A Good God Doing What a Good God Does: Part 2 - 2 Thess Lesson 3

A Good God Doing What Good God Does Part 2

Divine Retribution

2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

 Turn with me to 2 Thessalonians 1 again this morning and let’s read this first chapter of Paul’s second letter to this very good church. Read chapter 1.

 Paul’s focus in this first chapter is on comfort and encouragement to these faithful believers in the midst of the persecution and affliction they were suffering for the sake of the kingdom of God. In the first four verses Paul said he was obligated to give thanks to God for the good things that were still happening. The Thessalonian’s faith was greatly enlarged, their love for one another grew ever greater, and they were persevering faithfully in the midst of these persecutions and afflictions they were enduring. They were a good church doing what a good church does. 

 Then last week we saw from verse 5 the beginning of Paul’s encouragement as he shifts focus from a good church doing what a good church does, to a good God doing what a good God does. God does what God does for His glory. While much of the Christian world would reject the notion that a good God would allow His children to endure persecution and affliction, this is exactly what God had allowed these dear believers. And, their perseverance and faith in the midst of these persecutions and afflictions was a plain indication, proof positive, of God’s righteous judgment. This was proof that they will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God for which they were suffering. So, the good thing being done by a good God in the midst of this suffering was the work of confirmation of their faith.

 My hope is that you came away from last week with a proper estimation of the value of God’s confirmation that we are worthy of the kingdom of God. Many are not worthy who firmly believe they are. Many are deceived with a false sense of security. God’s confirmation, which comes through perseverance in persecution and affliction, is a priceless treasure. Nothing could be more comforting and encouraging in the face of persecution and affliction than the understanding that these are the very things God is using to confirm our worthiness for His kingdom. Nothing is better than His kingdom. Nothing is better than proof positive that we are worthy of His kingdom. Everything and anything this world has to offer should be counted as garbage compared to the glory of Christ’s kingdom. Nothing should be so sweet to us than God’s confirmation of our worthiness for His kingdom.

 But, even though we understand the value of God’s good work of confirmation, the reality still exists that there is a horrible injustice perpetrated against the people of God when God’s people are put to death, or tortured, or put in prison, or ostracized by their families, shut out of work opportunities, for simply trusting Christ for salvation and proclaiming faith in Christ. There is no way around the reality that, at least from a human perspective, this is a horrible injustice. What will a good God do in the face of obvious injustice? Would a good God allow the righteous to suffer horrible injustice, and not execute justice for His children?

 The persecution of Christians is a horrible injustice. Christians are not the problem, but we are the favorite target of those who are the problem. True Christians are just following Christ. We are doing our best to love one another, proclaim the gospel, meet needs of others, be gracious and compassionate. We are hospitable, and kind. We subject ourselves to governing authorities. We try to live a quiet and peaceful life. We are peacemakers. There is really no rational justification for the hatred Christians routinely experience in most of the world.

 The only justification the world needs to hate us and persecute us is the fact that we stand for truth. We live righteous lives and we confront evil. We shine the light of God’s truth into the darkness and expose the deeds of those who are evil. When we do this we are accused of being the bad guys. We are despised, falsely accused, treated unfairly, labeled as zealots, accused of being hateful, unreasonably assaulted, harshly treated, and some day we will be imprisoned, tortured, and put to death. For what? For standing for the truth. For being salt and light. For warning sinners of the eternal judgment of God against them. For calling them to repent, when they don’t think there is anything wrong with what they do. 

 Where is the justice in this? We learned last week that our first concern is not for justice. Our first concern is to be consistent with God’s first concern. God’s first concern is His glory. So our first concern is God’s glory, not justice for ourselves. That being said, it is also true that God is not unconcerned about justice. God is not unconcerned about us. God is a just God. A good God is a just God. So Paul, knowing the Thessalonians would understand this need for justice at the most basic human level, assures the Thessalonians that this good God is a just God who will not leave any injustice unpunished.

 After describing God’s good work of confirmation in verse 5, Paul describes God’s good work of repayment with affliction, and retribution and the administration of the appropriate penalty for those who are responsible for the suffering of His children. This is the message of verses 6-9. “For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.”

 God’s word establishes the certainty of God’s justice and His vengeance on those who harm His people. Deuteronomy 32:43 says, “Rejoice, O nations, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and will render vengeance on His adversaries, and will atone for His land and His people.” Psalm 79:10 says, “Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Let there be known among the nations in our sight, vengeance for the blood of Your servants which has been shed.” The message of God’s sure commitment to justice and avenging wrongs against His people is spelled out in Psalm 94. Let’s read this Psalm. Through the prophet Zechariah in Zec. 2:8 God says, “for he who touches you (the people of God) touches the apple of His eye.”

