The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Living in Light of Christ's Return

Contents

Introductionto1&2ThessaloniansHowtoUseThisStudyLesson1TheChurch(1THESSALONIANS1)Lesson2GrowingUp(1THESSALONIANS2)Lesson3StandingStrong(1THESSALONIANS3)Lesson4FaithandHope(1THESSALONIANS4)Lesson5Sleepwalking(1THESSALONIANS5)Lesson6TheWicked(2THESSALONIANS1)Lesson7InGod’sTime(2THESSALONIANS2:1–12)Lesson8Truth(2THESSALONIANS2:13—3:18)BonusLesson:SummaryandReviewExtras

Introductionto1&2ThessaloniansRealPeopleTwoofPaul’searliestlettersare1and2Thessalonians.(ItispossiblethatGalatianswaswrittenfirst.)Thesetwoletterswerewrittento

realpeoplewhowereexperiencingrealproblemsinaworldthatwasnotfriendlyto

theirChristianfaith.YouandIcaneasilyidentifywiththesepeople,becauseweliveinasimilarworld

andfacemanyofthesameproblems.Onceyouunderstandthebackground,theburden,andtheblessingofthesetwoletters,youwillseehowup-to-dateand

practicaltheyare.

CounselfromaFatherThetwomajorthemesin1and2Thessaloniansaredeartomyheart:thereturnofJesusChristandtheministryofthelocalchurch.FirstThessaloniansisaletterfromaspiritualfathertohischildren.Paulpicturedthechurchasafamily(thewordbrethrenorbrotherisusednineteentimesinthefirstletterandninetimesinthesecond),andheremindedtheThessaloniansofwhatGoddidforthemthroughhisministry.Thesecondletterwaswrittentocorrectcertainwrongideas—andwrongpractices—relatingtothedoctrineoftheLord’sreturn.Inthesetwoletters,Paulbalancesthepropheticalandthepractical.Heinsists

thatthedoctrineofthereturnofJesusChristbemorethanadoctrine—thatitbeadynamicinourlivesandintheministryofourchurches.

—WarrenW.Wiersbe

HowtoUseThisStudyThisstudyisdesignedforbothindividualandsmall-groupuse.We’vedivideditinto eight lessons—each references one or more chapters in Warren W.Wiersbe’scommentaryBeReady(secondedition,DavidCCook,2010).Whilereading Be Ready is not a prerequisite for going through this study, theadditional insights and background Wiersbe offers can greatly enhance yourstudyexperience.TheGettingStarted questionsat thebeginningof each lessonofferyouan

opportunitytorecordyourfirstthoughtsandreactionstothestudytext.Thisisanimportantstepinthestudyprocessasthose“firstimpressions”oftenincludecluesaboutwhatitisyourheartislongingtodiscover.ThebulkofthestudyisfoundintheGoingDeeperquestions.Thesediveinto

theBibletextand,alongwithhelpfulexcerptsfromWiersbe’scommentary,helpyou examine not only the original context andmeaning of the verses but alsomodernapplication.Looking Inward narrows the focus down to your personal story. These

intimatequestionscanbeabituncomfortableattimes,butdon’tshyawayfromhonestyhere.This iswhereyouareasked to standbefore themirrorofGod’sWord and look closely atwhat you see. It’s the place to take a good look atyourself in light of the lesson and search forways inwhich you can grow infaith.GoingForwardistheplacewhereyoucancommittopaperthosethingsyou

wantor need todo inorder tobetter liveout thediscoveriesyoumade in theLookingInwardsection.Don’tskiporskimthroughthis.Takethetimetoreallyconsider what practical steps you might take to move closer to Christ. Thenshare your thoughts with a trusted friend who can act as an encourager andaccountabilitypartner.Finally, there is a briefSeekingHelp section to close the lesson. This is a

reminderforyoutoinviteGodintoyourspiritual-growthprocess.Ifyouchoosetowrite out a prayer in this section, comeback to it as youwork through thelesson and continue to seek theHolySpirit’s guidance as you discoverGod’swillforyourlife.

TipsforSmallGroupsAsmallgroupisadynamicthing.Oneweekitmightseemlikeagroupofclose-knit friends. The next it might seem more like a group of uncomfortablestrangers.Asmall-groupleader’sroleistoreadthesesubtlechangesandadjustthetoneofthediscussionaccordingly.Small groups need to be safe places for people to talk openly. It is through

shared wrestling with difficult life issues that some of the greatest personalgrowthisdiscovered.Butinorderforthegrouptofeelsafe,participantsneedtoknow it’s okay not to share sometimes. Always invite honest disclosure, butneverforcesomeonetospeakifheorsheisn’tcomfortabledoingso.(Asavvyleaderwillfollowuplaterwithagroupmemberwhoisn’tcomfortablesharinginagroupsettingtoseeifaone-on-onediscussionismoreappropriate.)Have volunteers take turns reading excerpts from Scripture or from the

commentary.Themoreeachpersonisinvolvedeveninthemundanetasks,themorethey’llfeelcomfortableopeningupinmoremeaningfulways.The leader should watch the clock and keep the discussion moving.

Sometimes there may be more Going Deeper questions than your group cancover in your available time. If you’ve had a fruitful discussion, it’s okay tomove on without finishing everything. And if you think the group is gettingboggeddownonaquestionorhas takenoffona tangent,youcansimplysay,“Let’sgoontoquestion5.”BesuretosaveatleasttentofifteenminutesfortheGoingForwardquestions.Finally, soak your group meetings in prayer—before you begin, during as

needed,andalwaysattheendofyourtimetogether.

Lesson1

TheChurch(1THESSALONIANS1)

Beforeyoubegin…•PrayfortheHolySpirittorevealtruthandwisdomasyougothroughthislesson.•Read1Thessalonians1.Thislessonreferenceschapters1and2,“AChurchIsBorn”and“WhatEveryChurchShouldBe,”inBeReady.ItwillbehelpfulforyoutohaveyourBibleandacopyofthecommentaryavailableasyouworkthroughthislesson.

GettingStarted

FromtheCommentaryPauldidnotwrite these letters tostirupadebate.Hisdesirewas thattheselettersblessourlivesandourchurches.ThedoctrineoftheLord’sreturnisnotatoytoplaywithoraweapontofightwith,butatooltobuildwith.BelieversmaydisagreeonsomeofthefinepointsofBibleprophecy,butweallbelievethatJesusChristiscomingagaintorewardbelievers and judge the lost.Andwemust all live in the light ofHiscoming.

