Grace Community Bible Church Sermons

Pastor Rob Davis: 2 Thess. 3:6-18

In 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 Paul closes this letter with 3 exhortations.

1. Paul gives an exhortation concerning the unruly.
1. Stay away from those who are unruly (v. 6).
2. Imitate our example:
1. We were disciplined (v. 7)
2. We labored for our food (v. 8)
3. We lived as an example (v. 9)
4. We taught you this before (v. 10)
3. The unruly must stop meddling and start working (vs. 11-12)!
4. Those who disobey must be disciplined (vs. 13-15).
2. Paul gives an exhortation concerning peace.
1. May God grant you peace and His presence (v. 16).
2. Don’t fret over the authenticity of this letter (v. 17).
3. Paul gives an exhortation concerning grace (v. 18).

Pastor Rob Davis: 2 Thess. 3:1-5

In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Paul makes three statements that reveal His passion for and dependency on the Lord, His Word, and His work.

1. Paul requests prayer.
1. “Pray that the gospel will spread rapidly and be glorified” (v. 1).
2. “Pray that we will be rescued from unrighteous and evil non-believers” (v. 2).
2. Paul professes his confidence in the Lord.
1. “The Lord is faithful!” (v. 3)
1. He will strengthen you (v. 3b).
2. He will protect you (v. 3c).
2. “The Lord will continue to work obedience in you!” (v. 4)
3. Paul prays.
1. “May the Lord clear the way for you to live in His love for you” (v. 5a).
2. “May the Lord clear the way for you to live in His steadfastness” (v. 5b).

Pastor Rob Davis: 2 Thess. 2:13-17

In 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 Paul gives thanks to God for four actions He takes in the lives of those who are loved by Him.

1. God chose those whom He loves.
1. from the beginning (13a)
2. for salvation (13b)
3. through sanctification (13c)
4. by the Spirit (13d)
5. by faith in the gospel
2. God called those whom He loves.
1. through the gospel (14a)
2. to gain the glory of Christ (14b)
3. God demands obedience from those whom He loves (15).
4. God provides obedience for those whom He loves.
1. by giving grace in the past:
1. He has loved us (16a)
2. He has given us comfort (16b)
3. He has given us hope (16c)
2. by giving grace in the present and future:
1. He will comfort us as we work and preach (17a,c)
2. He will strengthen us as we work and preach (17b,c)

Pastor Rob Davis: 2 Thess. 2:8-12

In 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 Paul shows us 3 activities of God on the Day of the Lord.

1. God will reveal the lawless one.
1. Who comes as Satan’s representative (v. 9a)
2. Who comes with power and false signs and wonders (v. 9b)
3. Who comes with deceiving wickedness (v. 10a)
2. God will destroy the lawless one.
1. By the breath of His mouth (v. 8a)
2. By the splendor of His coming (v. 8b)
3. God will judge the wicked.
1. Because they believe what is false
1. Proven by their rejection of the gospel (v. 10b, 12a).
2. Confirmed by God sending a deluding influence (v. 11)
2. Because they loved the wickedness rather than the gospel (v. 12b)

Pastor Rob Davis: 2 Thess. 2:1-7

In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-7 Paul give 3 reasons why the Thessalonians believers should not be shaken in their faith or deceived by false teachings about the return of Christ (2:1-3a).

1. Before Christ returns an apostasy must come (3b).
2. Before Christ returns the Antichrist must be revealed (3c).
1. Who steals God’s glory (v. 4a)
2. Who usurps God’s rule (v. 4b)
3. Who is now restrained (v. 6, 7b)
4. Who is already active (v. 7a)
3. Paul has told them about these things before (v. 5).

Pastor Rob Davis: 2 Thess. 1:5-12

In 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 Paul reveals 3 ways in which God’s glory is shown.

God’s glory is shown:

1. In the righteous judgment of believers.
1. Evidenced by their persevering faith (v. 5a).
2. Resulting in kingdom entrance (v. 5b).
1. with rest (v. 7a)
2. when Jesus is revealed (v. 7b)
1. from heaven (v. 7c)
2. with power (v. 7d)
3. for judgment (v. 7e)
2. In the righteous judgment of non-believers.
1. With affliction (v. 6).
1. for those who don’t know God (v. 8a)
2. for those who don’t obey God (v. 8b)
2. Resulting in Hell.
1. separated from His presence (v. 9a)
2. separated from His glory (v. 9b)
3. when Jesus is revealed (v. 10a)
1. in His saints
2. as they stand in awe (v. 10b)
3. In the lives of believers.
1. As He perseveres through them (v. 11a)
2. As He works powerfully in them (v. 11b)
3. As he glorifies Himself (v. 12).

Pastor Rob Davis: 2 Thess. 1:1-4

Paul begins his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians by using two elements common to 1st century letters.

1. Paul writes a greeting.
1. The senders (v. 1a).
2. The recipients (v. 1b).
3. The blessing (v. 2).
2. Paul writes a thanksgiving.
1. Paul is thankful to God (v. 3a).
2. Paul is thankful for the church (v. 3b).
1. Because their faith is growing (v. 3c).
2. Because their love is growing (v. 3d).
3. Paul boasts about God’s work in the church.
1. Their enduring perseverance (v. 4).
2. Their enduring faith (v. 4).