 Finally, in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, in Chapter 6:9-11, these words are recorded. John writes of his vision of heaven saying, “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ And there was given to each of them a robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.” That passage in Revelation reveals the truth. God knows what is happening to His saints. He is not unconcerned. He is being glorified in their death. There is a limit to the injustice He allows. In His time He will avenge the deaths of His righteous ones. He will execute righteous judgment. He will afflict those who afflict His children. He will give relief to those who endure persecution and affliction.

 Paul paints a comprehensive picture of divine retribution in these verses. He tells us what divine retribution involves. He tells us when it will happen. He tells us who will be the recipients of divine retribution. He tells us why they receive retribution. He describes how this divine retribution is delivered and where it will be endured. There is a lot here.

 Let’s begin with the “what.” What does divine retribution involve? We get this from verse 6 and the beginning of verse 8. Divine retribution involves God repaying with affliction those who afflict. We see this in verse 6. It also, according to verse 8, involves dealing out retribution. God will repay. The Greek word means to render in return. It is to give back in return for something received. The word “retribution” in verse 8 speaks of penal retribution or punishment which is rightly deserved. Divine retribution involves God dealing with all injustice. Divine retribution means God will ultimately right every wrong. God will punish every sin.

 The assurance of the justice that comes from divine retribution is what frees us from the need to repay those injustices ourselves. This is why Paul can write to the Romans in Romans 12:19 and say, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Because God is committed to divine retribution, we can leave the issue of retribution to Him. We are commanded to leave it to Him.

 The attitude of the world is an attitude that believes revenge is the right thing to do. If you do something to me, I will repay you an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth. A wrong must be responded to with human retribution, or there is no justice served. The world believes that if you hurt me you will be hurt in return.

 This is not the way of God’s people. If we are to be considered worthy of the kingdom, we must learn to respond like those who belong to the kingdom of God. Peter, in 1 Peter 2, said, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as one in authority, or to governors as sent by him (the king).” Peter wrote this to Christians being persecuted to death by the one in authority, Nero. He wrote, “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor…” Peter writes, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.”

 My friends, the certainty of divine retribution means that we can keep entrusting ourselves to Him who judges righteously. God will repay with affliction those who afflict you. God will give relief to you who are afflicted. Paul knew that relief would be for him as well. But he knew it wasn’t necessarily coming today.

 That brings us to the “when” of divine retribution. Look at the last part of verse 7. “when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire.” Divine retribution happens in fullness when Jesus comes back. The word “revealed” is “apokilupsis.” It is one of three words used to refer to the Second Coming of Christ. Paul’s favorite word is “parousia.” Here, Paul uses “apokilupsis” or “revealed” because this will be the unveiling of something previously hidden. The return of Christ will be a “coming” (parousia), or the “appearing” to believers, but a “revealing” (apokilupsis) to the unbelieving. He who has been unknown to unbelievers will be revealed in His glory and He will be unveiled as their Judge.

 He came unto His own but His own did not receive Him in His first coming. He was veiled in human flesh and though the world was made through Him, the world did not know Him (John 1:10).  When He comes again the whole world will see Him coming in the clouds with power.

 He will be coming “with His mighty angels.” Matthew 16:27 says, “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will repay every man according to His deeds.” When Jesus explained the parable of the wheat and tares to His disciples in Matthew 13 He said, “The Son of Man will send for His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 13:41-42) Jesus repeated this idea later in the same chapter. In the parable of the dragnet Jesus said, “So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take the wicked from among the righteous, and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:49-50) The fact that these angels come “in flaming fire” reveals that the reason for their coming is judgment. Divine retribution happens fully when Jesus returns.

 This is the answer to the question asked by those martyrs in Revelation 6. How long? Until the Lord returns.

 Who is on the receiving end of divine retribution? Verse 8 tells us that it is “to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” This is a sobering reality. We know that those who wrongly persecute Christians deserve divine retribution. We would expect Nero to be among those who will get this just retribution. We know those who wrongly accused Jesus are well-deserving of God’s wrath.

 Listen carefully. Divine retribution is dealt out not only to those who do the worst things. Divine retribution is dealt out to all who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. This will include a whole multitude of people who know a lot about God, but who do not know Him as Savior and Lord. The Bible is clear that every man is without excuse.

 Let’s read Romans 1:18-21. It is not God’s fault that man does not know God. God has painted the reality of His image on creation and in the conscience of mankind. His law has been written on every heart and imprinted in every conscience. Man has more than enough evidences to come to the knowledge of God. It is all around us and in us. The problem is an unwillingness to acknowledge what God has made evident. Even though man knows God they will not give thanks and honor Him. They become foolish in their speculations about God and their hearts are darkened.

