Paul concludes his second letter to Thessalonica with reminders of the things he's already written and spoken to them. This included what they could count on from God as well as what should be expected of them as Christians living in the midst of an anti-Christian world.

1. The answer to persecution is the same as the motivation for Godly living. The example and power of Jesus.

2. It's always better to trust God to keep His Promises than expect Him to do what we'd like Him to.

3. Restoration is the default purpose and goal of any correction and discipline.

Ezra takes a roll call of the heads of the families who accompanied them back to the Promised Land from Babylon.

1. There is nothing more honorable before God than a Godly example to your family.

2. Israel defies all laws of cultural anthropology by retaining their identity despite not having a homeland.

3. God cares more about why you’re giving than how much you’re giving.

John explains the fundamental truth of spiritual warfare. You either belong to God or you will settle for false doctrine. Our fallen natures want an Antichrist. Only people who know Jesus Christ will value Him over the counterfeits this world is all too eager to offer.

1. Spiritual warfare is resolved entirely by your relationship with God.

2. There is a difference between being nice and doing what is right.

3. The greatest compliment you can ever receive is the hatred of evil people.

1. Surrender provides us joy, not self-service.

2. If your understanding of the Gospel is not personal, you do not understand the Gospel.

3. Jesus calls you to live your life as it was meant to be lived.

John identifies the difference between true and false doctrine by the attitude and intentions of the ones sharing it. People who don’t know Jesus will preach themselves with Him as a means of getting attention. The real deal with simply point people to Jesus.

1. Don’t dismiss spiritual input. Test it.

2. Knowing what God has actually said helps when testing what else He’s claimed to have said.

3. You can’t fake the real deal.

Ezra’s record of his return from Babylon begins with the fundamental traits of a work of God in any generation. His Word is proven true, the necessary participants and factors are all taken care of, and those who are a part of that work are filled with the Holy Spirit to accomplish everything He’s called them to personally.

1. The reason we trust God regarding our present is because He has an unbroken track record of talking about the past and future.

2. God personally provides Himself to equip us for what He calls us to.

3. Those who are the most heavenly minded are the most earthly good.

John explains the greatest assurance we have of our salvation. We belong to Jesus because of what He's done for us, not what we do for Him. One what He has done sets into our hearts and minds, we will want to do for Him what He can only do through us.

1. We can examine what we love most by what we invest our time, talent, and treasure into.

2. Jesus' Commandments are to Believe in who He is and love like He loved us First.

3. Jesus is the only One who can love like He does, and does so through those who belong to Him

Nahum concludes with a final condemnation of Assyria’s crimes. What they have done against God and His creation would be answered for. It wasn’t immediate, but it would be ultimate.

1. Evil exists and has to be answered.

2. Pleasure apart from God has a payday.

3. The patience of God has a limit.

John defines biblical Christian love off of the historical example of Jesus and His motivation for redeeming us from the ultimate consequences of our sin.

1. The only joy Jesus experienced on the cross was the possibility His enemies would be saved.

2. The definition of love for Christians was demonstrated by Jesus historically.

3. God doesn’t expect a lot of faith, but He does require it to be in the right place.

John describes a right relationship with God proven and demonstrated through the Love of God at work in our lives. He demonstrates this through a contrast between the character of Jesus and the murderer Cain.

1. People who know God love His creation like He does.

2. The Love of God apart from a relationship with God is impossible.

3. A heart that rejects God won’t act like Him.

The destruction of Assyria is graphically described in the way only ancient warfare could be. With descriptions of nature itself turning against them, they only had themselves to blame.

1. The Judgment of God is not something to be taken lightly.

2. The Gears of God’s Justice grind slow but exceedingly fine.

3. It’s God’s job to judge. It’s our job to love.

John makes a point about the difference between a heart that belongs to God and one that doesn't. The heart that knows God has God and can't help but become more like Him over time. The alternative is a heart that has no place for God and naturally replaces Him with the things that are contrary to Him.

1. Sin means to miss God's nature in action or attitude.

2. A relationship with Jesus makes a big difference in the lives of those who receive it.

3. God hates sin because He knows what it does to those He loves.

Israel learns the hard way why turning to Egypt to be their defense against the threat of Assyria wouldn't prevent or delay the judgment of God.

John outlines the hope of Heaven as centered around the person and promises of Jesus. The more we love Him, the more we will want to be more like Him and look forward to being with Him.

1. The reason the world hates those who belong to Jesus is because of their hatred of Jesus Himself.

2. The motivation for Godly Living is a love for Jesus.

3. The only way people will love like God does is for Him to love others through us.

Nahum’s prophecy of Nineveh’s destruction was as tragic as it was needless. The generation before them heard the gospel and responded. The generation after them knew the gospel and still made themselves an enemy of God. Judgment was coming, but the character of God remained the same.

1. God isn’t someone we can manipulate or take advantage of.

2. We listen to false teachers at our own peril.

3. The only things that last forever are the Word of God and people. Invest accordingly.

Charlie Kirk's Assassination leaves a legacy very similar to that of the first martyr Stephen. From their examples, we see the kind of life that God can use for His glory.

1. Follow God in Private and you'll continue to do so in public.

2. Responding in Violence when people can't refute you is nothing new in history.

3. God's opinion of your life is the only one that matters.

John concludes the second chapter of his epistle with the reminder of the tools we all have at our disposal to answer the challenges this world will throw at us from without and within. They include our relationship with God, His Word, and the promises found therein.

1. The majority of false prophets will come from within the church rather than outside of it.

2. Eternal Life is based on Who you know rather than how long you live.

3. If it's true, it ain't new. And if it's new, it ain't true.