2 Thess 2 15 17 15 Therefore NKJV

2 Thess 2: 15 -17 15 Therefore, (NKJV) brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Knowing God’s Word Second Thessalonians

Knowing God’s Word • Last week we looked at I Thessalonians, a letter Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica to strengthen their faith • This week we move onto the book of Second Thessalonians • II Thessalonians is the 14 th book in the NT and is the 9 th of the Pauline Epistles (Romans through Philemon)

Knowing God’s Word • Paul is the author of the book of II Thessalonians, addressed along with Silvanus & Timothy (1: 1; 3: 17) • This second letter to the Thessalonians is the third letter Paul wrote in order of date • The date of the writing of this book would be around 53 AD

Knowing God’s Word • Thessalonica was the chief city of Macedonia • It was a seaport on the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea, having a Roman highway running through from East-West • It’s name today is Thessaloniki, located in the same spot

Knowing God’s Word • Paul founded the church there on his second missionary journey following the “Macedonian call” • We find the story there in Acts 17: 1 -9 • There were many who were converted there, but also many who resisted and caused trouble

Knowing God’s Word • Paul writes this second letter to the church at Thessalonica based on new problems that had arisen • They remained faithful, but were shaken or troubled about the “day of Christ” (2: 1 -2) • There were also some not working, so Paul addresses this as well (3)

Knowing God’s Word • Concerning the “day of Christ”, Paul mentions it will not happen until the man of sin (son of perdition) is revealed • This is likely one who is either still to come or developing as the man of sin • Many have pointed to the Catholic church and the papacy as this man of sin

Knowing God’s Word • Key Verses in II Thessalonians: – 1: 7 -10 – 2: 1 -2 – 2: 15 -17 – 3: 5 – 3: 6, 10 – 3: 13

Knowing God’s Word • Outline of II Thessalonians: – Greeting (1: 1 -2) – Comfort For Affliction (1: 3 -12) • By Encouragement (1: 3 -4) • By Exhortation (1: 5 -12) – Correction of Day of the Lord (2: 1 -12) • Summary of Correction (2: 1 -2) • Day of Lord Yet To Come (2: 3 -5)

Knowing God’s Word • Outline of I Thessalonians: – Correction of Day of the Lord (2: 1 -17) • Unveiling of the Antichrist (2: 6 -12) • Encouragement to Stand Fast (2: 13 -17) – Concern For the Church (3: 1 -15) • Regarding Prayer (3: 1 -5) • Regarding Idleness (3: 6 -15) – Benediction (3: 16 -18)