2 Thessalonians
This letter makes it clear that the persecution and suffering these Christians experienced was not part of the day of the Lord. Paul reassures his readers that God sees their struggles and will use them for His own glory. At the same time, God's awareness means impending judgment for those who afflict Christians with persecution. Among these consequences, Paul invokes the ultimate end for those who reject God: an eternity of destruction and separation from God—what the Bible calls hell (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:14). Paul's intent here is to reassure believers and encourage them to continue their good works (2 Thessalonians 1:5–12).
Session 1 – Encouragement During Hard Times - 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
TEXT - 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
1 This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Encouragement during Persecution
3 Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. 4 We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. 5 And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. 6 In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.
7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. 10 When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him.
11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
QUESTION
"How does your faith help you face challenges and suffering in life?"
OVERVIEW
Paul, Silas, and Timothy wrote this letter to encourage the Thessalonian believers who were facing persecution and trials. In these verses, Paul begins by giving thanks to God for their growing faith and love. He reassures them that their suffering has meaning and that God will bring justice in His perfect time. Paul also points to the hope of Christ's return, urging them to live in a way that glorifies God.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Thankfulness for Growing Faith and Love (Verses 3-4)
Paul praises the Thessalonians for their increasing faith and love for one another, even in tough times.
Teaching Point: Growth in faith and love often happens in the middle of trials. Challenges can strengthen us if we trust in God.
Quote:
"The
growth of faith is the evidence of the life of faith."
— Charles Spurgeon
God’s Justice and Comfort (Verses 5-10)
Paul reminds them that their perseverance in suffering shows their worthiness of God’s kingdom.
God will bring justice: relief for believers and punishment for those who reject Him.
Teaching Point: We can trust God's timing and His justice, even when life seems unfair.
Quote:
"The
promises of God are sure; they are like the stars—they shine
brightest in the darkest night."
— Dwight L. Moody
A Call to Live Worthy of God’s Calling (Verses 11-12)
Paul prays that they will live in a way that reflects God’s calling on their lives.
Teaching Point: Our actions should glorify God and point others to His grace and power.
Quote:
"God
calls us to do His work, not because He needs us, but because He
wants us to grow in grace and joy as we obey Him."
— A.W. Tozer
Application Questions
In what ways has your faith grown during difficult times?
How can you show love to others, especially in times of trial?
What does living "worthy of God’s calling" look like in your daily life?
By focusing on these truths, we can find encouragement to endure challenges, grow in faith, and live in a way that honors God. Let’s encourage one another as we await Christ’s return.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
When I think of Paul, I don’t think of a church receiving praise. I often think of the lectures he gave to the church of Corinth. He loved them, but he never really had a prayer of thanksgiving for them where he listed all the things they had done correctly. However, that is exactly how he starts off his second letter to the church of Thessalonica. They basically received the most gold of all gold stars from Paul.
This was a young church. Not young as in their age, but in how long they had been converted Christians. Their youth didn’t hinder them, though. In verses three through ten, Paul thanks God for the growth of their faith, their love for one another, and their perseverance through hardships.
It is hard for me to really understand what the early church went through in regard to persecution. We don’t have to worry about being physically hurt because of our belief in Jesus. We may be laughed at and made fun of, but our lives are not in danger because we are Christians. What assurance in Jesus the early church had to have to withstand such suffering! I would hope that I would have the same confidence in who Jesus is to keep my faith while being persecuted. Even though we’re not physically persecuted, God still calls us to live a life worthy of the Gospel. The beauty of that calling is that God has already done everything. The Gospel is about what Christ has already done for us on the cross, not about what we can do. We don’t have to do anything to earn God’s love and we can’t do anything to lessen His love. We just rest in Him and approach life from a viewpoint of God’s grace. We can pray the same prayers Paul prayed for ourselves and our loved ones. We can love and serve people boldly in our daily lives.