 Paul reveals the “why” of divine retribution. This could fit into the “who” question. Paul says in verse 8 that divine retribution is dealt out to those who “do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” The root word in the verb translated “obey” means “to hear.” Divine retribution is dealt to all who refuse to hear, hearken unto, and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 Do not be deceived. Divine retribution can only be avoided by obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus. The gospel of our Lord Jesus was a gospel that called sinners to repent, to turn from their self-righteousness, understand their spiritual bankrupt conditions, mourn over the fact that their sin separates them from a Holy God, to humble themselves and cry out to God for mercy. An understanding of the gospel of our Lord will break the sinner and cause him or her to hunger and thirst for the righteousness that will make him acceptable when he stands before God. The gospel of our Lord Jesus, when obeyed, results in faith that enables the new creature in Christ to repent, believe, and submit to the lordship of Christ. The gospel of our Lord calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus daily.

 Be very careful that you don’t try to avoid divine retribution by embracing a gospel other than the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Man-centered deviations of the gospel of our Lord are not the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Paul said that divine retribution will be dealt to all those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. A false gospel of man is no worthy substitute for the gospel of our Lord Jesus. The gospel of Jesus saves. The gospel of man leads people to believe they are saved when they may not be. Satan fills the church of Jesus Christ with tares with a gospel that does not save, but produces hard to distinguish look-alikes. We must make sure that we have hearkened unto, and are obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

 How is divine retribution dealt out? Those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus “will pay the penalty of eternal destruction.” (v. 9) Eternal destruction is forever. Eternal speaks of an endless duration. Divine retribution is retribution without end. The word destruction speaks of ruin. This is not annihilation. There is no cessation of existence for the eternal soul of man. This is one aspect in which man is created in the image of God. We were created to live forever. We will live forever, either in the presence of the Lord, or in hell, where there is an eternal hopelessness, emptiness, meaninglessness, sorrow, regret, pain and agony, forever.

 Where is divine retribution experienced? Verse 9 tells us that it is “away from the presence of the Lord and from the power of His glory.” Where the Lord is there is life, peace, joy, pleasures forever. There is no sorrow, no tears, no conflict, no sin, no suffering, no evil, no regrets, no darkness. The presence of the Lord is glory, beauty, holiness, and goodness. Away from the presence of the Lord there is sorrow, regret, pain, suffering, agony, darkness, evil, vile demons, an angry Satan, fire, brimstone, weeping, gnashing of teeth, with no relief, no hope, no light, no love. We could go on and on with the list of differences. Divine retribution does not include an endless party with all your lost friends.

 Divine retribution sends those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus to hell. Hell is a real place of torment. It is a place of fire and brimstone. It is a place where the fire is not quenched and the worm does not die. It is a place of eternal destruction. In the story Jesus told of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 it is a place of torment in the flames. The rich man begged for Lazarus to come with a drop of water to cool his tongue in the flame.

 I have been telling you that in this section of chapter 1 of 2 Thessalonians Paul is describing a good God doing what a good God does. The world loves to distort the truth about the goodness of God. The world paints a picture of a God who is good, and he is good because He would never condemn anyone to a place like hell. If there is a hell, it would only be reserved for the really bad people.

 The tension between the goodness of God and the divine retribution of God is reconciled at the Cross of Jesus Christ. God is so concerned about justice that He devised a way that He could be both just and the justifier of those who know Him and obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. On the Cross, God poured out the fullness of His righteous wrath on His own Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of glory of His Father. You may ask how Jesus could bear an eternity of suffering for a multitude of the elect in a few hours or even a few days. Jesus Christ is God. He is infinite. The infinite heavenly Father poured His infinite wrath on His infinite Son who bore infinite punishment for us. Justice was served. The righteous One paid the penalty of eternal destruction for sinners whom God would declare righteous through faith.

 This is why Paul could write in Romans 8 that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did; sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirements of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

 1 Peter 3:18 tell us, “For Christ also died for sins, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.” Paul writes in 2 Cor. 5:21 telling us that God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

 The world’s persecution and affliction of God’s righteous children involves a horrible injustice. God is glorified through the unjust suffering of His people. Our first priority is God’s glory. God’s first priority is His glory. But, God is not unconcerned about justice. A good God is a God of justice. God’s justice demands that He repay with affliction those who afflict His children. So, when the Lord comes back, He will return with His holy angels in flaming fire and He will deal out retribution to those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.

 We will come back next week, Lord willing, and see what else a good God does. We will look at verses 10-12.

 Let’s pray.