2 Thessalonians discusses persecution, the return of Jesus, our need to remain hopeful and faithful, and idleness. It reminds us that what we hope for shapes what we live for.

While they also worried they had missed Jesus' return, Paul clarifies that they should not fuel apocalyptic speculation but recall Jesus' words in Mark 13 about the public and obvious events leading up to His return. They should also remain faithful, hopeful, and confident and not fearful while waiting for Jesus' return and deliverance from the evil ruler.

Finally, Paul addresses idleness and challenges believers to imitate Jesus' self-giving love. Their hard work provides for themselves and benefits others. Throughout the book, we see that what we hope for shapes what we live for.