Your study of these letters should give you assurance for the future,encouragementinwitnessingandwalkingwiththeLord,comfortinthelossofChristianlovedones,andstabilityinaworldthatisveryunsureofitself.

—BeReady,pages26–27

1.WhyisthesubjectofJesus’returnsodivisive?Howcanitbecomeapointofcontention in a churchcommunity?What roledoes it play in thedefinitionofvarious church denominations? How can the topic bring believers closertogether?

2.Choose one verse or phrase from1Thessalonians 1 that stands out to you.This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes youuncomfortable,somethingthatpuzzlesyou,somethingthatresonateswithyou,orjustsomethingyouwanttoexaminefurther.Writethathere.

GoingDeeper

FromtheCommentaryNo doubt you have heard some preacher say, “If you ever find theperfect church, please don’t join it. If you do, it won’t be perfectanymore!”

Since local churches are made up of human beings, saved by God’sgrace, no church is perfect.But somechurches are closer to theNewTestament ideal than others. The church at Thessalonica was in thatcategory.

—BeReady,page31

3.Read1Thessalonians1:2;2:13;3:9.WhatisPaul’smessageintheseverses?Whatdoesitlookliketodayforapastortobethankfulforachurch?Whataresome reasons to be thankful? How does that thankfulness translate into astrongerchurch?

FromtheCommentaryThewordchurch in1Thessalonians1:1means“acalled-outpeople.”WheneveryoureadaboutacallintheBible,itindicatesdivineelection—Godiscallingoutapeoplefromthisworld(Acts15:13–18).Seventimes in John 17, our Lord referred to believers as those whom theFathergavetoHimoutoftheworld(John17:2,6,9,11–12,24).Paulstated that he knew the Thessalonians had been chosen by God(1Thess.1:4).

The doctrine of divine election confuses some people and frightensothers,yetneitherresponseisjustified.Aseminaryprofessoroncetoldme,“Trytoexplainelection,andyoumayloseyourmind.Butexplainitaway—andyoumayloseyoursoul!”

We will never understand the total concept of election this side ofheaven.ButweshouldnotignorethisimportantdoctrinethatistaughtthroughouttheBible.


4.Whatdoesitmean,inpracticalterms,tobea“called-outpeople”?Whyisthedoctrineofelectionastickingpointformanypeople?WhatdoesitsuggestaboutGod? About our relationship with God? Why is it important to address thisissue?

FromToday’sWorldToday’schurchismorediversethanever.WhilePaulcertainlyhadexperienceworking with both “good” churches like the one in Thessalonica and “bad”

churches (seemostofhisotherepistles), theystill allhad thebenefitofbeingformed not long after JesusHimself hadwalked the earth. The discipleswhowereresponsibleforspreadingthegospelmessageintheearlydaysdidsowithverve and passion born of firsthand or secondhand experiences with Jesus.Todaymanychurchgoerstreatthegospelasoldnews,andlong-helddoctrines—including the virgin birth and Jesus’ resurrection—have been questioned bysomechurches.Manypeopleareconfusedaboutwhatmakesachurch“good.”Somesayathrivingcommunityisevidenceofagoodchurch.Othersarguethatthesizeofthechurchhaslittletodowithitseffectivenessandfaithfulnesstothegospel.

5.Whatmakesachurch“good”or“bad”today?Whodecideswhetherachurchisservingtheultimategoodorisself-serving?WhatkindsoflettersmightPaulwritetothechurchesinyourcommunitytoday?Whatconcernswouldhehave?Whatpraise?

FromtheCommentaryAlocalchurchmustbecomposedofelectpeople,thosewhohavebeensavedby thegraceofGod.Oneproblemtoday is thepresence, in thechurchfamily,ofunbelieverswhosenamesmaybeonthechurchrollbut not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Every church membershouldexaminehisheart todeterminewhetherhehas trulybeenbornagainandbelongstoGod’select.

—BeReady,page34

6. How does a church determine if someone is a “rightful member”? Whatshouldmembership signify? Isbeingoneof the “elect”nonnegotiablewhen itcomes to churchmembership?What are the dangers of focusing toomuchonmembershipoverservingandteaching?

FromtheCommentaryFrom thevery inceptionof this church,Paul looked to themwith joyandgratitudeasChristiansworthyofthename.Theywereexamplesinseveralareasoftheirlives.TheyreceivedtheWord(v.5).Thegospelcame to them through theministry of Paul and his associates.Manytravelingpreachersandphilosophersinthatdaywereonlyinterestedinmakingmoneyfromignorantpeople.ButtheHolySpiritusedtheWordingreatpower,andtheThessaloniansrespondedbyreceivingboththemessage and the messengers. In spite of the persecution in Philippi,PaulandSilashadbeen“bold…tospeak…thegospel”(1Thess.2:2),andthepeoplebelievedandweresaved.TheyneverlostthateagernessfortheWordofGod(v.13).

They followed their spiritual leaders (v. 6a).Theword followers isactually “imitators.” These new believers not only accepted themessageandthemessengers,buttheyalsoimitatedtheirlives.Thisledto severe persecution. It is important that young Christians respectspiritualleadershipandlearnfrommaturebelievers.Justasanewbornbabyneedsafamily,soanewbornChristianneedsthelocalchurchandthe leaders there. “Obey them that have the [spiritual] rule over you,andsubmityourselves:fortheywatchforyoursouls”(Heb.13:17).Itisnotenoughforusasmaturebelieverstowinsouls;wemustalsowatchforsoulsandencouragenewChristianstoobeyGod’sWord.

TheysufferedforChrist(v.6b). InturningfromidolstoserveGod,these believers angered their friends and relatives, and this led topersecution.Nodoubtsomeofthemlosttheirjobsbecauseoftheirnewfaith.Justas theJewishunbelieverspersecuted thebelievers inJudea,so the Gentile unbelievers persecuted the Thessalonian believers(1Thess.2:14–16).


7. Review 1 Thessalonians 1:5–7. What kinds of persecution did the churchface?Whyisfaithalwaystested?Whatdoesthattestingbring?Whataresomeof the ways today’s church is persecuted? How can we grow stronger inresponsetothatpersecution?

