I. Paul's Encouragement in Persecution .... 1:1-12

A.  Thanksgiving for Their Growth.............. 1:1-4

2Th 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

B.  Encouragement in Their Persecution     1:5-10

2Th 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

2Th 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

C.  Prayer for God's Blessing................... 1:11- 12

2Th 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

II. Paul's Explanation of the Day of the Lord........................................... 2:1-17

A. The Events Preceding the Day of the Lord........................................ 2:1-12

1. First a Falling Away......................... 2:1-3

2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2. The Man of Sin Is Revealed.............. 2:4- 5

2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

3. The Restrainer Is Taken Out of the Way..................................... 2:6-7

2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

4.  The Second Coming of Christ.......... 2:8-12

2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

B. The Comfort of the Believer on the Day of the Lord................ 2:13-17

2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

III. Paul's Exhortation to the Church............ 3:1-18

A.  Wait Patiently for Christ....................... 3:1-5

2Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

B.  Withdraw from the Disorderly............... 3:6-15

2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

C.  Conclusion . .                                 . .3:16-18

2Th 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.