2 Thessalonians, Chapter 1, Class 2-3 February 24 and March 3, 2010

Tod Kennedy

Some main points or biblical principles and applications to emphasize

1.     Paul thanked God that the Thessalonian believers were strong in the faith and in love all the while facing severe persecution because of ether faith in Jesus Christ and God the Father and the application of their faith (chapter 1).

1.1.          What do I thank God for about other believers? Am I strong in the faith and love even when circumstances are very difficult?

2.     Jesus Christ will come to earth openly and in flaming glory, and he will bring his saints-believers with him to earth, and judge those who do not know God (chapter 1).

2.1.          Am I convinced that Jesus will return in glory and judgment? Do I look forward to this event?

3.     Paul prayed God would work in them and consider them worthy of their calling so that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified (chapter 1).

3.1.          When we pray for other believers, what do we pray about for them? Do we mainly pray for details of life or do we honestly pray that God would work in them for their spiritual growth, and that they will live worthy of their high calling, and God will powerfully work goodness and faithful works in them?

4.     They should not fear that the day of the Lord has already come—it has not. First, a great departure will happen, and then the man of lawlessness will be revealed. He is directed and controlled by Satan. He will bring evil destruction, false signs, and deceive unbelievers (chapter 2).

4.1.          What is my understanding of world events and how they fit into God’s plan? Do I know what is coming and am I secure in my faith no matter what is going on in the world?

5.     The mystery of lawlessness is working right now in our time. This is the explanation for the evil plans (the unbiblical worldview) being pushed by unbelievers in government, education, morality, and science.

5.1.          Do I recognize what is going on? Can I deal with it in my life, in my family’s life, in the church at large, in the media, in medicine, and in recreation?

6.     God has chosen the Thessalonian believers to be firstfruits or first ones in the area for salvation through sanctification by the Holy Spirit and faith in the truth. The Holy Spirit convinced them and when they believed the gospel the Holy Spirit regenerated them. They are secure. They will not face the day of the Lord wrath (chapter 2).

6.1.          Why am I secure in my eternal life package? Do I know that my salvation and security are God’s work? Do I rest in that. How does the helmet of salvation related to this?

7.     Believers are told to stand firm in the faith and hold onto the biblical doctrine they have been taught (chapter 2).

7.1.          What is necessary for me to stand firm in the faith and hold to the biblical doctrine? For one thing I need to have God’s word in my thinking. This comes by listening to God’s word and thinking about it and believing it. Furthermore, I need to be convinced about the authority of the Bible and the character of God. I learn; I consider and accept as true; I apply what I know. Romans 6 and James 1 and other passages talk about this.

8.     This letter emphasizes God’s love, comfort, hope, and strength for believers (chapters 1, 2, 3).

8.1.          Do I emphasize these truths in my life? Do I know that God loves me? How do I experience his comfort? What do I hope for? Do I really sense God’s strength working in me?

9.     We all face evil men and attacks from the evil one—Satan or his followers.  No matter what, the Lord is faithful to his own people (chapter 3).

9.1.          Do I give up at those times? Do I get mad at God? Do I thank God for his protection and ability to succeed when under attack? Where do I go for knowledge of what to do, comfort, and strength?

10. We are to pray for each other, live an ordered and disciplined life, work our jobs, and not grow weary of doing good (chapter 3).

10.1.      This seems to be an impossible task at times. How do I do it? Where does the motivation, energy, and endurance come from for me? Am I willing to make changes in my life in order to apply these standards?

11. We are to admonish and not associate with the unruly, undisciplined, and busybody believer—in order to recover him. He is a brother in the Lord (chapter 3).