FromtheCommentaryTheir“workoffaithandlaboroflove”expresseditselfintheirsharingofthegospelwithothers.Theywereboth“receivers”(theWordcameto them, 1 Thess. 1:5) and “transmitters” (the Word went out fromthem, v. 8). Each believer and each local church must receive andtransmitGod’sWord.

Theverb“soundedout”actuallymeans“tosoundasatrumpet.”ButtheThessalonianswerenot“tootingtheirownhorns”asdidthePharisees(Matt.6:1–4).Theyweretrumpetingforththegoodnewsofsalvation,and their message had a clear and certain sound to it (1 Cor. 14:8).Wherever Paul went, the people told him about the faith of theThessalonianbelievers.

It is the responsibility andprivilege of each local church to share themessageofsalvationwiththelostworld.AttheendofeachofthefourgospelsandatthebeginningofthebookofActs,therearecommissionsforthechurchestoobey(Matt.28:18–20;Mark16:15–16;Luke24:46–49;John20:21;Acts1:8).

—BeReady,page36

8. How does today’s church compare with the church in Thessalonica as awhole? How does your local church compare? What are some of the thingsyesterday’scongregationdid that today’sdoesn’t? Is it reasonableandwise toseek to bemore like the early church?Why orwhy not?What contemporaryconcernsandcultureissuesmakeitdifficultfortoday’schurchtolooklikethechurchinPaul’sday?

MoretoConsider:Arecentsurveyofchurchgrowthindicatedthat70to80percent of a church’s growth is the result of friendswitnessing to friendsandrelativestorelatives.Whilevisitationevangelismandothermethodsofoutreachhelp,thepersonalcontactbringstheharvest.If thisistrue,whatrole does election play in the conversion process? In what ways doeselection involve human responsibility?What can we learn about electionfromthewayGodchoseIsraelandmadeitanelectnation?WhatroledidGodgivethenationIsraelafteritselection?

FromtheCommentaryTheirworkoffaithmadethemanelectpeople,fortheyturnedtoGodfromtheiridolsandtrustedJesusChrist.Theirlaboroflovemadetheman exemplary and enthusiastic people as they lived theWord ofGodandsharedthegospel.Theirpatienceofhopemadethemanexpectantpeople,lookingfortheirSavior’sreturn.

In these verses, Paul related the second coming of Christ to theirsalvation.Because theyhad trustedChrist, they looked forHis returnwith joyful expectancy and knew that theywould be delivered “fromthe wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:10). Paul repeated this truth in1Thessalonians 5:9–10, and he amplified it again in 2Thessalonians1:5–10.


9.Review1Thessalonians1:9–10.What is theultimate result ofworshippingidols?Where ishope for thosewhoworship idols?Whatkindofhopedid theThessaloniansfindwhentheytrusted“thelivingGod”?(See1Pet.1:2–3.)

FromtheCommentaryTheword translated “wait” in 1 Thessalonians 1:10means “to awaitsomeonewithpatienceandconfidence,expectantly.”Waitinginvolvesactivity and endurance. Some of theThessalonian believers quit theirwork and became idle busybodies, arguing that theLordwas comingsoon.But ifwe really believe theLord is coming,wewill prove ourfaithbykeepingbusyandobeyingHisWord.OurLord’sparableofthepounds (Luke 19:11–27) teaches thatwemust “occupy” (be busy; inthiscase,investthemoney)tillHereturns.

ChristiansarewaitingforJesusChrist,andHemayreturnatanytime.Wearenotwaitingforany“signs”;wearewaitingfortheSavior.Weare waiting for the redemption of the body (Rom. 8:23–25) and thehope of righteousness (Gal. 5:5).When Jesus Christ returnswe shallreceivenewbodies (Phil.3:20–21),andweshallbe likeHim(1John3:1–2).HewilltakeustothehomeHehasprepared(John14:1–6),andHewill reward us for the servicewe have given inHis name (Rom.14:10–12).A localchurch that truly lives in theexpectationofseeingJesus Christ at any time will be a vibrant and victorious group ofpeople.


10.Whymightsomeofthechurchmembershavebeentemptedtostopworkingin anticipation of Jesus’ return?What’s the difference between being anxiousaboutJesus’returnandlivingexpectantly?

LookingInwardTakeamomenttoreflectonallthatyou’veexploredthusfarinthisstudyof1Thessalonians1.Reviewyournotesandanswersand thinkabouthoweachofthesethingsmattersinyourlifetoday.

Tips for SmallGroups: To get themost out of this section, form pairs ortrios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Behonest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, beencouragingandsupportiveofothers.Besensitivetothosewhoaregoingthrough particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak ifthey’reuncomfortabledoingso.

11.Whatdoesitmeantoyoutobecalled“elect”?Howdoesthataffectthewayyourelatetootherbelievers?Tononbelievers?Howwouldyouanswersomeonewhoasked,“Whyareyouchosen,andothersarenot?”

12.InwhatwayshaveyouturnedfromidolstoservethelivingGod?Whatidolsdoyoufindmosttempting?Whatidolswouldotherpeoplelikeyoutoworship?Whatprice,ifany,doyoupayforsayingnototheidolsaroundyou?

13. What are some ways you are living expectantly? Do you ever becomefrustratedwithJesus’ timing?Whatpromptsthosemoments?Howcanwaitingactuallyhelpyourfaithgrow?Whataresomeofthethingsthatmakewaitingfor

Jesus’returndifficult?

GoingForward14.Thinkofoneortwothingsthatyouhavelearnedthatyou’dliketoworkonin thecomingweek.Remember that this is all aboutquality,notquantity. It’sbettertoworkononespecificareaoflifeanddoitwellthantoworkonmanyanddopoorly(ortobesooverwhelmedthatyousimplydon’ttry).

Do you want to say no to some idol? Be specific. Go back through 1Thessalonians 1 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is mostencouragingtoyou.Considermemorizingthisverse.

Real-LifeApplicationIdeas:Thisweek,takesometimetolearnaboutyourchurch’s history. Where did it begin? How did it grow? What were itsgreatest challenges?Howdid it overcome them?Once you’ve learnedallyoucanaboutyourchurch,spendtimeinprayer,askingGodtoshowyoutheroleyou’retoplayinthecurrent(andfuture)chaptersofitsstory.Andtake a moment to track down some of the early church founders ormembers,andsendthemanoteofthanksandencouragement.Achurchisbuiltofpeople,bypeople.Celebratethatthisweek.

