While we are waiting

Thessalonians – While we are Waiting
Readings: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 & 2:13-17 Preacher: Phil Swain

We wrap up our Thessalonians series with a conversation that sits at the heart of Paul’s letters to the early church — the Second Coming of Jesus. Often framed with mystery or even fear, we are going to open up Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians to see how we might understand the theology of Jesus’ return.

Have you ever wondered what Jesus’ return is all about? Our pastor Phil will bring us an overview of how Christians across time have understood this promise in different ways — from literal and dramatic expectations to symbolic and hope-filled interpretations – and what that might mean for us in our context. We will also be invited to reflect on how we live with faith, grace, and purpose “while we are waiting”.

Sermon Text

Over the past two weeks, we’ve been exploring the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, and today I get to finish off this series by looking at the second letter to the Thessalonians. When Kevin chose Thessalonians as our focus for these three weeks, I was excited — after all, there are some verses in Thessalonians that are absolute gems. Like Paul’s encouragement to the church in 1 Thessalonians 1:3:

“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope…”

Or the hope of eternal life in Jesus found in 1 Thessalonians 4… or that cracker in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 — “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” And of course, the beautiful triple-call that Kevin preached on last week in 1 Thessalonians 5:16: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.”

As the young people would say, “There are some real bangers of wisdom in Thessalonians”. But underpinning all these great verses is a central theme that we can’t ignore: the return of Jesus, the second coming of Christ, and the call to be ready when Jesus descends from the clouds.

Just like Kevin did the last two weeks, I had a choice when writing this sermon. I could focus on the uplifting verses in today’s reading — like the beautiful prayer at the end of chapter 1 that talks about being made worthy of God’s calling and glorified in Christ; or the encouragement in chapter 2 that we are loved, chosen, saved, and strengthened through God’s grace. There is enough just there for a great sermon!

Or… I could tackle the big theme of the Second Coming. And despite my hesitation, I felt that God was prompting me to explore it. After all, it is the core message running through both 1 and 2 Thessalonians. To remind you of the context: Thessalonica was (and still is) a huge city in northern Greece — culturally diverse and, at the time of Paul, dominated by Greco-Roman pagan religion. Paul’s message about Jesus stirred up trouble, and he was chased out of the city. The new believers who remained faced persecution for their faith.

So when Paul writes his first letter, he encourages them to stand firm and endure because they were being persecuted. And it make sense that this community is really invested in the idea that Jesus will return. After all, if life is hard and the bad guys seem to be winning, then the promise of Jesus coming back in power and justice would have sounded like very good news. Paul responds to their suffering with repeated affirmations that Jesus will come again to bring deliverance and wrath to those who are not of God.

His second letter picks up this same theme but adds a twist. Scholars believe that someone had sent the Thessalonians a fake letter, claiming to be from Paul, which said that Jesus had already come back — and they’d missed it! No wonder they were confused and anxious. Paul writes again to reassure them: no, Jesus hasn’t returned yet. You’re still waiting. And while you wait, here’s how to live.

So, now we’re diving deeper into this whole topic of the Second Coming — but I want to be honest with you. I don’t particularly enjoy preaching on this topic. For two reasons.

First, I understand why this was such a burning issue for the early church. They remembered what it was like to have Jesus physically among them and longed for that experience again. But it’s now over 2000 years later — nearly 100 generations have passed — and we’re still waiting. I don’t think it is a topic which is as important or as relevant to us as it was back then.

I remember being told as a teenager that Jesus would definitely return in my lifetime … hmmmm … I don’t know. Maybe … but after all this waiting, it just is not something that I think about a lot.

Second, growing up in the last century, this topic was often preached in a way that was heavy on fear and guilt. “Accept Jesus today because he might come back tonight, and you need to be ready!” Or, worse — Jesus is returning soon, and all your sins will be dragged into the light unless you repent immediately. It was an effective evangelistic tool, maybe, but it painted a picture of a God who was harsh, judgmental, and waiting to catch us out. That’s not the God I know — and I don’t think that’s the heart of the gospel.

So … I would prefer not to preach on this but as I said, I felt that God was prompting me to have a go. So shall we?

Paul opens his second letter to the Thessalonians with the phrase, Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I think that’s our starting point too. This isn’t a letter of fear. It’s framed by grace and peace. That’s the lens we should read all this through — especially when talking about the Second Coming. So … how do you understand the second coming of Jesus? Or maybe the question we should start with is how the church tried to understand the second coming of Jesus?

Well, it turns out Christians have understood this in very different ways over time. Some views are more literal and dramatic; others more symbolic and hopeful. Let me walk you through a few — and you might find one that resonates with how you think and feel about it.

