Are You Delivered From The Wrath To Come?

Date: SUN 11:30am 13th July 2025
Preacher: Rev. David McLaughlin
Bible Reference: 1 Thessalonians 1:10

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Sermon Summary: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 – “Delivered from the Wrath to Come”

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:10 – “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

Introduction: The sermon, delivered on July 13, 2025, focuses on 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, with a particular emphasis on verse 10. The preacher concludes a series on this chapter, using the Authorised Version (King James Version) of the Bible, described as the most faithful and reliable translation. The central question posed is, “Are you delivered from the wrath to come?” The sermon is structured around four key points: the declaration, definition, day, and deliverance of God’s wrath.

1. The Declaration of God’s Wrath The preacher begins by addressing the modern discomfort with the concept of God’s wrath, noting that it is often ignored, minimized, or rejected by both society and some professing Christians, including evangelical churches. Many prefer to focus solely on God’s love, dismissing His wrath as an outdated or embarrassing doctrine. Some claim the God of the Old Testament was wrathful, while the New Testament reveals a loving God, but the preacher refutes this, arguing it stems from a misunderstanding of Scripture.

The sermon highlights the prevalence of a “lopsided gospel” in liberal and seeker-sensitive churches, which emphasizes God’s love, peace, and joy but avoids mention of sin, repentance, or judgment. This is contrasted with the historical example of Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God (July 8, 1741), which led to widespread conviction and conversions due to its unflinching focus on God’s wrath against sin.

The preacher emphasizes that the Bible, referenced 179 times with the word “wrath,” consistently teaches God’s righteous anger against sin. Key scriptures include:

Exodus 15:7: God’s wrath consumes His enemies like stubble.
Job 14:13: Job speaks of hiding until God’s wrath passes.
Psalm 2:5: God speaks in His wrath against the rebellious.
Matthew 3:7: John the Baptist warns of fleeing the wrath to come.
Romans 1:18: God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness.
Ephesians 2:3: Humanity is described as “children of wrath” by nature.
Revelation 6:16-17: The great day of God’s wrath is coming, and none can stand.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul mentions God’s wrath three times (1:10, 2:16, 5:9), underscoring its importance in his teaching to the early church, founded around AD 49-50 in Thessalonica. The preacher calls Christians back to the biblical truth of God’s holy wrath against sin, urging them not to suppress or ignore it.

2. The Definition of God’s Wrath The preacher clarifies that God’s wrath is not like human anger, characterized by a bad temper or impulsive outbursts. Instead, it is described as God’s “settled, determined act of holy opposition to all sin,” rooted in His unchanging, holy nature (Malachi 3:6). God’s love for righteousness necessitates His hatred of evil; otherwise, He would not be a just or good God.

The sermon uses the analogy of a judge who, if only loving and never punitive, would fail to uphold justice. God’s wrath is righteous, consistent, and directed against sin, which violates His holy character. The preacher cites John 3:36, which states that those who do not believe in the Son face God’s abiding wrath, emphasizing that this wrath is not a human construct but a divine reality revealed from heaven (Romans 1:18).

3. The Day of God’s Wrath The sermon distinguishes between a future day of wrath and a present, visible manifestation of God’s wrath:

Future Day of Wrath: The Bible teaches a coming day of judgment, referred to as “the day of wrath” (Romans 2:5) and “the great day of His wrath” (Revelation 6:17). Paul describes this in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, where Christ will return with mighty angels in flaming fire, punishing those who do not know God or obey the gospel with everlasting destruction.
Present, Visible Wrath: God’s wrath is already evident in the world through natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, hurricanes), diseases (e.g., AIDS), societal issues (immorality, terrorism), and human suffering. These are seen as “harbingers” of the future judgment, linked to humanity’s sin and rebellion. Historical examples include the flood in Noah’s time, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and judgments on Israel and Judah for forsaking God.

The ultimate expression of God’s wrath was poured out on Jesus Christ on the cross, where He bore the guilt and punishment for humanity’s sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ’s resurrection (Acts 17:31) serves as proof of a coming day of judgment, affirming God’s righteous opposition to sin.

4. The Deliverance from God’s Wrath The sermon concludes with the hope of deliverance through Jesus Christ, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 1:10: “Even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” Jesus, the eternal, sinless, atoning Savior, rescues believers from God’s wrath through His death on the cross and resurrection. His atoning sacrifice satisfied God’s righteous judgment, and the empty tomb proves His victory over sin and death.

The preacher shares a sobering story, corroborated by Dr. Henry Ironside, about a young woman raised in a Christian home who rejected God and lived in sin. One night, she sensed a divine presence urging her to read Ezekiel 7:8-9, a passage about God’s impending judgment. Terrified, she cried out but died without finding peace, illustrating the urgency of responding to God’s call to repentance.

The sermon emphasizes that rejecting or suppressing the truth of God’s wrath does not negate its reality. Those who die without Christ will face eternal punishment, described vividly as unending torment akin to being in eternal flames (Job 36:10, 18). However, Jesus offers deliverance to all who repent and receive Him as Lord and Savior.

Conclusion The preacher closes by urging the congregation to examine whether they are delivered from the wrath to come. The gospel’s purpose, as seen in John 3:16, is to save believers from perishing under God’s wrath through faith in Christ. The sermon calls for repentance and faith, warning that without Christ, individuals face eternal judgment for their ungodliness and unrighteousness. The message is a sobering reminder of God’s holiness, the reality of His wrath, and the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

Key Takeaways:

God’s wrath is a biblical reality, affirmed throughout Scripture, and must not be ignored or minimized.
It is a holy, righteous opposition to sin, distinct from human anger.
God’s wrath is both a present reality (seen in human suffering and natural disasters) and a future judgment.
Jesus Christ delivers believers from this wrath through His atoning death and resurrection.
The sermon calls for repentance and faith in Christ to escape eternal punishment and receive salvation.