TAKE HOME
Paul was such a great encourager. He saw the church was suffering and wrote letters to offer hope. Who can you pray for and encourage today? Maybe you know of someone who is going through a hard time. Pray for them like Paul did. Use the same words he used but insert their name. After you’ve prayed, send them a note or message letting them know you’re thinking of them.
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
Living to Please God
"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." (2 Corinthians 5:9)
"Finally, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more." (1 Thessalonians 4:1)
Sexual Purity
"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." (1 Corinthians 6:18)
"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
Brotherly Love
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)
"Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other." (1 Thessalonians 4:9)
Leading a Quiet, Productive Life
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (Colossians 3:23)
Session 2 – Concerned about the Second Coming? - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
TEXT - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Events prior to the Lord’s Second Coming
2 Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. 2 Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. 3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. 4 He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.
5 Don’t you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you? 6 And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. 7 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. 8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.
9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. 12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.
QUESTION
"How do we stay faithful to God when the world around us feels full of confusion and deception?"
OVERVIEW
In this part of his letter, Paul addresses concerns about the return of Jesus Christ. Some Thessalonians were worried or confused by false teachings claiming that the day of the Lord had already come. Paul reassures them by explaining the events that must happen first, including the rise of a man of lawlessness and a time of rebellion. He encourages them to hold firmly to the truth and not be deceived.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Stay Steady Amid Confusion (Verses 1-2)
Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be shaken or alarmed by false claims about Christ's return.
Teaching Point: We must ground our hearts and minds in God’s Word to stay calm and confident in uncertain times.
Quote:
"Never
let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the
Lord."
— Billy Graham
Understand the Man of Lawlessness (Verses 3-5)
Paul explains that before Christ’s return, there will be a great rebellion, and a man of lawlessness (often associated with the Antichrist) will exalt himself against God.
Teaching Point: Recognizing these signs helps us stay faithful and avoid being deceived.
Quote:
"Truth
is so obscured nowadays, and lies so well established, that unless we
love the truth, we shall never recognize it."
— Blaise Pascal
God’s Sovereignty Over Evil (Verses 6-8)
Paul reminds them that God is in control. The man of lawlessness will be revealed only when God allows it, and Jesus will ultimately destroy him.
Teaching Point: Trusting in God’s power gives us peace and hope, even when evil seems to prevail.
Quote:
"Evil
may have its hour, but God will have His day."
— Vance Havner
The Danger of Deception (Verses 9-12)
Paul warns that the man of lawlessness will deceive many with false signs and wonders. Those who reject the truth will face judgment.
Teaching Point: Love for God’s truth protects us from being misled by worldly lies and temptations.
Quote:
"If
you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything."
— Peter Marshall
Application Questions
How can you guard your heart and mind against false teachings?
What does trusting God’s sovereignty mean to you in difficult times?
How can you grow in your love for God’s truth?
This passage reminds us to stand firm in faith and truth, no matter what confusion or deception arises. We can find peace in knowing that God is in control and that Jesus will ultimately triumph over all evil.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Through the years Christians have searched the Bible trying to determine when Jesus will return. Many books have been written by people who say they have discovered some formula or some new evidence for determining when Jesus will come back.
But that’s foolish, because Jesus said clearly that only the Father knows the day and hour of his return.
What Jesus wants from us is that we’ll be ready when he comes.
Readiness means living each day according to Christ’s commandments.
It means carrying out as best we can the assignments he has given.
It means living in a constant state of readiness and expectation.
We don’t know the precise time Jesus will return, but we do know that he will return.
In the busyness of life we tend to forget that Jesus will return. Jesus understood our forgetfulness, and for that reason he said, with great emphasis, “Watch and be ready!”
Jesus didn’t leave us with a date on the calendar, but he did make perfectly clear that he is coming again!
Do you believe what Jesus has said?
Are you ready for his return?
