How to Have a Steadfast Hope in a Shaky World

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10Though it has been anticipated for over two thousand years, Jesus Christ could come again at any moment, as prophesied in the Book of Revelation. But as children of God, we have a settled faith. 2 Thessalonians 1-2 reveals how to have a steadfast hope in a shaky world: “and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (1:7).First, we need not be dismayed; when Jesus comes again, His lordship will be revealed. Though we don’t know the exact time or day, we know He will return exactly on time. “…when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed” (1:10). We will be witnesses of His redeeming love, saving grace, and keeping power; our testimonies will be what brings others to wonder at Him as well.Secondly, we need not be deceived; the devil is a liar and inspires deception. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 states: “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition…” As Jesus says, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9); the antichrist will come directly from the devil. Though his wickedness is already at work in this world, the antichrist also has a precise timeframe in which he will be revealed (2:6-7).Finally, we need not be disappointed. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 reveals, “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.”Adrian Rogers explains, “The same Jesus that spoke them into existence is going to speak them into oblivion.” Jesus, who came first to seek and to save, will return with judgment. He came first in mercy; He will return in flaming fire, to take vengeance. He came first in humility; He will return in incredible power.Apply it to your lifeKnowing our Lord is returning soon, there are a few things to remember as we hold onto our hope in this shaky world:Pray continuously.Witness to anyone and everyone.Worship God as a family.Don’t be dismayed by what you see on the news.Know that your hope is in Jesus Christ, steadfast and sure.