Our Soon Reality

The great theme of 1 Thessalonians is the rapture of the church.

The great theme of 2 Thessalonians is the Lord Jesus Christ’s second coming to earth to establish His Kingdom.

Of all the teaching you’ve heard about eschatology or prophecy, Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians is the most practical. Most teachers treat prophecy as a novelty—something fun to talk or even argue about, but not meaningful to everyday life. But Paul’s teaching points us to practical living.

Setting your expectations on Jesus’ soon return will purify your hope. It will change your life, impact your lifestyle, and set your priorities—especially when you consider that at any moment, Jesus Christ could snatch up His own. If that doesn’t affect your life, you don’t really believe it.

This soon reality is the heart of this first letter to the Thessalonians.

Paul’s love for the Thessalonians is obvious. He wishes he could be with them and knew Satan hindered him returning to Thessalonica. Paul had left so quickly there was much he still wanted to teach them. The Thessalonians were facing persecution, and Paul wanted God’s truth to comfort them.

Paul also hoped to establish them in their faith. This word paints a powerful word picture from the Old Testament book of Exodus. Remember when Moses held his arms up in prayer as Israel fought a battle? When he got tired, Aaron and Hur supported him, so his hands stayed up—so his arms were established. People need to help establish each other’s faith like that today.

The Thessalonians were under great pressure and tension and needed Paul’s encouragement. God’s Word makes it clear that all Christians will not escape trouble. Trouble is often how God teaches us to rely on Him. It helps us grow up in Christ. Paul comforts the Thessalonians because he was concerned that since Satan was giving him a hard time, the Thessalonians might be suffering his arrows, too.

Theses afflictions, Paul says, also test the genuineness of what we believe. One thing that will set us apart from the many fake Christians is the ability to endure trouble through our faith in God. Paul is glad for this proof indicator in the Thessalonians. He heard their faith was holding them firm.

This firm foundation means that as believers we can enjoy life—even in trouble (see 1 Peter 4:12-13). You just can’t lose as a Christian. Even if you have trouble, God will eventually work it out for your good—you can be sure of that.

As when he taught them about the Lord’s return, he encouraged them to live like the Rapture could happen any moment. “Keep loving each other and let it spill out and over on your neighbors,” he said. Let your love be seen by your actions when you actively seek each other’s welfare. This kind of love is not just an end in itself, but purposefully points people to Jesus Christ.

This labor of love also establishes our own hearts “blameless in holiness before our God” (v.13). The side benefit of our love for one another is developing our personal character of holiness. We will appear before Him someday, and He will judge our works and our character as believers. What kind of a life are you living today?

No doubt this reminder of the Lord’s coming encouraged the Thessalonians to persevere in their trials, and it should us too. With the Lord, we’ve got a bright future ahead of us.

Next: What does it mean to walk worthy?