Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 8, 2022

Ammunition for Endurance

2 Thessalonians 1:5-12

1. Introduction

• a second letter and three key issues
• issue of ongoing/intensified persecution and the struggle with suffering
• Because God’s promises are true and His judgments are right, persevere in all circumstances until His Son returns.

2. Consider Adversity through the Lens of God’s Sovereignty 5-10

• addressing “this” in verse 5
• suffering in the context of God’s dominion (5b)
• repayment for oppressors and relief for the oppressed (6-7a) (Isa. 66:5-6)
• connection to Christ’s return (7b-8a)
• judgment on those who do not know God and do not obey… (8b-9) (Isa. 66: 15-16)
• contrast: Christ glorified in and marveled at by His saints (10)
• dramatic reversal

3. Cooperate with God’s Qualifying and Completing Sustenance 11-12

• intercessory prayer (11a)
• considered worthy: perseverance and purity (11b)
• completed in every resolve (11c)
• goal: reciprocal glorification rooted in grace (12)
• summary of contrast

4. So What?

• Actively acknowledge God’s activity.
• “By perseverance, the snail reached the ark.” (Spurgeon)
• Anticipate the great “reversal.”
• “Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face…” (W. Cowper)