There’s the more conservative or fundamentalist approach. It sees the Second Coming as a literal, visible return of Jesus — dramatic and apocalyptic. This is where you hear about the rapture, the tribulation, Jesus returning in glory, and final judgment. It can sound intense, and in some circles, it’s used to stir urgency or even fear — but at its best, this view is about longing for justice, that those who are not with Jesus will get punished and trusting that God has total victory in the end.

Then there’s what we might call a mainline or traditional view, common in churches like ours. This view still affirms that Jesus will return, but it’s more focused on hope than fear. It doesn’t get into timelines or speculation. Instead, it sees the Second Coming as the completion of God’s redemptive work — a time when everything broken is made whole, and God’s kingdom is fully established. It’s a pastoral and comforting view, especially for those who long for healing or justice.

Some theologians take a more symbolic approach. They’d say that all this Second Coming language is really about the ongoing presence of Christ — that Jesus comes to us again and again through the Spirit, through acts of justice and compassion, through the work of the church. In this view, the Second Coming isn’t about a moment in the sky, but about Christ showing up in our world today.

And then there’s a progressive view, which tends to focus more on participation than prediction. Rather than waiting passively for Jesus to return, we’re invited to live as if he already has — to partner with God in bringing healing, justice, and renewal to the world. Every time we stand up for what’s right, or offer love to someone overlooked, or care for creation — that’s part of the kingdom coming. It’s not about escaping this world; it’s about transforming it.

Of course, not all of these views agree with each other — and that’s OK. The Bible gives us multiple images of Christ’s return, and maybe it’s less about figuring out the timeline and more about living with hope, trusting in grace, and being part of the ongoing work of Jesus in the world. … And this is what I believe Paul is trying to achieve with the Thessalonian church in 2 Thessalonians.

For Paul, the core of his message was not of panic and fear … “you better get yourself sorted out because Jesus is coming soon” … but rather … God’s grace and peace be with you!

Paul starts with an encouragement – “Your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing” (1:3). That’s not the language of panic. That’s the language of life.

Even while they’re being squeezed, faith and love are expanding. It’s almost as if the pressure is bringing out what is in their hearts, what God’s already planted in them. Maybe that’s the first word to us today: That God is at work in us too, drawing out of us what the Spirit has already begun—faith that grows, love that overflows, hope that endures.

But then Paul moves into some uncomfortable verses talking about Jerus coming in power and God’s judgement and punishment. This is the part of Jesus coming again that I don’t like preaching on, but at the same time I see why it is important. If you’ve ever been on the wrong end of cruelty, you know why that matters. Judgement and justice is not a scare tactic; it’s good news for people who’ve been told they don’t matter. But notice what Paul prays in verse 11. He doesn’t pray, “Lord, take them out of here. Beam us up Scottie!” Rather Paul prays, “That our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every deed prompted by faith” (1:11).

Did you catch that? We are not just waiting for Jesus to return, God has a calling, a good purpose for us right now. The Second Coming isn’t a countdown clock to disengage us from the present; it’s a promise that encourages participation in the present. If the final chapter of the story is when Jesus’ way is made complete – that all in this broken world will be healed – then we can begin to live that way ahead of time. Paul is saying, “Don’t hide in fear until it’s over. Join in what God is doing.”

To the Thessalonian church, Paul is upfront and honest about their difficulties. He acknowledges their struggles but refuses to let them give into fear. Instead, he asks that Jesus be glorified in them, and they in Jesus (1:12). That’s such a profound line. It’s not just “Jesus will be glorious one day.”

It’s “Jesus can be and will be glorious in you.” In the way that you interact and show love to other people. In your courage when you stand against injustice. In your quiet acts of mercy that no one might notice. That’s where Christ’s future is already starting to shine.

Paul circles back to this in 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 and doubles down on the hope. Listen to the verbs: chosen, saved, called, sanctified, strengthened. This is not the language of an anxious God keeping score; this is the language of a faithful God keeping promises. We are not left on our own until the clock runs out … The spirit of Jesus is with us always and we are called to continue to shine the light of Jesus’ teaching and way that we know leads to life.

And then this gorgeous blessing: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2:16–17).

Eternal encouragement and good hope. That’s the message that Paul is preaching. The idea that Jesus is coming again is not to stir up dread in us … the message of Christ’s return is to steady the faithful so we can keep doing good, keep speaking life, keep joining God’s healing of the world.