TAKE HOME
This is an interesting selection from Christianity.com
“We can also be prepared by living our lives for God by being active in Bible reading, prayer, and participating in fellowship with other believers. The Second Coming of Jesus is some time away; however, we need to prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus’ return.
We can also be prepared by helping other people to come to know Christ as their Savior by sharing the gospel with them. Sharing the gospel can be scary, but with God’s help, we can do it.
A motivating factor for sharing the gospel is that we do know what will happen to those who choose to never place faith in Christ — the lake of fire.
Since we love all people, we should share the truth of salvation through placing faith in Christ because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Jesus wants all people to know Him and accept Him as their Savior and Lord.
The Lord created all people, and He eagerly desires for us to share the gospel with all people. He is not willing for any of His children to be lost (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, share the gospel with all of your friends and share how you came to know Christ with others.
Prepare yourself by making sure you have accepted the Lord and continue to read the Bible, pray, and fellowship with other believers. The Second Coming of Christ is some time away, yet it is always important to be prepared and ready for the Lord’s return.
Jesus warns us, “So you also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44). Always be ready because the rapture will happen quickly, the seven-year Tribulation will occur, and then the Second Coming of Christ will take place.
As believers, we can look forward to this day with a sense of hope, love, and gratefulness. Soon after the Second Coming, the New Heaven and New Earth will be created, and we will dwell in paradise with the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit forevermore”.
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
The Coming of Christ - The return of Jesus Christ is a central theme in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. Other supporting scriptures include:
Matthew 24:30-31: "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."
Acts 1:11: "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
The Man of Lawlessness - 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 mentions the "man of lawlessness." This figure is also referred to in other scriptures:
Daniel 7:25: "He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time."
Revelation 13:5-6: "The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven."
Deception and False Signs - The passage warns about deception and false signs. Other scriptures that support this concept include:
Matthew 24:24: "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."
2 Corinthians 11:14: "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."
God's Judgment - The passage also speaks about God's judgment on those who refuse the truth. Supporting scriptures include:
Romans 1:28: "Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done."
2 Peter 3:7: "By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly."
Session 3 – Remembering Their Calling - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
TEXT - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, 17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
QUESTION
"What gives you strength and hope when life feels overwhelming?"
OVERVIEW
In this passage, Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers by reminding them of their calling and salvation through God’s grace. He urges them to stand firm in their faith and hold on to the teachings they received. Paul closes with a prayer, asking God to comfort and strengthen their hearts so they can do good works and remain steadfast in hope.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Chosen and Called by God (Verses 13-14)
Paul reminds the believers that they were chosen by God for salvation through the Spirit’s work and their faith in the truth.
Teaching Point: Knowing we are chosen by God gives us purpose and confidence, even in hard times.
Quote:
"The
greatest honor in life is not what we achieve but being called by God
to belong to Him."
— Charles Spurgeon
Stand Firm in the Faith (Verse 15)
Paul urges them to hold tightly to the teachings they’ve been given, whether by word or letter.
Teaching Point: Staying grounded in God’s Word helps us remain steady when faced with trials or confusion.
Quote:
"A
Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t."
— Vance Havner
Strengthened by God’s Comfort and Hope (Verses 16-17)
Paul prays for God to comfort their hearts and give them strength to do good works and hold on to hope.
Teaching Point: God’s grace and love provide the encouragement and strength we need to live faithfully.
Quote:
"Grace
is not opposed to effort, but it is opposed to earning. Effort
is action; earning is attitude."
— Dallas Willard
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Sometimes Christians appear a little shaky. Some lash out at critics. In some cases, because of fears that a “culture war” might cause trouble for the church, some Christians urge people to engage in hardball politics to try to get their way.
Make no mistake: Paul tells the Thessalonians to stand firm and not to compromise the gospel. We have enemies to face. But we have to face them in a way that is consistent with the gospel and with Jesus, who willingly suffered rather than lash out in anger. “Don’t be scared of those who oppose you,” Paul says, in effect; “fear is for uncertain people. But if we are certain that we have already won the victory in Jesus, then we have nothing to fear, and our confidence proves to our enemies that they have already lost!”
