia como respuesta.

Los buenos gobiernos proveen ciertas restricciones necesarias, a fin de Los buenos gobiernos proveen ciertas restricciones necesarias, a fin de que todos puedan convivir en paz. Muchas veces el mal abierto no que todos puedan convivir en paz. Muchas veces el mal abierto no desaparecerá voluntariamente. Y, cuanto mayor sea el poder y la desaparecerá voluntariamente. Y, cuanto mayor sea el poder y la brutalidad del mal, tanto mayor será necesaria la fuerza para deshacer brutalidad del mal, tanto mayor será necesaria la fuerza para deshacer ese mal. Las imágenes de este pasaje no son hermosas, pero nos aseguran ese mal. Las imágenes de este pasaje no son hermosas, pero nos aseguran que Dios hará lo necesario para terminar con la violencia y la opresión.que Dios hará lo necesario para terminar con la violencia y la opresión.

Cualquier buen Gobierno Cualquier buen Gobierno en el mundo actual, en en el mundo actual, en algún momento, debe algún momento, debe ejercer la fuerza para ejercer la fuerza para frenar el mal. Aunque la frenar el mal. Aunque la fuerza no siempre es vio-fuerza no siempre es vio-lenta (como cuando te lenta (como cuando te detienen por violar las detienen por violar las reglas de tránsito), en reglas de tránsito), en algunos casos, como algunos casos, como cuando los criminales usan cuando los criminales usan violencia, deben recibir violencia, deben recibir violencia como respuesta.violencia como respuesta.

Los buenos gobiernos proveen ciertas restricciones necesarias, a fin de Los buenos gobiernos proveen ciertas restricciones necesarias, a fin de que todos puedan convivir en paz. Muchas veces el mal abierto no que todos puedan convivir en paz. Muchas veces el mal abierto no desaparecerá voluntariamente. Y, cuanto mayor sea el poder y la desaparecerá voluntariamente. Y, cuanto mayor sea el poder y la brutalidad del mal, tanto mayor será necesaria la fuerza para deshacer brutalidad del mal, tanto mayor será necesaria la fuerza para deshacer ese mal. Las imágenes de este pasaje no son hermosas, pero nos aseguran ese mal. Las imágenes de este pasaje no son hermosas, pero nos aseguran que Dios hará lo necesario para terminar con la violencia y la opresión.que Dios hará lo necesario para terminar con la violencia y la opresión.

Lee Lee Apocalipsis 16:4 al 7, Apocalipsis 16:4 al 7, yy Daniel 7:21 y 22. Daniel 7:21 y 22. ¿Qué ¿Qué enseñan estos versículos,enseñan estos versículos,que es semejante a lo que que es semejante a lo que Pablo escribió en Pablo escribió en 2 2 TesalonicensesTesalonicenses??

Por su propia experiencia, Jesús Por su propia experiencia, Jesús comprende el costo del sufrimiento. comprende el costo del sufrimiento. Podemos confiar en que ejercerá Podemos confiar en que ejercerá justicia divina, sin exagerar, y que justicia divina, sin exagerar, y que resultará en sufrimiento, pero solo resultará en sufrimiento, pero solo lo necesario. Si podemos confiar en lo necesario. Si podemos confiar en Dios, podremos confiar en que su Dios, podremos confiar en que su justicia revelará una equidad que justicia revelará una equidad que ahora no podemos comprender. ahora no podemos comprender. La La meta de este pasaje no es meta de este pasaje no es gozarse en la venganza, sino gozarse en la venganza, sino animar a los que sufren abusos y animar a los que sufren abusos y opresión. El día de la justicia opresión. El día de la justicia viene. No necesitamos hacer viene. No necesitamos hacer justicia por mano propia.justicia por mano propia.