SeekingHelp15.Writeaprayerbelow(orsimplyprayoneinsilence),invitingGodtoworkon your mind and heart in those areas you’ve noted in the Going Forwardsection.Behonestaboutyourdesiresandfears.

NotesforSmallGroups:•LookforwaystoputintopracticethethingsyouwroteintheGoingForwardsection.Talkwithothergroupmembersaboutyourideasandcommittobeingaccountabletooneanother.•Duringthecomingweek,asktheHolySpirittocontinuetorevealtruthtoyoufromwhatyou’vereadandstudied.•Beforeyoustartthenextlesson,read1Thessalonians2.Formorein-depthlessonpreparation,readchapters3and4,“HelpingtheBabyGrowUp”and“GrowingPains,”inBeReady.

Lesson2

GrowingUp(1THESSALONIANS2)

Beforeyoubegin…•PrayfortheHolySpirittorevealtruthandwisdomasyougothroughthislesson.•Read1Thessalonians2.Thislessonreferenceschapters3and4inBeReady.ItwillbehelpfulforyoutohaveyourBibleandacopyofthecommentaryavailableasyouworkthroughthislesson.

GettingStarted

FromtheCommentaryChapter1of1ThessaloniansintroducedustoPaultheevangelist.Thischapter introducesus toPaul thepastor, for it explainshow thegreatapostle cared for the new believers in the churches he founded. Paulconsidered“thecareofallthechurches”(2Cor.11:28)agreaterburdenthanallthesufferingsanddifficultiesheexperiencedinhisministry(2Cor.11:23ff.).

Just as God uses people to bring the gospel to the lost, so He usespeople to nurture the babes inChrist and help lead them tomaturity.ThechurchatThessalonicawasbornthroughthefaithfulpreachingofthe apostle and his helpers, and the churchwas nurtured through thefaithfulpastoring that Paul and his friends gave to the infant church.Thishelpedthemstandstronginthemidstofpersecution.

—BeReady,page43

1.Whyisit importantforPaultoremindthechurchofhowhe’sministeredtotheyoungchurches?Whatdoesthissuggestabout thechurchinThessalonica?What is a “young” church today? How are a young church’s needs differentfrom the needs of a more established church? Is your church young or old?Explain.

More to Consider: Paul had been “entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thess.2:4). In what ways was Paul a steward of God’s message? What is theresponsibility of a steward? (See the story of Joseph in the household ofPotiphar in Gen. 39:1–6.) What does Luke 16:1–2 tell us about God’s

expectationsofasteward?HowarewestewardsofGod’smessagetoday?


GoingDeeper

FromtheCommentaryPauldidnotuseguileortrickerytowinconverts.Thewordtranslated“guile”carriestheideaof“baitingahook.”Inotherwords,Pauldidnottrappeopleintobeingsavedthewayacleversalesmantrapspeopleintobuyinghis product.Spiritualwitnessing and “Christian salesmanship”aredifferent.Salvationdoesnotlieattheendofacleverargumentorasubtlepresentation.ItistheresultofGod’sWordandthepoweroftheHolySpirit(1Thess.1:5).

Oftenwehear,“Idon’tcarewhatyourmethodis,justsolongasyourmessageisright.”Butsomemethodsareunworthyofthegospel.Theyare cheap, whereas the gospel is a costly message that required thedeathofGod’sonlySon.Theyareworldlyandmancentered,whereasthegospelisadivinemessagecenteredinGod’sglory.

Paul’senemiesinThessalonicaaccusedhimofbeingacheappeddlerofthisnewmessage.Theysaidthathisonlymotivewastomakemoney.Indescribinghimselfasafaithfulsteward,Paulansweredthesecritics,andPaul’sreadersknewthathetoldthetruth.(Tracethatphrase“asyeknow”in1Thess.1:5;2:1,5,11;3:3–4;4:2;5:2.)Paulappealedtothewitness of God (1 Thess. 2:5) and to their own witness. He had “aconsciencevoidofoffensetowardGod,andtowardmen”(Acts24:16).


3.Paulabhorredflattery(1Thess.2:5).What’swrongwithflattery?HowisthislikethewayDavidfeltaboutflattery(seePs.12:2)?Inwhatwaysisaflatterersomeonewhomanipulatesratherthancommunicates?

FromtheCommentaryTheemphasisofthestewardisfaithfulness;theemphasisofthemotherisgentleness.Asanapostle,Paulwasamanofauthority,buthealwaysusedhisauthorityinlove.ThebabesinChristsensedhistenderlovingcare as he nurtured them. He was indeed like a loving mother whocaredforherchildren.

It takes time and energy to care for children. Paul did not turn hisconverts over to babysitters; he made sacrifices and cared for themhimself.He did not tell them to “read a book” as a substitute for hisownpersonalministry(thoughgoodChristianliteraturecanhelpyoungbelieverstogrow).

—BeReady,page47

4.Review1Thessalonians2:7–8.WhyispatiencesuchanimportantcharactertraitforChristians,especiallyleaders?Whathappenswhenwe’reimpatientwithother believers? What are the long-term benefits of being patient? (See, forexample,1Cor.13:4.)

FromtheCommentaryFirst Thessalonians 2:7 can read “even as a nursingmother cherishesherownchildren.”Whatisthelessonhere?Anursingmotherimpartsher own life to the child. This is exactly what Paul wrote in 1Thessalonians2:8.Youcannotbeanursingmotherandturnyourbabyover to someone else. That babymust be in your arms, next to yourheart.

The nursingmother eats the food and transforms it intomilk for thebaby.ThematureChristianfeedsontheWordofGodandthensharesits nourishmentwith the younger believers so they cangrow (1Peter2:1–3).Anursing child canbecome ill through reaction to somethingthe mother has eaten. The Christian who is feeding others must becarefulnottofeedonthewrongthingshimself.

—BeReady,page47

5. What does nourishing a faith look like in practical terms? What was the“mother’smilk” thatPaulfedtoothers?Whatare thekindsof“food”thatcantaintsomeone’sspiritualnourishmentofanother?

FromtheCommentaryPaul considered himself a “spiritual father” to the believers atThessalonica, just as he did toward the saints atCorinth. “For if youwere tohavecountless tutors inChrist,yetyouwouldnothavemanyfathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel”(1Cor.4:15NASB).TheSpiritofGodusedtheWordofGodinPaul’sministry, and many people in Thessalonica were born again into thefamilyofGod.