These verses from Philippians deliver a daunting challenge. For Paul’s first readers, this was not easy to do in the Roman Empire, where hostility toward the church became state policy. Nobody would want to suffer. Yet Paul says that suffering was “granted” to the Philippians, as though it was a gift.
That’s the way Paul saw it. To suffer for Jesus and like Jesus— well, that’s a gift. And it helps the world see Jesus more clearly than if we try to inflict suffering on others because of our fears.
TAKE HOME
3 Ways to Stand Firm in Your Faith
First, we have to know upon what (or Whom) we are standing.
“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:1-2
When God reached down and saved us, He lifted us out of the pit and set us on the Rock. Jesus is the Rock, and He is a firm place to stand. He is truth and His Word is truth (John 14:6, John 17:17).
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8
When your faith is challenged, remember that you stand on the Rock of Jesus Christ. His Word is a firm place to stand. He does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Dig your heels in and trust the One who is beneath you.
Second, we will have to resist the devil and his lies.
When we are struggling with our faith, Satan will whisper words contrary to God’s Word. We have to choose to cast down those thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5).
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.” 1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
As soon as we recognize thoughts of fear, doubt, discouragement, anxiety, or temptation, we have to choose to guard our minds against the deception of the enemy and choose to think God’s thoughts instead.
God has given us spiritual armor to help us stand. When we feel the challenges to our faith, we can remember to suit up and then take our stand.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”Ephesians 6:13
After YOU have DONE everything. In other words, we have to do our part. We have to put on the armor and actively choose to protect our minds from wrong thoughts, our hearts from pride, our gut from lies. Then we have to take up our shield of faith.
We have to be self-controlled and alert and on guard. But when we have done our part, God enables us to stand.
Third, we can’t waver between faith and doubt.
We have to know what we believe and why we believe, so that when the challenges come, we are firm in our faith. Why did you decide to follow Jesus? Why do you choose to serve Him? What do you believe about God and His Word?
“Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.'” 1 Kings 18:21
I think sometimes we still waver between wanting to follow God and wanting to follow the world. If that is the case, we will definitely struggle with our faith. The Lord is asking you today, “How long will you waver between two opinions?”
If you know that God is God and God is good, there’s no question. Don’t let the devil make you think Satan has something better to offer you in the world. It’s a lie.
Only God is God and He alone knows what is best for us. He alone is the path to life, love, and victory. Consider Abraham and his faith. He was a man, a real person, just like you and me. God gave him a great promise with little evidence that he could actually see.
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”Romans 4:20
I love that verse! Abraham made mistakes. He wasn’t perfect. But he was “fully persuaded.” Are you fully persuaded today that God is able to do what He has promised?
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
Chosen by God and Sanctified by the Spirit
Ephesians
1:4-5
"For
he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and
blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to
sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and
will."
1
Peter 1:2
"Who
have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,
through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus
Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in
abundance."
Called Through the Gospel to Share in Christ’s Glory
Romans
8:30
"And those he predestined, he also called; those he
called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."
John
17:22
"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that
they may be one as we are one."
Stand Firm and Hold Fast to Teachings
1
Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters,
stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the
work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not
in vain."
2
Timothy 1:13-14
"What you heard from me, keep as the
pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard
the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help
of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."
God’s Love and Eternal Encouragement
Romans
15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power
of the Holy Spirit."
Isaiah
41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be
dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I
will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Session 4 - Paul’s Request for Prayer - 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
TEXT - 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. 2 Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. 5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
QUESTION
"Have you ever experienced a time when you relied on God’s faithfulness during a season of struggle or doubt? How did that impact your trust in Him?"
