Perhaps only months after writing to the Thessalonian church for the first time, Paul sends a further letter. There are outstanding and unresolved issues to address. Persecution still troubles the church. There is still confusion and fear about the last things. There is deep-rooted idleness in the church. With these matters before him, this second letter is just as warm and earnest as the first, but still more sober and urgent. Let me suggest five reasons to preach through 2 Thessalonians.
1. It sets before us first things.
Second Thessalonians sets before us the first things in terms of spiritual priority. The core of the letter, both in terms of its literary balance and its constant emphasis, is the immediate and lasting effect of a proper hearing of divine truth, a receiving of Christ as he is offered in the gospel, the peace and security that come from knowing the Lord Jesus. It is eminently concerned with what it means to live and serve in the kingdom of God in this present evil age. It holds up the glory of Christ as Lord and Savior, and calls for enduring faithfulness to the Word of God in the face of painful
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