Butthefathernotonlybegets thechildren,healsocaresfor them.Ashedefendedhis ownwork against false accusations,Paul pointedoutthreeofhisdutiesasthespiritualfathertotheThessalonians.

—BeReady,page48

6.Paultalkedaboutthreeduties:hiswork(v.9);hiswalk(v.10);hiswords(vv.11–12).Describewhat eachdutywas andwhat itspurposewas.Why isworkimportant?Whyiswalkimportant?Whyarewordsimportant?

FromtheCommentaryThe verb in 1 Thessalonians 2:12 is in the present tense: “who iscontinuallycallingyou.”Godcalledustosalvation(2Thess.2:13–14),andHeisconstantlycallingustoalifeofholinessandobedience.“Butas he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner ofconversation [behavior]; because it is written, ‘Be ye holy; for I amholy’”(1Peter1:15–16).

ThispassagegivesusabeautifulexampleofNewTestamentfollow-up.Paul has shown us how to raise the babies. We must be faithfulstewards,lovingmothers,andconcernedfathers.Ifwearenotfaithfulto God, we may find ourselves becoming doting mothers andpampering fathers. Children need discipline as well as love. In fact,disciplineisoneevidenceoflove.

—BeReady,page51

7. Inwhatways is discipline evidenceof love?What doesPaul say about therole of discipline in the church?Howdoes disciplinework alongside teachingandfaithfulnesstogrowtheThessalonianchurchdespitethepersecutionitwasfacing?Whatpracticallessonscanwedrawfromthisforthechurchtoday?

FromtheCommentaryThechurchhasbeenfoundedon theWordofGod(1Thess.1:6), themessageof thegospelof JesusChrist.The sameWord that bringsussalvationalsoenablesustoliveforChristandenduresufferingforHissake. Paul was thankful that the saints in Thessalonica had the rightspiritualattitudestowardtheWordofGod.Thishelpedthemendureinthehourofsuffering.

They appreciated theWord. They did not receive it as theword ofmen; they received it as theWord of God.We must never treat theBibleasanyotherbook, for theBible isdifferent inorigin,character,content,andcost.TheBibleistheWordofGod.ItwasinspiredbytheSpiritofGod(2Tim.3:16)andwrittenbymenofGodwhowereusedbytheSpirit(2Peter1:20–21).God’sWordisholy,pure,andperfect(Ps.19:7–9).TheBiblewaswrittenatgreatcost,notonlytothewriters,but toJesusChrist,whobecameMan that theWordofGodmightbegiventous.

ThewayaChristiantreatshisBibleshowshowheregardsJesusChrist.HeisthelivingWord(John1:1,14),andtheBibleisthewrittenWord,butinessencetheyarethesame.Botharebread(Matt.4:4;John6:48),light(Ps.119:105;John8:12),andtruth(John14:6;17:17).TheHolySpiritgavebirthtoJesusChristthroughaholywoman(Luke1:35),andHegavebirthtotheBiblethroughholymenofGod(2Peter1:20–21).Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God forever (Rom. 1:25), and theWordofGodwillliveforever(Ps.119:89;1Peter1:23,25).

—BeReady,page56

8. Review 1 Thessalonians 2:13. What was the Word of God that Paul wasteaching theThessalonian church?Howdoes ourBible compare towhat Paul

wasteachingfrom?InwhatwayshavesomebelieverslostrespectfortheWordofGod?Why is it so important tohold it in theproper regard?Whathappenswhenwestopdoingthat?

More toConsider:ReadJob23:12;Matthew4:4;Hebrews5:11–14;andPsalm 119:103. What does each of these passages teach us about theimportance of God’s Word to His people? In what ways is God’s Wordmorevaluablethanfood?Thanriches?(SeePs.119:14,72,127,162.)

FromtheCommentaryInmy pastoralwork, I often found that suffering people can becomeveryself-centeredand think that theyare theonlyonesgoing throughthefurnace.Everyonegoesthroughthenormalhumansufferingsuchassickness,pain,andbereavement.ButIamreferringtothesufferingweendurebecauseweareChristians.

Perhapsyourfamilyhasdisownedyoubecauseofyourfaith,orperhapsyou have been bypassed for a promotion at work because you are aChristian. These experiences hurt, but they are not ours alone. OtherChristiansaregoingthroughthesametrials,andmany,inotherpartsoftheworld,facemuchgreaterdifficulty.

NotonlyweretheThessaloniansaintsimitatorsoftheLordandofPaul(1Thess.1:6),buttheyalsobecameimitatorsoftheJewishbelieversintheir experience of persecution. The saints in Judea suffered at thehandsoftheJews,andthesaintsinThessalonicasufferedatthehandsoftheGentiles.ButkeepinmindthateventhisGentilepersecutionwasencouragedbytheJewishunbelievers(Acts17:5,13).


9.WasPaulgivingevidenceof“religiousbigotry”whenheaccusedtheJewsofkillingJesusChristandpersecutingtheChristians?Whyorwhynot?ReadJohn15:18–27. How does this shed light on the experiences of the Thessalonianchurch?

FromtheCommentaryPaul was not ashamed to state his affection for the ThessalonianChristians. He felt as though he had been “orphaned” from them(1Thess.2:17),sincehewastheirspiritualmotherandfather(1Thess.2:7,11).Paulwantedtoremaintherelongertohelpgroundtheminthefaith, but the enemy drove him out. However, his absence was onlyphysical;hewasstillwiththeminheart(seePhil.1:7).

Paulmade every effort possible to return to them, though Satanwas“breaking up the road and putting up obstacles” (literal meaning of“hindered”in1Thess.2:18).Paulhadthesamekindofdeepdesiretobewith them as Jesus had to bewithHis disciples beforeHis death(Luke22:15).


10.Paulhadeveryreasonto lookbackandgive in toregret.Whydidhe lookaheadinstead?Whatdoes thissayabout theroleoffaith inaChristian’sdailylife?Whyis it important to takethelongviewin timesof troubleandtesting?Whatisthelongviewtoday?



11.What are someof theways you’ve practiced patiencewhen counseling orteaching another believer?What frustrations did you experience?What joys?Howeasyhas it been foryou topracticepatience inyour faith?What are thebestwaystogrowinpatience?