Por su propia experiencia, Jesús Por su propia experiencia, Jesús comprende el costo del sufrimiento. comprende el costo del sufrimiento. Podemos confiar en que ejercerá Podemos confiar en que ejercerá justicia divina, sin exagerar, y que justicia divina, sin exagerar, y que resultará en sufrimiento, pero solo resultará en sufrimiento, pero solo lo necesario. Si podemos confiar en lo necesario. Si podemos confiar en Dios, podremos confiar en que su Dios, podremos confiar en que su justicia revelará una equidad que justicia revelará una equidad que ahora no podemos comprender. ahora no podemos comprender. La La meta de este pasaje no es meta de este pasaje no es gozarse en la venganza, sino gozarse en la venganza, sino animar a los que sufren abusos y animar a los que sufren abusos y opresión. El día de la justicia opresión. El día de la justicia viene. No necesitamos hacer viene. No necesitamos hacer justicia por mano propia.justicia por mano propia.

5. GLORIFICAR A CRISTO5. GLORIFICAR A CRISTO Lee Lee 2 Tesalonicenses 1:10 al 12. 2 Tesalonicenses 1:10 al 12. ¿Qué significa ¿Qué significa que Jesucristo será glorificado en sus santos?que Jesucristo será glorificado en sus santos?

Estos textos Estos textos (2 Tes. 1:3-10(2 Tes. 1:3-10) proveen muchos detalles acerca de la segunda venida de Jesús. ) proveen muchos detalles acerca de la segunda venida de Jesús. Cuando él regrese, afligirá a los que afligían a sus hijos, y a estos últimos les dará descanso Cuando él regrese, afligirá a los que afligían a sus hijos, y a estos últimos les dará descanso

(ver 2 Tes. 1:6, 7). (ver 2 Tes. 1:6, 7). Vendrá del cielo en compañía de sus ángeles Vendrá del cielo en compañía de sus ángeles (vers. 7(vers. 7), ), con fuego ardiente, con fuego ardiente, y ejecutará justicia sobre los que rechazaron a Dios y el evangelio y ejecutará justicia sobre los que rechazaron a Dios y el evangelio (vers. 8). (vers. 8). Los impíos serán Los impíos serán destruidos destruidos (vers. 8, 9), (vers. 8, 9), mientras que los justos traerán gloria a Cristo mientras que los justos traerán gloria a Cristo (vers. 10). (vers. 10). La segunda La segunda

venida prepara el escenario para el milenio: la Tierra yace desolada por mil años venida prepara el escenario para el milenio: la Tierra yace desolada por mil años (Apoc. (Apoc. 20:1-6). 20:1-6). Aunque este pasaje no dice qué ocurrirá con los justos, Aunque este pasaje no dice qué ocurrirá con los justos, 1 Tesalonicenses 4:16 y 17 1 Tesalonicenses 4:16 y 17

dice que los salvados se unirán con Jesús en el aire. Juan 14:1 al 3 indica que Jesús llevará a dice que los salvados se unirán con Jesús en el aire. Juan 14:1 al 3 indica que Jesús llevará a los justos al cielo.los justos al cielo.

Estos textos Estos textos (2 Tes. 1:3-10(2 Tes. 1:3-10) proveen muchos detalles acerca de la segunda venida de Jesús. ) proveen muchos detalles acerca de la segunda venida de Jesús. Cuando él regrese, afligirá a los que afligían a sus hijos, y a estos últimos les dará descanso Cuando él regrese, afligirá a los que afligían a sus hijos, y a estos últimos les dará descanso

(ver 2 Tes. 1:6, 7). (ver 2 Tes. 1:6, 7). Vendrá del cielo en compañía de sus ángeles Vendrá del cielo en compañía de sus ángeles (vers. 7(vers. 7), ), con fuego ardiente, con fuego ardiente, y ejecutará justicia sobre los que rechazaron a Dios y el evangelio y ejecutará justicia sobre los que rechazaron a Dios y el evangelio (vers. 8). (vers. 8). Los impíos serán Los impíos serán destruidos destruidos (vers. 8, 9), (vers. 8, 9), mientras que los justos traerán gloria a Cristo mientras que los justos traerán gloria a Cristo (vers. 10). (vers. 10). La segunda La segunda

venida prepara el escenario para el milenio: la Tierra yace desolada por mil años venida prepara el escenario para el milenio: la Tierra yace desolada por mil años (Apoc. (Apoc. 20:1-6). 20:1-6). Aunque este pasaje no dice qué ocurrirá con los justos, Aunque este pasaje no dice qué ocurrirá con los justos, 1 Tesalonicenses 4:16 y 17 1 Tesalonicenses 4:16 y 17

dice que los salvados se unirán con Jesús en el aire. Juan 14:1 al 3 indica que Jesús llevará a dice que los salvados se unirán con Jesús en el aire. Juan 14:1 al 3 indica que Jesús llevará a los justos al cielo.los justos al cielo.

