Preaching Eschatology

As I was reading through 1 and 2 Thessalonians this week, I was reminded again how eschatological the two letters are. Perhaps the first of Paul's extant letters we have, both are written against the backdrop of the 2^nd coming of Christ. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians has references to it. 2 Thessalonians is famous for the teaching concerning the Man of Lawlessness in chapter 2.

The point I wanted to make here is how Paul uses eschatology pastorally. The section concerning the 'rapture' of the church in 1 Thess 4 was written to encourage believers in the wake of dead loved ones and friends whom they thought would miss the 2^nd coming. Just the opposite was true as Paul writes that the dead in Christ will rise first [1 Thess 4:16]. As Paul wraps up his discussion of the Man of Lawlessness and the judgment of God that will come upon those who follow him, Paul wrote, "But we should always give thanks for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation…" [2 Thess 2:13]. Then he reminds the church of the glory they will have in Christ.

And don't forget the final words of 1 Thess 4, "Therefore comfort one another with these words."

Instead of being comforted, most of the time believers leave a sermon on eschatology scared to death. That is the fault of the preacher who himself probably does not understand the primary role of eschatology in the NT. The realty of the Second Coming and the judgment that is part of it should scare the unbeliever, and Paul does not skirt that truth. Hell is real and lasts a long long time. However, eschatology should not frighten the believer, and preachers should not use the doctrine that way. Instead, eschatology should give believers hope and yes, as Paul wrote, it should comfort the heart of the Christian. Why? Among other things, eschatology reminds us that all is not lost. The present suffering, injustice, and evil will give way to healing, justice, and righteousness. When Jesus comes all wrongs will be made right individually, corporately, and cosmically. What is more comforting and praiseworthy than that?

The goals of the preacher in teaching eschatology should be the same as that of Paul: (1) For believers to hold onto the traditions they have been taught [2 Thess 2:15], and (2) for believers to encourage each other and build up one another [1 Thess 5:11]. Read 1 and 2 Thessalonians and see how Paul uses the teaching of 'last days' then decide to do the same. The church will be blessed and strengthened.