Scripture Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-8

Worthy of the Kingdom

(2 Thessalonians 1:3-12)

Intro.

1. The Thessalonians had been called into the kingdom by gospel preaching (Acts 17:7), 1 Thess. 2:12.

2. The eternal kingdom in its heavenly existence is our sure hope, 2 Tim. 4:18; 1 Cor. 15:24, 50; 2 Pet. 1:10-11.

3. Thessalonians were making their “call and election sure.” By doing so they were “counted worthy of the kingdom,” 2 Thess. 1:3-5.

I. WORTHY OF THE KINGDOM, 2 Thess. 1:5.

A. Counted Worthy.

1. “to deem entirely deserving” (Strong’s); “judge worthy” (Thayer, 335). Cf. Judgment day, Jno. 5:28-29

2. Contrasted with the persecutors who are judged worthy of a righteous judgment of fire (1:5-9).

B. Our Conduct must be Worthy of the Kingdom, Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27.

1. Moral purity, Eph. 5:5-7.

2. Holy restraint, not lustful abandon, 1 Thess. 4:1-5.

3. Bearing godly fruit, Col. 1:9-12.

C. Character of our Heart Must be Worthy of the Kingdom, Eph. 4:2 (kingdom is within you, Lk. 17:21). Rom. 14:17

II. TRAITS NEEDED TO BE COUNTED WORTHY OF THE KINGDOM, 2 Thess. 1:3-5.

A. A Growing Faith, 1:3.

1. What causes faith to grow? Hearing and doing the word of God, Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 2:1-3; Heb. 5:11-14.

2. A growing faith is a working faith, Lk. 17:5-10.

B. An Abounding Love for Each Other, 1:3.

1. Increasing in brotherly love, 1 Thess. 4:9-10; 1 Jno. 3:17-19.

2. Love is not forced, it is freely expressed.

3. Evident, observable and influences others, 2 Thess. 1:4.

C. A Patient Faith When Tried, 1:4; cf. 1 Pet. 1:6-7.

1. Steadfast endurance in the face of persecution and affliction, cf. 1 Thess. 2:14 (Acts 17:6).

2. Whatever your trial, endure it with steadfast faith, Jas. 1:2-4; Heb. 12:1-2.

3. Your patient endurance of affliction is manifest evidence (a clear indication) that God will bring righteous judgment against those who make you suffer, 1:5.

4. Must persevere, endure, be patient, Rev. 6:9-11.

III. THE DAY OF CHRIST’S RETURN WILL BE A DAY OF GLORIOUS RESOLUTION, 2 Thess. 1:6-12.

A. Righteous Retribution, 1:6, 8-9.

1. He will repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 1:6, 8.

2. Give place to God’s wrath, do not be vengeful, Rom. 12:17-21.

B. Rest for the Faithful, 1:7, 10.

1. He will give rest to those who have been troubled, 1:7.

2. See and share in Christ’s glory because we believed (lived in) the gospel, 1:10.

C. It is God Who Counts Us Worthy (Deserving) of Reward, 1:11.

1. We do not earn the eternal kingdom; saved by grace through faith, Eph. 2:8-9.

2. Your faithful life glorifies Christ, 1:12.

3. Such a life brings God’s grace to your life now and eternally, 1:12.

Conclusion

1. We all will be judged “at His appearing and His kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:1).

2. Live to be counted worthy of the kingdom.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: June 22, 2018