¿De qué manera enseña ¿De qué manera enseña Pablo a los santos a Pablo a los santos a prepararse para la prepararse para la segunda venida? segunda venida? 2 Tes. 2 Tes. 1:11.1:11.

En el En el versículo 10versículo 10, Pablo , Pablo termina de hablar de los termina de hablar de los impíos, y se vuelve a los impíos, y se vuelve a los justos en la segunda justos en la segunda venida. En los venida. En los versículos 10 versículos 10 al 12al 12, la gloria de Jesús se , la gloria de Jesús se exhibe en el carácter de exhibe en el carácter de aquellos que creen en él. aquellos que creen en él. Pablo se alegra, porque sus Pablo se alegra, porque sus oraciones y sus esfuerzos oraciones y sus esfuerzos por los por los tesalonicenses serán tesalonicenses serán vindicados al regreso de Jesús vindicados al regreso de Jesús (ver 1 Tes. 2:19, 20).(ver 1 Tes. 2:19, 20).

En el En el versículo 10versículo 10, Pablo , Pablo termina de hablar de los termina de hablar de los impíos, y se vuelve a los impíos, y se vuelve a los justos en la segunda justos en la segunda venida. En los venida. En los versículos 10 versículos 10 al 12al 12, la gloria de Jesús se , la gloria de Jesús se exhibe en el carácter de exhibe en el carácter de aquellos que creen en él. aquellos que creen en él. Pablo se alegra, porque sus Pablo se alegra, porque sus oraciones y sus esfuerzos oraciones y sus esfuerzos por los por los tesalonicenses serán tesalonicenses serán vindicados al regreso de Jesús vindicados al regreso de Jesús (ver 1 Tes. 2:19, 20).(ver 1 Tes. 2:19, 20).

El apóstol prepara aquí el cuadro para el El apóstol prepara aquí el cuadro para el capítulo 2capítulo 2, , ya que el Día del ya que el Día del Señor no había llegado todavía. Si así hubiera sido, habría fuego Señor no había llegado todavía. Si así hubiera sido, habría fuego ardiente, destrucción de los malvados y la glorificación de Jesús a la ardiente, destrucción de los malvados y la glorificación de Jesús a la vista de todos. vista de todos. Pablo usa los nombres de Dios y de Jesús en forma intercambiable. Pablo usa los nombres de Dios y de Jesús en forma intercambiable. Según la inspiración, Jesús es Dios. Esto es muy importante. Cuanto más grande sea Según la inspiración, Jesús es Dios. Esto es muy importante. Cuanto más grande sea Jesús, más poderosa es su salvación, y más claro el retrato de Dios que recibimos al Jesús, más poderosa es su salvación, y más claro el retrato de Dios que recibimos al contemplar su vida, muerte, resurrección y retorno. Como Jesús es verdaderamente contemplar su vida, muerte, resurrección y retorno. Como Jesús es verdaderamente Dios, entonces el Padre es justo como él.Dios, entonces el Padre es justo como él.

¿Cómo vivimos cada día la expectativa de ¿Cómo vivimos cada día la expectativa de la segunda venida? ¿Por qué es fácilla segunda venida? ¿Por qué es fácilolvidar su venida? ¿Cómo podemos olvidar su venida? ¿Cómo podemos

recordar esta promesa y realizar nuestrasrecordar esta promesa y realizar nuestrastareas diarias, dándole la atención que tareas diarias, dándole la atención que

esta promesa merece?esta promesa merece?