12.Describeoneofthewaysotherbelievershavenourishedyourfaith.Whatdidtheydotoassessyourcurrentspiritualmaturity?Howdidthey(ordidn’tthey)takethatintoconsiderationastheytaughtandmentoredyou?Whatcanyoutakefromthisexperiencetobetterprepareyoutonourishothers’faith?

13.Doyouoftenfindyourselflivinginregret?Whatpromptsthatattitude?Why

is it dangerous to live in regret?Howcanyour faith in Jesushelpyou to liveforward,ratherthanconstantlywonderingwhat“couldhavebeen”?


Do youwant to avoid empty flattery in your speech?Be specific.Go backthrough1Thessalonians2andputastarnexttothephraseorversethatismostencouragingtoyou.Considermemorizingthisverse.Real-LifeApplicationIdeas:Takestockofthecurrenttrialsyou’refacingathome, work, and in your spiritual life. One of the ways Paul helped theThessalonianswas teaching the importance of taking the “long view” oncurrent strife. Talkwith a close friendabout the issues you’re facingandwhy they seem untenable now. Then look together at a future time whenthose trialswill be in thepast, andaskGod tohelp youget fromhere tothere,accordingtoHiswill.Learningtoseethebigpictureis freeingandbuildstrustinGod.


NotesforSmallGroups:•LookforwaystoputintopracticethethingsyouwroteintheGoingForwardsection.Talkwithothergroupmembersaboutyourideasandcommittobeingaccountabletooneanother.•Duringthecomingweek,asktheHolySpirittocontinuetorevealtruthtoyoufromwhatyou’vereadandstudied.•Beforeyoustartthenextlesson,read1Thessalonians3.Formorein-depthlessonpreparation,readchapter5,“TakeaStand!,”inBeReady.

Lesson3

StandingStrong(1THESSALONIANS3)

Beforeyoubegin…•PrayfortheHolySpirittorevealtruthandwisdomasyougothroughthislesson.•Read1Thessalonians3.Thislessonreferenceschapter5inBeReady.ItwillbehelpfulforyoutohaveyourBibleandacopyofthecommentaryavailableasyouworkthroughthislesson.

GettingStarted

FromtheCommentaryBeforeachildcanwalk,hemustlearntostand.Usuallythefatherandmother teach the child to stand and then towalk. Paulwas “spiritualparent”tothesebelievers,buthehadbeenforcedtoleaveThessalonica.How, then, couldhehelp theseyoungChristians learn to stand in thetrialsoflife?

Inthefirsttwochapters,Paulexplainedhowthechurchwasbornandnurtured.Nowhedealtwiththenextstepinmaturity:howthechurchwastostand.Thekeythoughtisexpressedin1Thessalonians3:8:“Fornowwelive,ifyestandfastintheLord.”

—BeReady,page67

1.Thekeywordin1Thessalonians3isestablish(seevv.2,13).Whatdoesthiswordmeantothebelievers?Whataretheimplicationsforallyoungchurches?WhatdoesitmeantostandfastforGodasachurch?Asanindividualbeliever?


GoingDeeper

FromtheCommentaryWhen Paul and his friends left Thessalonica, theywent toBerea andministered the Word. But the troublemakers from Thessalonicafollowed them and stirred up opposition. Paul left for Athens whileSilasandTimothyremainedatBerea(seeActs17:10–15).Apparently,TimothydidjoinPaulinAthens(notethe“we”in1Thess.3:1–2),butPaulsenthimbacktoThessalonica.

The“wherefore” thatopenschapter3 refers to1Thessalonians2:17–20,wherePaulexpressedhisgreatloveforthebelievers.Itwasbecauseofthislovethathecouldnotabandonthemwhentheyneededspiritualhelp.Paulwasnotonlyanevangelist;hewasalsoapastor.Heknewthat soulwinningwasbutonepartof thecommissionGodgavehim.Thesenewbelieversmustalsobetaughtandestablishedinthefaith.


3.WhydidPauldecidetostayinAthensalone(3:1–5)?WhatcommissiondidhegivetoTimothy?HowwasPaul’sdecisiontosendTimothyawaytoshowlove for the believers there?What does this small detail imply about trainingleadersandteachersinthechurch?

FromtheCommentaryNoteverybelieverisequippedtoestablishotherChristiansinthefaith.Ideally, every Christian should be mature enough to help otherChristiansgrow in theLordand learn to standon theirown two feet.Unfortunately, some Christians are like those described in Hebrews5:11–14. They have gone backward in their spiritual walk and haveforgottenthebasictruthsoftheWord.Insteadofteachingothers,theythemselvesneed tobe taught again.Theyaregoing througha secondchildhoodspiritually.

Timothywas the idealman to send to the church to help them standfirm.TimothyandTituswerePaul’s“specialagents”whomheusedastroubleshooters whenever the churches had problems. Paul sentTimothy toCorinth to help straighten out the problems there (1Cor.16:10–11). He also planned to send Timothy to help the saints inPhilippi(Phil.2:19–23).


4.WhatkindofpersoncanhelpyoungerbelieversgrowintheLord?Whatarethebasicrequirementsforsomeonewhocanleadothers?WhywasTimothytheperfectchoicetosendtoThessalonica?

More toConsider:Timothywasaminister.This issimply theGreekwordfor a servant. Our English word deacon comes from this word diakonos.WhatwereTimothy’squalificationsasminister?(SeePhil.2:22.)Howaretoday’sdeaconslikeTimothy?

FromToday’sWorldTimothy had ministered with Paul prior to his work with the Thessalonianchurch.Intheearlydaysofthechurch,leadersweredeveloped“onthejob,”asthey learned fromandministeredwithotherswithmore experience, likePaul,who had been preaching and teaching the gospel since the very beginning.Thoughsomeofthosewhobecameleadersintheearlychurchlikelyhadsomeformal training (in the Jewish faith, in the synagogue) most were probablylearningtheinsandoutsofchurchleadershipinthetrenches.

5. Today,many pastors are trained formally in seminaries and colleges. Howdoesthatkindoftrainingcomparetowhattheearlychurchleadersknew?Whataretheadvantagesofformaltraining?Oflearningtoleadonthejob?WhatcanwelearnfromhowPaulmentoredotherleaderstohelpmakeourleaderstodaymorecompetent?