So how are you going with all of this? It’s a challenge but I hope that exploring this topic of Jesus’ return has not made you fearful but rather encouraged you. Sure, we might all carry a form of Christian anxiety: “What if I’m not ready? What if I’m not good enough when Jesus comes?” Please hear the prayers that Paul prayed over the church in Thessalonia. They were not prayers that they would be frighted into being perfect but rather about living out God’s calling in our lives. The Second Coming, rightly heard, is not a trapdoor under your feet; it’s God’s arm around your shoulders saying, “Keep going. I’m with you. I’m making all things new, healing the broken, bring peace — and you can be a part of it”

I read this beautiful explanation of the second coming that I would love to finish with. The writer said the Bible gives us a glimpse of what the reign of Jesus will be like. The broken being healed; justice and mercy flowing across the earth; swords beaten into ploughshares; tears wiped away; the way of love and grace being embraced.

If that is the blockbuster movie that is coming, then the church should be like the movie trailer that people are seeing now. People should be looking at us and getting excited about what is to come when Jesus returns. Or even more, we should be living out this hope.

We express love now because one day love will win. We practice reconciliation now because one day all things will be reconciled in Christ. We practice generosity now because one day scarcity will not have the last word. We practice peacemaking now because one day peace will reign. We should live this way because it aligns us with where the story is headed.

May we all see that Jesus is indeed coming —
in the word we speak, in the acts of love we do,
in the times we stand up against injustice.
As we participate in God’s healing of this world
– we are participating in the coming of Jesus.

May the God of grace & peace, make us worthy of this calling. May God’s power, bring to life every good purpose planted in us. May God encourage our hearts and strengthen our hands.

And as we wait for Christ, May Jesus be glorified in us, and us in him. Amen

Bible Study: While We Are Waiting

1. Conversation Starter
Think of a time when you had to wait for something important — maybe good news, a big event, or even just a long queue! How did you cope with the waiting, and what helped you keep hope or patience alive?

2. Growing in Faith and Love (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
Paul begins his second letter by praising the Thessalonians because their faith and love were growing despite hardship.

How have you experienced growth in faith or love during difficult times?
Do you think struggle or pressure can sometimes help reveal what God is already doing in us?

3. Hope and Justice (2 Thessalonians 1:6–10)
Paul talks about God’s justice and Christ’s glory being revealed at his coming.

How do you react to this mix of hope and judgment?
What might be comforting about God’s justice for those who have been wronged?
Compare with Micah 4:1–4 or Revelation 21:1–4 — how do these passages paint the hope of Christ’s reign?

4. Chosen, Called, and Strengthened (2 Thessalonians 2:13–17)
Paul reminds the church that they are chosen, saved, and strengthened by God’s grace.

What words or images from this passage encourage you the most?
How does it change our perspective on the Second Coming if we see it through the lens of God’s grace and encouragement rather than fear?

5. Living as a “Preview of the Kingdom”
In the sermon, we explored the idea that while we are waiting, we are invited to participate in God’s healing of the world — like a “movie trailer” for the kingdom to come.

What is one practical way you can live as a sign of God’s love, reconciliation, or peace this week?
How can we as a group or as a church reflect more of Christ’s light “while we wait”?

Leader’s Guide: While We Are Waiting (Based on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–12; 2:13–17)

1. Conversation Starter

Keep this light-hearted at first to get people sharing.
You might get stories about waiting for babies to be born, waiting on medical results, or even waiting for public transport!
Transition: connect this to the Thessalonians’ situation — they were waiting for Christ’s return, but their waiting was filled with pressure and persecution.

2. Growing in Faith and Love (2 Thess 1:3)

Highlight Paul’s encouragement that hardship can bring growth, not just despair.
Possible cross-reference: James 1:2–4 (trials produce perseverance and maturity).
Be sensitive — some group members may still be in the middle of hardship. Affirm their honesty if they don’t feel like their faith is “growing.”

3. Hope and Justice (2 Thess 1:6–10)

Be aware some may struggle with “judgment” language. Reframe it as good news for the oppressed — God sets things right.
Encourage people to imagine what God’s justice looks like as healing and restoration rather than punishment alone.
Stress that Paul was writing to persecuted people — this was encouragement, not fear-mongering.

4. Chosen, Called, and Strengthened (2 Thess 2:13–17)

Key verbs: “chosen,” “called,” “strengthened,” “encouraged.” Invite participants to pick one that resonates.
Consider linking to Romans 8:31–39 (“If God is for us, who can be against us?”).
Point out Paul’s prayer of blessing (2:16–17) — God’s heart is to steady and strengthen us, not terrify us.

5. Living as a “Preview of the Kingdom”

Keep the focus practical and hopeful — “one thing this week.”
Encourage brainstorming together for group action (e.g., hospitality, advocacy, care for someone in need).
Reinforce that this isn’t about “earning” God’s kingdom but living in line with its coming reality.

Closing Suggestion

Finish with Paul’s blessing from 2 Thess 2:16–17 as a prayer over the group:

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”