Paul's Prayer During Their Affliction

Paul wanted them to be prepared for the kingdom of God when Christ would come again for judgment. So, he, along with Silas and Timothy, prayed for them that they would be considered by God ready to enter heaven (Matthew 25:14-30). Christians must strive to live a righteous life and perform all of the works one who truly believes in God and His Son. Notice, to truly do this requires God's help, which Paul prayed for in their behalf. Also, if there were no concern about falling from grace, Paul's prayer would be meaningless.

When Christians live according to the Lord's will, His name is glorified (Matthew 5:16). In turn, wearing the name of God's own Son and being a part of His body will bring glory to the Christian. This is only possible because of the unmerited gift of God's help (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

At Peace With the Lord's Second Coming

Paul begged the brethren on the basis of the Lord's second coming and the gathering together to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). He did not want them to lose their spiritual balance because of some false prophet who claimed to be speaking by the power of a spirit, or a false teacher claiming to present God's word, or a letter some said was from Paul (1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-5). He did not want their minds to be so disturbed that they acted rashly. It seems someone was saying the Lord's coming would happen in the very near future. Naturally, such a thought would cause one to reconsider, even lay aside, some immediate plans.

Paul assured them that the Lord's second coming could not occur until some went away from the truth and took their stand somewhere else. Also, the son of perdition, or perishing who is also called the man of sin, would have to be made known. It is interesting to note that Judas was called the son of perdition (John 17:12). While he was not Satan, certainly he allowed himself to be made his agent by yielding control of his heart to him (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; John 13:21-30).

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