2 Thessalonians

One of the challenges in leadership is how to respond to those who will not follow the guidance given them. What should be done with those who disobey?

In an ideal world everyone would have enough work, and would be paid enough for their work, to meet all of their material needs. Unfortunately, things are not always ideal. Sometimes people do not have enough work. Sometime the wages they earn are not enough to meet their needs. Sometimes people cannot find any work at all. Even worse, there are many who cannot work because of illness or physical disability. In cases like this the followers of Christ have a responsibility to meet the needs of those among their number who cannot supply their own.

What is the answer to the world’s problems? On all sides we see deception and hatred. People kill and covet. Greed and licentiousness are everywhere. Nations bicker and fight with one another. In spite of all the laws which are passed; in spite of all the peace conferences and negotiations, the problems remain. Could it be that our laws and treaties only address symptoms rather than the root issue?

Basically, there are two kinds of people in the world. Those who will be saved and live with Christ forever, and those who will be condemned. In his second inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul writes that the reason people will be condemned is that they, “...didn't believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2:12)

While writing to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul told them that Christ would not return until a falling away occurred and the church became corrupted. Why would anyone turn away from the life-giving teachings of Christ and worship falsehood?

In his inspired letters to the followers of Christ in the city of Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul tells of the glory which they will receive and the punishment which will come to their persecutors at Christ’s return. In view of this, it is natural to want to know when this will take place.

On the surface, it may sometimes seem that God is unjust. He allows righteous people, that is the followers of Christ, to suffer persecution. The Apostle Paul, however assures us that God is just. The time is coming when Christ will return and God will take vengeance on, and destroy, all those who trouble Christians.

Why do good people suffer? An even more vexing question is why God allows persecution to come upon the righteous. If Jesus is correct when He said, “...I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” (John 14:6), then why would God permit anyone to persecute those who follow Jesus? Though, on the surface, it may appear that God is cruel or unjust in allowing His people to suffer persecution, in reality God brings much good out of persecution.

It is easy to believe something when there is nothing to dispute that belief and there is no price to pay for believing it. It is easy to love people when they express love in return. But what if we are persecuted for our beliefs? What if hate is returned for love? Would we be able to hold on to our faith in those circumstances? Could our love survive persecution? The followers of Christ in the city of Thessalonica suffered severely for their faith. In spite of persecution, however, they remained strong in their faith, to the point that they became a model for other believers.