Written by:

• Paul, approximately six months after 1^st Thessalonians (52AD)

Purposes:

• To encourage the church in the midst of rising persecution
• To further correct some misunderstandings concerning the second coming of the Lord.
  • They thought he had already come and they missed it (2:1-12)
  • They were still living disorderly (3:6-15)

Outline:

1. Encouragement in persecution (1)
   1. Persecution helps us grow (1:3-5)
   2. Persecution prepares us for His glory (1:6-10)
   3. Persecution glorifies Christ today (1:11-12)
2. Enlightenment about the day of the Lord (2)
   1. The rapture must take place (2:1-3)
   2. The temple must be rebuilt (2:4-5)
   3. The restrainer must be removed (2:6-12)
   4. The church must be complete (2:13-17)
3. Establishment in Christian living (3)
   1. Pray and be patient (3:1-5)
   2. Work if you want to eat (3:6-13)
   3. Hear the Word and do it (3:14-15)