RETRIBUTION AND RELIEF
Text: II Thessalonians 1
Christians in Thessalonica were experiencing hard times. In fact, persecution was so intense that some wondered if they were receiving RETRIBUTION from God. This is a common misunderstanding among Christians. When things go wrong, it’s very common for Christians to wonder if God is somehow “getting back at them” for something they did wrong.
Key Verse: God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled. (II Thessalonians 1:6-7)
We’re going to take some time this morning to look at how God will give RELIEF to those who are with him and RETRIBUTION to those who are against him.
RETRIBUTION
The principle of retribution holds that God always rewards people he accepts with prosperity, and punishes people he doesn’t accept with suffering.
The Bible says:
He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power … (II Thess 1:8-9)
- The word translated obey in vs. 8 is often used to describe the response to someone who is __________________ at the door.
- The Day of the Lord will be a Day of R__________________.
- Hell is no laughing matter.
• Jesus quoted from Isaiah 66:24 "their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” And Everyone will be salted with fire. (Mk 9:48-49)
• The book of Jude describes Hell as darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment and as the punishment of eternal fire. Jude 1:6,7
• Revelation 9 calls Hell an Abyss or a bottomless pit.
- Common misconceptions people make about hell
• Hell is a fire at least you’ll burn up quickly...
• At least my friends are going to be there…
• The devil will be there, he’ll be in charge.
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
(Rev. 20:10)
II Thessalonians explains: God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled … II Thessalonians 1:6-7
We may very well deserve RETRIBUTION --- but we need RELIEF.
RELIEF
...we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. (II Thessalonians 1:4)
Perseverance" is, spiritual s_________________.
When we are feeling uncertain, we can regain our confidence by responding to problems with spiritual stamina.
The Bible even says that God can take things intended to destroy us and use them for good. Remember the story of Joseph.
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Gen. 50:20)
CONCLUSION:
When troubles come, don’t ever think God is “paying you back” for your sins.
Jesus did not promise a trouble-free life. In fact, he said in John 16:33 In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
If you can only remember one thing from this sermon, make it this: God NEVER gives RETRIBUTION to those who belong to Him.
