Verses 1-10
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Verses 1-5. Again, as with 1 Thessalonians, Paul commends the Thessalonians for their faith, love, and patience, and especially how these abound in the face of great persecution.
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Verse 5. God will show that His judgment is right because He will be repaying unbelievers for how they hurt believers—for their injustices against the church and the kingdom.
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For the time being, God uses persecutions to strengthen us, and to help us live worthy of His kingdom.
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So, if you suffer persecution, remember that it will benefit your faith (see teaching on Philippians 1) and know that it is important for God to show His justice when your suffering is avenged.
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For unbelievers, the tribulation they bring upon believers will return upon them in the form of tribulation that God will make them suffer.
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Verses 6-10. When Jesus returns from heaven for judgment, He will come with an army of angels, and destroy the wicked with intense flames and flashes of lightning(Matthew 24:27).
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For unbelievers, this will be a fearful sight. They will be separated from relationship with God by being cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8) or the void of outer darkness (Matthew 8:12).
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But, as believers, we will see Him with great love and admiration. It will be a great victory!
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Verses 11-12
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It is a great calling to be received into the kingdom of God and to live to witness the return of Christ.
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To live worthy of this calling, live in all the ways that God says are good and pleasing to Him, and grow your faith through your actions.
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Any action of obedience to the Word will grow your faith, but especially actions that are harder or more uncomfortable for you.
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