In vs 3 the apostle Paul had said of the Thessalonian Christians “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” He goes on now to say:

5-8 This is evidence of the righteous judgement of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering, since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9-10 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

11-12 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfil every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 English Standard Version

For Christians living in countries where persecution has been mild Paul's words may not have the same impact as it would’ve had on the people he was writing to in Thessalonica. They had experienced harsh opposition from fellow countrymen and many of them had suffered greatly. And while his letter shows that they were willing to suffer for Christ, there is in the human heart an understandable desire for justice. Paul tells them that such justice would indeed take place. What words does he use in vs 5-8 to describe it?

He says that those who have afflicted God's people will themselves be afflicted, and that Jesus will 'inflict vengeance' upon them. Strong words - but true. What is the most terrible outcome this vengeance will lead to? (vs 9-10)

Unrepentant sinners will experience “eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.” There can be nothing worse than that. To be eternally cast away from the glory that God's people will enter into and enjoy forever. The two destinations will be as distinct as night and day. When will this all happen? (vs 9-10)

It will be at the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, what Christians have called 'the second coming'. Paul says that Jesus will be “revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire.” It will be a day that is awesome for some and awful for others. This is a Bible truth we must never lose sight of. It is a strong reason why we must encourage the preaching of the gospel wherever and whenever we can. Men and women can be saved from the wrath of that day if they believe the gospel that Jesus gave His apostles to preach to the world.

In the meantime, how should this awesome truth affect our lives? What was Paul's prayer for the Christians at Thessalonica? (vs 11-12)

He asks that God would enable them to be worthy of Christ. Not only through their standing firm under persecution, but by fulfilling their new desires to live lives that are full of the good deeds that flow out of a relationship with Jesus. He prays that they will continue the walk of faith, believing in God's promises of a future eternal glory. He prays that their lives will bring honour to the name of Jesus.

What Paul prayed for them ought to be the longing and prayer of every Christian heart. We must ask God to enable us to be consistent in our relationship with Christ. We don't want to live in double standard ways that end up bringing disgrace to His name. Our personal private life must be even more honest and pure than the life we display in public. Our faith should be growing abundantly, our love for one another ought to be increasing. Is that the case with my life today as I await the return of the Saviour I've believed on?