In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul continues to encourage them (and us) with the hope of the second coming of Christ.

1. When Christ comes, he will inflict his judgment upon those who have afflicted the church.  Paul praises the Thessalonians for standing firm and growing in their faith and in their love in spite of persecution. He assures them that God will inflict his vengeance upon those who do not know God and on those who disobey the gospel (1-8). He is describing the agonies of hell.
2. When Christ comes, he will permanently destroy those who have rejected his kingdom. They will have proved themselves incapable of inheriting eternal life, and therefore will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction (9). He is describing the end of hell. Hell will not be a process of perpetual torture, but an event (the lake of fire) that will end in permanent destruction.
3. When Christ comes, those who had been ashamed of him will be destroyed, and those who have gloried in his name will glory all the more. He will “be glorified in his saints, and … be marveled at among all who have believed.” (10-12).

LORD, as we wait for your return, may we not fixate on those who reject your gospel and persecute us for it. Instead, may we boldly proclaim your word and glorify your name, knowing that you will be vindicated.