God’s all-around sovereignty and humanity’s capacity for choice exist together. God is absolute and unrivalled in his actions and authority; While the man is free and responsible for his action, their hearts can be moved by divine intervention.

Paul focus upon, in this final chapter, the need for the people to become responsible for their own welfare and the way to discipline those who have ignored the Lord’s command.

There had been some people in the church who claimed that the rapture had already taken place and the believers had been left behind. Paul encouraged the people that this was not so and again taught them about the coming of the Lord. He then encouraged and prayed for them.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians who were suffering for their faith. He urged their continued perseverance, good behaviour, love, and faith. He reminded them of Christ’s coming, at which time the unbeliever would receive punishment, while the Christian would obtain honour, glory, and the eternal presence of Christ Jesus.

Apostle Paul express the ways to display the changes Christ brings into our lives in our relationship with Christian leaders, acts of love, corporate worship; and God will do it and sanctify us.

In the first 11 verses of this chapter Paul notes the unexpected nature of the coming of the Lord and how we should prepare for that event.

1. The source of trouble v1-5
2. The spread of trouble v6-9
3. Coping in trouble times v10-17

Paul encourages the believers to strive to be more obedient, holy, loving and diligent. He also encouraged them about the hope and comfort we have for those who have died in Christ.

Faithful obedience to Christ will always result in misunderstandings and persecutions from those outside the faith. Therefore, encouragement becomes a source of strength in our relationships with one another and in our ability to persevere.