REFLEXIÓNREFLEXIÓN

PARA ESTUDIAR Y MEDITAR: PARA ESTUDIAR Y MEDITAR:

““La Biblia está escrita por La Biblia está escrita por hombres inspirados, pero no es hombres inspirados, pero no es la forma del pensamiento y de la forma del pensamiento y de la expresión de Dios. Es la forma la expresión de Dios. Es la forma de la humanidad. Dios no está de la humanidad. Dios no está representado como escritor. Con representado como escritor. Con frecuencia, los hombres dicen frecuencia, los hombres dicen que cierta expresión no parece que cierta expresión no parece de Dios. Pero Dios no se ha de Dios. Pero Dios no se ha puesto a sí mismo a prueba en puesto a sí mismo a prueba en la Biblia por medio de palabras, la Biblia por medio de palabras, de lógica, de retórica. Los de lógica, de retórica. Los escritores de la Biblia eran los escritores de la Biblia eran los escribientes de Dios, escribientes de Dios, no su no su pluma. [...]pluma. [...]

PARA ESTUDIAR Y MEDITAR: PARA ESTUDIAR Y MEDITAR:

““La Biblia está escrita por La Biblia está escrita por hombres inspirados, pero no es hombres inspirados, pero no es la forma del pensamiento y de la forma del pensamiento y de la expresión de Dios. Es la forma la expresión de Dios. Es la forma de la humanidad. Dios no está de la humanidad. Dios no está representado como escritor. Con representado como escritor. Con frecuencia, los hombres dicen frecuencia, los hombres dicen que cierta expresión no parece que cierta expresión no parece de Dios. Pero Dios no se ha de Dios. Pero Dios no se ha puesto a sí mismo a prueba en puesto a sí mismo a prueba en la Biblia por medio de palabras, la Biblia por medio de palabras, de lógica, de retórica. Los de lógica, de retórica. Los escritores de la Biblia eran los escritores de la Biblia eran los escribientes de Dios, escribientes de Dios, no su no su pluma. [...]pluma. [...]

““No son las palabras de la Biblia No son las palabras de la Biblia las inspiradas, sino los hombres las inspiradas, sino los hombres son los que fueron inspirados. La son los que fueron inspirados. La inspiración no obra en las palabras inspiración no obra en las palabras del hombre ni en sus expresiones, del hombre ni en sus expresiones, sino en el hombre mismo, que está sino en el hombre mismo, que está imbuido con pensamientos bajo la imbuido con pensamientos bajo la influencia del Espíritu Santo. Pero influencia del Espíritu Santo. Pero las palabras reciben la impresión las palabras reciben la impresión de la mente individual. La mente de la mente individual. La mente divina es difundida. La mente y la divina es difundida. La mente y la voluntad divinas se combinan con voluntad divinas se combinan con la mente y la voluntad humanas. la mente y la voluntad humanas. De ese modo, las declaraciones del De ese modo, las declaraciones del hombre son la Palabhombre son la Palabra de Dios” ra de Dios” (MS 1:24). (MS 1:24).

““La instrucción que el apóstol La instrucción que el apóstol envió a los tesalonicenses en envió a los tesalonicenses en su primera carta en cuanto a la su primera carta en cuanto a la segunda venida de Cristo esta-segunda venida de Cristo esta-ba perfectamente de acuerdo ba perfectamente de acuerdo con su enseñanza anterior. Sin con su enseñanza anterior. Sin embargo, sus palabras fueron embargo, sus palabras fueron mal interpretadas. [...]mal interpretadas. [...]

““En su segunda carta, Pablo En su segunda carta, Pablo procuró corregir su error con procuró corregir su error con respecto a la doctrina que les respecto a la doctrina que les había dado, y trató de presentarles su verdadera enseñanza” había dado, y trató de presentarles su verdadera enseñanza” (HAp 218).(HAp 218).

ASSOCIATE truth – Why should I study this lesson?DISCOVER truth – What does the Bible say about this truth?APPLY truth – How can this truth affect my life today?PLAN using the truth – How can I use this truth today?TRANSFER truth to life – What changes do I need in my life?

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