OVERVIEW
Paul requests prayer that, as he spread the gospel, it would bear fruit as it had when the Thessalonians received it. His appeal also includes a hope that he would be delivered from wicked men. He expresses confidence that the Lord would strengthen his readers and protect them from Satan. He is certain the Thessalonian believers would obey his commands, and he prays that they would love God and adhere to Paul's teachings.
DISCUSSION POINTS
The Power of Prayer (Verses 1-2)
Paul asks for prayer for the success of the gospel and protection from evil people.
Teaching Point: Prayer is essential in spreading the gospel and guarding against spiritual challenges.
Application: Pray for missionaries, pastors, and fellow believers in difficult situations.
Quote: "Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness." – Martin Luther
God’s Faithfulness and Protection (Verse 3)
Paul assures the Thessalonians that God is faithful, strengthening and protecting His people from the evil one.
Teaching Point: Trust in God’s faithfulness to guard you in spiritual battles.
Application: Reflect on God’s protection in your life and share those stories with others to encourage their faith.
Quote: "God’s faithfulness means that God will always do what He said and fulfill what He has promised." – Wayne Grudem
Confidence in Obedience (Verse 4)
Paul expresses confidence in their obedience to God’s commands.
Teaching Point: Faithfulness in small acts of obedience reflects our trust in God.
Application: Examine your daily life and consider how you can remain obedient to God’s teachings.
God’s Guidance into Love and Perseverance (Verse 5)
Paul prays that God will lead their hearts into His love and Christ’s perseverance.
Teaching Point: God’s love empowers us, and Christ’s endurance inspires us to remain steadfast.
Application: Ask God to guide your heart into deeper love and perseverance through trials.
Quote: "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other." – Walter Elliot
Closing Challenge
Make a list of three things they can pray for this week:
Someone who needs to hear the gospel.
A situation requiring God’s protection or intervention.
A personal area where they need to trust God’s faithfulness and love.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Paul's request here is no mere formality. It expresses his conviction of the absolute necessity of prayer.
Now, we might wonder: "Paul, do you really think that if you prayed alone for an open door, it would be less likely to occur? Do you think there is strength in num?bers? Your desire is so God-honoring--why would prayer even be necessary?"
Paul doesn't deal with such questions. He assumes our total dependence on God both for opportunities and for the power to use them. Paul takes for granted that we will always pray for an open door in our families, at our work, and in our church and city.
Perhaps our problem is not that we lack open doors but that we are less than alert to their presence. Suppose everyone in church today prayed that God would make us alert to opportunities he gives us to share Christ.
It's been said that what we set ourselves to be alert to not only reveals our personality but also shapes it. For example, writers on economics speak of "entrepreneurial alertness," being ready to notice and seize upon new and profitable opportunities. Creative people too are on the alert for new projects, elements, techniques, or materials they can use in their work. Likewise, as Christians, we are to be alert at all times to the opportunities God provides to make Christ known in word or deed.
TAKE HOME
Here are a few biblical principles for effective intercessory prayer. We should:
Pray for others from the heart, with deep feeling and sincerity. (See our article “Prayer From the Heart” for more about this.)
Pray for others regularly. In what is often called the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus told us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11; see “The Lord’s Prayer”). We should pray for our needs and the needs of others every day.
Pray for others in detail. God knows everything; but He wants us to come to Him with all our specific requests because He likes to hear from us and to know what is important to us. The Bible compares our prayers to incense, and God loves prayers that are like “sweet incense beaten fine” (Leviticus 16:12). Detailed, thoughtful prayers are more pleasing than rushed, summary prayers to “bless everybody.” Making a prayer list or prayer journal can help you remember the details.
Pray for others with faith, knowing that God has all power and loves the people we are praying for. Faith reminds us that God knows what is eternally best for each person, and that even if God does not answer in the way we want at the time we want, we can trust He has all of our best interests in mind. (For more about faith, study the scriptures in our article “What Is Faith?” and the other articles in that section.)
Pray for others with love. Remember that names on a prayer list represent real people with deep needs, struggles and feelings. Consider that God loves each of them and wants us to have the same outgoing concern. Godly love is totally unselfish and is the essence of God’s character (see “God Is Love”).
Pray for others fervently—with intensity, zeal and passion. James 5:16 tells us “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
Pray for others with a desire to help where we can. This might include physical help and encouragement. Cards, calls and visits might be helpful. It is not wrong to tell a person you are praying for him or her if it will help encourage the person.
Pray for others occasionally with fasting. When a situation is very serious or hits close to home for you, you may decide to fast and pray to draw close to God to present your supplication to Him.
Prayer list ideas
Many find it helpful to make a list of the people and situations they plan to pray for. What should you include on your prayer list?
Prayer requests. Many people in need submit formal prayer requests to their pastor to be announced at church, or through email or social media.
Personal requests and things you become aware of through fellowship. Some people don’t feel comfortable submitting formal prayer requests, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t facing trials and needing encouragement.
God designed His Church so brethren can grow as a Christian family that supports each other. In addition to prayer requests that may be given formally, we can also get to know our brethren by fellowship. This will naturally provide many things our brethren are facing that we can pray about.
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
The Power of Prayer for the Spread of the Gospel
Matthew
9:37-38
"Then
he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers
are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers
into his harvest field.'"
Ephesians
6:19-20
"Pray
also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I
will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am
an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I
should."
Deliverance from Wicked and Evil People
Psalm
140:1-2
"Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from
the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war
every day."
2
Timothy 4:18
"The Lord will rescue me from every evil
attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be
glory for ever and ever. Amen."
God’s Faithfulness and Protection
1
Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has overtaken you except
what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you
be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he
will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
Psalm
91:4
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his
wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and
rampart."
Confidence in Obedience
Philippians
1:6
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work
in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
James
1:22
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive
yourselves. Do what it says."
God’s Love and Christ’s Perseverance
Romans
5:3-5
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame,
because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the
Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Hebrews
12:1-2
"And let us run with perseverance the race marked
out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of
faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its
shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Session 5 - Warning against Idleness - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
TEXT - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
An Exhortation to Proper Living
6 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. 8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. 10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”
11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. 12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.
14 Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. 15 Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.
17 HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL. I DO THIS IN ALL MY LETTERS TO PROVE THEY ARE FROM ME.
18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
QUESTION
"Why do you think Paul emphasizes hard work and avoiding idleness in this passage? How does this apply to our lives today as followers of Christ?"
OVERVIEW
Paul writes to the Thessalonians with strong words about staying disciplined in their daily lives and work. He warns against idleness and encourages the believers to follow his example of hard work. Paul reminds them of the importance of not being a burden to others and encourages them to persist in doing good. He also instructs the church on how to handle those who refuse to follow these teachings: to avoid them but still treat them with love as fellow believers.
DISCUSSION POINTS
The Importance of Discipline and Work (vv. 6-12)
Paul commands the church to separate from idle individuals who refuse to follow his teachings.
He uses his own example of laboring night and day as a model for others to imitate.
Work is a God-honoring activity that contributes to the well-being of the community.
Quote:
Charles Spurgeon: "Work is always healthier for us than idleness. It is always better to wear out than to rust out."
John Stott: "For Paul, there was no separation between the sacred and the secular. Our daily work is part of our Christian discipleship."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "Faith without works is not faith at all, but a simple lack of obedience to God."
Encouragement to Persist in Doing Good (v. 13)
Paul reminds believers not to grow weary in doing good, even when others may not share their efforts.
Church Discipline with Love (vv. 14-15)
Those who refuse to obey the teachings should be avoided, not out of hatred, but to help them realize their need for change.
Paul emphasizes treating such individuals as brothers and not enemies.
Paul's Final Blessing (vv. 16-18)
Paul closes with a prayer for peace and reminds the church of his love and authenticity by signing the letter himself.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
If we’ve committed our lives to following Jesus as Savior and Lord, we’re in a relationship with him and other believers. It’s a relationship that includes teaching and correcting others. This means that when a fellow believer engages in a pattern of sin, an unacceptable way of life, we need to say or do something, even though we might rather not. Confrontation is never easy.
We begin by looking at our own life. Jesus warned about seeing the speck of sawdust in someone else’s eye while ignoring the plank in our own eye (Matthew 7:3-4). But a love-led motive will be understood. It’s important to see this as a ministry of mercy and a sign of genuine fellowship. Mutual admonition may be difficult, but love compels us to address destructive behavior.
The Bible urges us to warn against idleness and disruption and to encourage the disheartened. We should also respect those who work hard among us, such as the pastor teaching at worship today and the leaders of other ministries in the church. It’s not easy to balance the tasks of admonishing the wandering, encouraging the fearful, helping the weak, and being patient with everyone.
Will you take time today to encourage those who lead you in the church community?
TAKE HOME
Years ago Billy Graham put together a list of characteristics, life styles to live by as a Christian. Here is his suggestions.
Whether we are playing a game, driving a car, or baking a cake, there are certain rules that must be followed for our safety as well as our success.
The Bible teaches that the Christian life is one of constant growth. When you were born again, you were born into God’s family. It is God’s purpose that you will grow into fill stature and become mature in Christ. It would be against the law of God and nature if you were to remain a baby and thus become a spiritual dwarf. In 2 Peter 3:18, the Bible says that we are to grow. It implies steady development, constant enlargement, increasing wisdom.
For one to grow properly certain rules must be observed for good spiritual health.
Read your Bible daily. Do not be content to skim through a chapter merely to satisfy your conscience. Hide the Word of God in your heart. It comforts, guides, corrects, encourages – all we need is there.
Learn the secret of prayer. Prayer is communicating. Every prayer that you pray will be answered. Sometimes that answer may be “Yes” and sometimes “No,” and sometimes it is “Wait,” but nevertheless it will be answered.
Rely constantly on the Holy Spirit. We know that the Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8), and what a comfort that should be to the weakest of us. Stand aside and let Him take over all the choices and decisions of your life.
Attend church regularly. The visible church is Christ’s organization upon earth. Christians need one another, we need to gather together to worship God and nothing can take the place of church attendance.
Be a witnessing Christian. We witness in two ways: by life and by word – and the two, where possible, should go hand in hand.
Let love be the ruling principle of your life. Jesus said to those who followed Him, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). The greatest demonstration of the fact that we are Christians is that we love one another.
Be an obedient Christian. Let Christ have first place in all the choices of your life.
Learn how to meet temptation. Temptation is not sin. It is yielding that is sin. Let Christ through the Holy Spirit do the fighting for you.
Be a wholesome Christian. Our lives and appearance should commend the Gospel and make it attractive to others.
Live above your circumstances. Don’t let your circumstances get you down. Learn to live graciously within them, realizing the Lord Himself is with you.
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
The Importance of Discipline and Work
Colossians
3:23-24:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that
you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the
Lord Christ you are serving."
Proverbs
14:23:
"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads
only to poverty."
Ephesians
4:28:
"Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer,
but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they
may have something to share with those in need."
Avoiding Idleness
Proverbs
6:6-8:
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and
be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its
provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest."
1
Timothy 5:8:
"Anyone who does not provide for their
relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the
faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
Encouragement to Persist in Doing Good
Galatians
6:9-10:
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the
proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore,
as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to
those who belong to the family of believers."
Hebrews
10:24:
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds."
Church Discipline with Love
Matthew
18:15-17:
"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out
their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you
have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two
others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the
testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to
listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to
the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
1
Corinthians 5:11:
"But now I am writing to you that you
must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister
but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a
drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people."
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