FromtheCommentaryThe trials and testings that come to our lives as Christians are notaccidents—they are appointments.Wemust expect to “suffer for hissake” (Phil. 1:29). Persecution is not foreign to the believer (1 Peter4:12ff.),butanormalpartoftheChristianlife.Paulhadrepeatedlytoldthemthiswhilehewaswiththem.Wemustwarnnewbelieversthattheway isnot easyas they seek to live forChrist, otherwise,when trialscome,thesebabesinChristwillbediscouragedanddefeated.

Of course, behind these persecutions is Satan, the enemy of theChristian (1 Thess. 3:5). He is the tempter, and he seeks to ruin ourfaith.Notetheemphasisonfaithinthischapter(1Thess.3:5–7,10).Asaroaringlion,Satanstalksbelievers;andwemustresisthim“steadfastin the faith” (1 Peter 5:8–9).When Satan tempted Eve, he began byweakening her faith inGod: “Yea, hathGod said?” (Gen. 3:1).As aserpent, Satan deceives (2 Cor. 11:3); as a lion, he devours (1 Peter5:8).HewilluseanymeanstoattacktheChristianandweakenhisfaithinGod.


6.Thewordmoved(1Thess.3:3KJV)orunsettled(NIV)literallymeans“towagthe tail, to fawn over.”Why is Satan’s “fawning” such a dangerous thing forbelievers?WhatchallengesdidthispresenttoTimothy’sroleasencourager?

FromtheCommentaryTimothymetPaulatCorinth (Acts18:5)andgavehim thegladnewsthat things were going well at Thessalonica. The phrase “brought usgoodtidings”istheexactequivalentof“preachingthegoodnewsofthegospel.”ThereportfromTimothywas,toPaul,likehearingthegospel.

Timothyreportedthatthenewbelieverswerestandingfirminspiteofpersecution.TheydidnotbelievetheliesthattheenemyhadtoldaboutPaul,buttheystillheldhiminthehighestesteeminlove.

Paul’s responsewas towrite them this letter. Paulwrote some lettersthatarenotapartoftheNewTestament(1Cor.5:9),butthetwoletterstotheThessalonicanchurchareapartofGod’sinspiredWord.


7.Howcan the letters to theThessaloniansparticularlyhelpnewChristians intheirfaith?Whatdoesitmeanto“standfirm”regardingtheteachingsPaulhasgiven (see 2 Thess. 2:15)?Why did he encourage the Thessalonians to standfirm? What obstacles did they face that could have caused the church tostumble?

FromtheCommentaryTheBible isable toestablishusbecauseit is inspiredofGod(2Tim.3:16).Itisnotsimplyabookofreligiousideasorgoodmoraladvice;itistheveryWordofGod.Itis“profitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection, for instruction in righteousness.” Ithaswellbeensaid thatdoctrine tells us what is right, reproof tells us what is not right,correctiontellsushowtogetright,andinstructiontellsushowtostayright.FirstThessaloniansissaturatedwithBibledoctrines.

—BeReady,page71

8. Every major doctrine of the faith is touched on in 1 Thessalonians. In1Thessalonians 3:11—4:10, underline the references toGod theFather, JesusChrist,andtheHolySpirit.Circlethereferencestosin,holyliving,love,andthereturnofChrist.WhydidPaulfocussomuchonbasicdoctrineinthisletter?

More to Consider: Paul helped many churches become places for youngbelievers togrow in faith,even indifficultcircumstances.Today’s leadersaretaskedwiththisjobtoo.WhatistheresponsibilityofthelocalchurchinhelpingbelieversgrowintheWord?(See2Tim.2:2;Eph.4:11–16.)Whathelp do you think young believers need, especially if they are unfamiliarwiththeBibleandaccustomedtohighlystimulatingmedia?

FromtheCommentaryTheWordofGodandprayershouldgotogether.TheprophetSamueltoldthepeopleofIsrael,“GodforbidthatIshouldsinagainsttheLORDinceasingtoprayforyou:butIwill teachyouthegoodandtherightway” (1 Sam. 12:23). Peter said, “But we [the apostles] will giveourselvescontinuallytoprayer,andtotheministryoftheword”(Acts6:4).Paulhadthissameemphasis:“Andnow,brethren,IcommendyoutoGod[prayer],andtothewordofhisgrace,whichisabletobuildyouup”(Acts20:32).

JesusprayedforHisdisciples,justasPaulprayedfortheThessalonicanChristians,thattheirfaithwouldnotfail(Luke22:31–32).IministeredforseveralweeksinKenyaandZaire,andwhenIarrivedhome,Iwasmore convinced than ever that the greatest need of missionaries andnational churches is prayer.Wemust also pray for young Christianshereathome.ItisnotenoughtoteachthemBibletruth;wemustalsosupporttheminourprayers.


9. Review 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13. What did Paul ask God to do for theThessalonians?WhywasprayersoimportanttoPaulandthoseheministeredto?Howsimilar(ordissimilar)isourchurches’emphasisonprayertoday?Whyisprayersoimportanttothelocalchurch?

FromtheCommentaryPaulended1Thessalonians2withareferencetotheplaceofthesaintsat thereturnofChrist,andheendedthischapter inthesameway.HeprayedthathisconvertsmightstandblamelessandholybeforeGodatChrist’sreturn.SinceallbelieverswillbetransformedtobelikeChristwhen He returns (1 John 3:2), Paul could not be referring to ourpersonal condition in heaven. He was referring to our lives here onearthas theywillbereviewedat the judgmentseatofChrist.Wewillnever faceour sins inheaven, for they are rememberedagainst usnomore(Rom.8:1;Heb.10:14–18).Butourworkswillbetested,andyoucannotseparateconductfromcharacter.

Paul’sprayerteachesushowtopraynotonlyfornewbelieversbutforall believers. We should pray that their faith will mature, their lovegrow, and their character and conduct be holy and blameless beforeGod. “And every man that hath this hope in him [Christ] purifiethhimself,evenasheispure”(1John3:3).

—BeReady,page75

10.WhatistheroleofthechurchincaringfornewChristians?Howdoesthatsometimes conflictwith feeding themoremature believers?How can both beaccomplishedwithoutsacrificingtheother?



11.Haveyouevermentoredsomeonetogrowasabelieverorleader?Ifso,whatdidyoudo?Howdidyouhelp themmove towardmaturity in the faith?Whatchallengesdidyouface?Whatdidyoulearnintheprocessofteachinganother?

