In Flaming Fire

March 11

Read: 2 Thessalonians 1

The church at Thessalonica was a persecuted church. This is clear from in verses 4-6 where the church is described as enduring persecutions and tribulations, suffering, and troubled. The exact source of the trouble is not described, but clearly all was not well in Mudville (or Thessalonica).

Paul chooses to comfort the church by reminding them God would ultimately bring those who troubled them to an accounting. He says, “It is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.” He then tells them of when the final judgement will occur, saying in verses 7-9:

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”

The Thessalonian believers are to draw comfort and patience from the knowledge that God will judge their persecutors. And what a judgement! Jesus will come with His angels in flaming fire to judge those that do not know God and have rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are to be banished from the Lord’s presence and glory into a place of eternal destruction.

Jesus also mentioned this place while he ministered on earth. In fact, he mentioned it many times. In Mark 9 he referred to a place called hell, where “the fire is not quenched.” Matthew 25:41 tells of a place described as “everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” The parable of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16 tells that the rich man “died, and was buried, and in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.”

Paul intended for the Thessalonian believers to draw comfort from the fact God was going to judge their tormentors by sentencing them to hell. Hell and its punishment are facts, facts that not only comfort but send terror into our hearts as well. Did you notice who was destined for hell? It is a place for those who “know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Anyone who has not come to Christ in repentance and faith, who has not trusted him for forgiveness of sins, is going to spend eternity in the fires of hell.

Christian friend, do you know anyone who is destined for hell? Of course you do. And you hold the key that can unlock the door to heaven. The precious story of the sinless life, substitutionary death, atoning blood, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation, and you have it, and they will go to hell without it. C’mon, folks, let’s share.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom