Week Two II Thessalonians

A Persevering Church

Paul wrote in his first letter to the Thessalonians about the second coming of Jesus. His goal was to encourage them and have them encourage others with those words. However, it seems that some of the Christians misunderstood and thought that he meant that Jesus was surely coming any minute. Some of them quit work. After all, if Jesus is coming next week, why go to work this week?

So Paul quickly sent this follow-up letter. It’s quite possible that it was written very soon after the first one. He makes it clear in this letter that we don’t know when Jesus will come back. It could be any minute, but we need to keep working until He does come.

You may not be tempted to quit your job, just because you think Jesus is coming soon. You might, however, be tempted to give up working hard for the Lord, for any number of reasons. Perseverance is sometimes viewed as a nasty word. But it is exactly what we need to live a life worthy of God.

This letter will certainly help to inspire you to persevere to live a life worthy of your calling.

Memory Verse:

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. (II Thessalonians 1:11)

Day 1

Worthy of His Calling

Read II Thessalonians 1.

a. I Thessalonians talked about living lives worthy of God. This chapter uses the word “worthy” twice. Describe what you think each phrase means to your life:

-- worthy of the kingdom of God (1:5)

-- worthy of His calling (1:11)

b. Isn’t it exciting to know that God, by his power, can “fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith” (1:11)? (See also Psalms 57:2.) In other words, you know that the Lord will do His part. Just pray that you will do your part today to live a life worthy of His calling.

Day 2

False Alarms

Read II Thessalonians 2:1 – 12.

a. Paul did not want them to be alarmed about what some might be saying about Jesus’ return. Do you think that ever happens today?

b. Much discussion has been devoted to the “man of lawlessness” (2:3). Do you have any ideas about who that might be?

c. Is it surprising that Satan can perform all kinds of counterfeit miracles (2:9)?

d. What happens to those who refuse to love the truth (2:10)?

e. While you might not be able to unwrap all of the mysteries surrounding the second coming of Jesus, you can easily catch the main point: persevere in your faith so that you will be ready whenever He comes.

Day 3

Sanctifying Work of the Spirit

Read II Thessalonians 2:13 – 17.

a. Paul says that we ought to always thank God for the sanctifying work of the Spirit (2:13). Maybe you can spend some time thanking Him right now.

b. You will share in the glory of Christ (2:14). Again, you may not be able to explain everything about Jesus’ return, but here’s one thing that can be understood: you will share in His glory! How does that make you feel?

c. That’s the future. What God wants of you for now is also easy to understand: “stand firm and hold to the teachings” (2:15). In other words, persevere!

d. Pray the inspiring prayer found in the last two verses of this chapter. Pray it for yourself and pray it for others.

Day 4

God’s Love and Christ’s Perseverance

Read II Thessalonians 3:1 – 5.

a. Paul always desired that the gospel would spread rapidly (3:1). He often asked that others would pray about that. Is that your desire also?

b. Another beautiful prayer is found here (3:5), this one asking that the Lord would direct their hearts into two areas:

-- God’s love

-- Christ’s perseverance

This is a perspective that is needed. We all know that we need to love and persevere. But that may be discouraging if we think we can’t do either one of those. The point, however, is that it is God’s love and Christ’s perseverance that is working on, in, and through you. Pray that you will believe that in your life today!

Day 5

Warning About Idleness

Read II Thessalonians 3:6 – 18.

a. The idleness that happened among the Christians in Thessalonica seems to have been caused by the misunderstanding about when Jesus was coming back. What are some causes for idleness today?

b. How were they to treat the ones who were idle?

c. How do you feel about the challenge given in verse 13 to never tire of doing what is right? (See also Galatians 6:9.)

d. It’s obvious that a Christian who perseveres in God’s will is living a life that is pleasing to God and worthy of His calling. Pray about that today. May that characterize your life in Christ!

Week Two Summary

A Persevering Church

Deep Conviction: did you get it?

As you close this week’s study, write a summary of your convictions.

Put it in your heart.

Quote the memory verse for the week.

Share it.

Call or visit someone and share your thoughts from this week’s studies.

Prepare for worship and fellowship.

Recommended Scripture: Psalm 57

Recommended Song: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story