Proposition Statement:

Jesus is still coming back, so stand firm.

Introduction:

False teaching about the future takes away hope, thus crippling the church.  The apostle Paul addresses this challenge in today’s passage.  He prompts the church to consider deeply the lie that shakes us, the truth that corrects us, and the assurance that keeps us.  In doing so, fresh spiritual vitality is instilled into God’s people.  

Point 1: The Lie that Shakes Us

The Thessalonian church struggled over “the day of the Lord” (v. 1-2), likely a metaphor for Jesus’ return.  Sadducees and others did not believe in the resurrection (thus rejecting Christ’s resurrection).  Yet others believed that Jesus had come back and that the resurrection already happened.  These false notions infected the church then (2 Tim. 2:16-18, 1 Cor. 15:12-19), and they still do now as liberalism in the church rejects the supernatural.  Without future hope the church is weakened, and its people should be pitied (1 Cor. 15:19).

Point 2: The Truth that Corrects Us

Paul brings truth to their struggle (v. 3).  He points out Jesus has yet to return, and that three things must occur before He does so:  

Point 3: The Assurance that Keeps Us

Rather than being shaken by talk of end times, Christians receive assurance by contemplating God’s salvation, the Spirit’s sanctifying work in our lives, and belief in the truth (v. 13).  In doing so, we obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 14).

Conclusion:

Such assurance, security, and hope should not prompt us to relax and coast along.  Instead it is a call to stand firm and hold on (v. 15).  By directing our gaze to the future, God aims to strengthen and deepen our faith.