12. What are the church doctrines you struggle with most? How can Paul’steachingin1and2Thessalonianshelpyouunderstandthevalueofdoctrine,andofthechurch?Whyisitimportantforindividualbelieverstounderstandchurchdoctrine?How does a solid knowledge of a church’s innerworkings help thetypicalchurchgoergrowasabeliever?

13.Whatisyourcurrentprayerlifelike?Whataresomeofthewaysyoucould

improve your prayer life? Do you pray often for the leaders in your church?Whataresomethingsyoucanprayaboutthatwillhelpthechurchtogrowandmature?


Doyouwant to learnhowtobetterstandfast inyour faith?Bespecific.Gobackthrough1Thessalonians3andputastarnexttothephraseorversethatismostencouragingtoyou.Considermemorizingthisverse.Real-LifeApplicationIdeas:Setupaprayernightwithyoursmallgroup—or all the groups in your church—and spend that night praying for thechurch. Pray for your pastors and leaders, for the small groups, for theoutreach, the budget, the membership—for all aspects of the churchexperience.Thenmakethiskindofprayeraregularpartofyourprayerlife—tostrengthenthechurchandyourrelationshipwithit.


NotesforSmallGroups:•LookforwaystoputintopracticethethingsyouwroteintheGoingForwardsection.Talkwithothergroupmembersaboutyourideasandcommittobeingaccountabletooneanother.•Duringthecomingweek,asktheHolySpirittocontinuetorevealtruthtoyoufromwhatyou’vereadandstudied.•Beforeyoustartthenextlesson,read1Thessalonians4.Formorein-depthlessonpreparation,readchapters6and7,“HowtoPleaseYourFather”and“TheComfortofHisComing,”inBeReady.

Lesson4

FaithandHope(1THESSALONIANS4)


GettingStarted

FromtheCommentaryAlong with jogging, walking has become a popular exercise andoutdoor sport. I often see individuals and entire families enjoying awalk in the park or in the forest preserves. When driving on thehighway, I sometimes wave to “walking parties” heading for somedistantrendezvous.

The Christian life can be compared to a walk. In fact, this is one ofPaul’sfavoritepictures:“Walkworthyofthevocationwherewithyearecalled”(Eph.4:1);“walknotasotherGentileswalk”(v.17);“walkinlove”(5:2);“walkaschildrenoflight”(v.8).

TheChristian lifebeginswith a stepof faith.But that step leads to awalk of faith: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).Walkingsuggestsprogress,andwemustmakeprogressintheChristianlife(Phil.3:13–16;Heb.6:1).Walkingalsodemandsstrength,andGodhaspromised,“Asthydays,soshallthystrengthbe”(Deut.33:25).

—BeReady,page79

1.Whatdoesthelongwalkoffaithlookliketosomeonewho’sanewChristian?Toaseasonedbeliever?Whatdoesitmeanto“walkinthelight”?Whatarethedangersofwalkingoutsideofthelight?(See1John1:5–7.)


GoingDeeper

FromtheCommentaryThemoral climate in theRomanEmpirewasnot healthy. Immoralitywasawayoflife;and,thankstoslavery,peoplehadtheleisuretimetoindulge in the latest pleasures. The Christian message of holy livingwasnewtothatculture,anditwasnoteasyfortheseyoungbelieverstofight the temptations around them. Paul gave four reasons why theyshouldliveaholylifeandabstainfromsensuallusts.

(1)TopleaseGod(v.1).Everybodylivestopleasesomebody.Manypeoplelivetopleasethemselves.Theyhavenosensitivitytotheneedsof others. “The soul of a journey,”wroteWilliamHazlitt, “is liberty,perfectliberty,tothink,feel,dojustasonepleases.”Thatadvicemayworkforavacation,butitcouldneverworkintheeverydayaffairsoflife.Christianscannotgothroughlifepleasingonlythemselves(Rom.15:1).

(2)ToobeyGod(vv.2–3).WhenheministeredinThessalonica,Paulgave the believers the commandments of God regarding personalpurity.Thewordcommandments isamilitary term. It refers toordershanded down from superior officers.We are soldiers inGod’s army,andwemustobeyorders.“Nooneservingasasoldiergetsinvolvedincivilian affairs—hewants to please his commanding officer” (2 Tim.2:4NIV).

(3) To glorify God (vv. 4–5). This is the positive side of God’scommandment. Christians are supposed to be different from theunsaved.TheGentiles(unsaved)donotknowGod;therefore,theyliveungodlylives.ButweknowGod,andweareobligatedtoglorifyHiminthisworld.“God’splanistomakeyouholy,andthatentailsfirstofallacleanbreakwithsexualimmorality”(1Thess.4:3PH).

(4)ToescapethejudgmentofGod(vv.6–8).Godisnorespecterof

persons;HemustdealwithHischildrenwhentheysin(Col.3:23–25).A church member criticized her pastor because he was preachingagainstsininthelivesofChristians.“Afterall,”shesaid,“sininthelifeofabelieverisdifferentfromsininthelivesofunsavedpeople.”


3.Review1Thessalonians4:1–8.Howdoeseachof these reasons for livingaholylifeapplytotoday’sChristians?WhyshouldwecareaboutpleasingGod?Howdoweliveaholylifeinanunholyworld?

MoretoConsider:1Thessalonians4:4saysyouhaveto“controlyourownbody.”Whyis it important tocontrolourbodies?(See2Cor.4:7;2Tim.2:20–21.)Inwhatwayswasthismessageappropriateforbothmarriedandsinglebelievers?(See1Cor.6:18–20.)

WhatimplicationsdoesthistopichaveforwhyGodgivessuchdemandingrequirementsforspiritualleadershipinthechurch?(See1Tim.3.)

FromtheCommentaryA holy walk involves a right relationship with God the Father (whocalledus),GodtheSon(whodiedforus),andGodtheSpirit(wholiveswithinus). It is thepresenceof theHolySpirit thatmakesourbodiesthetempleofGod(1Cor.6:19–20).Furthermore,itisbywalkingintheSpirit thatwegetvictoryover the lustsof the flesh (Gal.5:16ff.).TodespiseGod’scommandmentsistoinvitethejudgmentofGodandalsotogrievetheSpiritofGod.

Howdoes theSpiritofGodhelpus liveaclean life, freefromsexualimpurity?Tobeginwith,Hecreatesholydesireswithinusso thatwehave an appetite for God’s pure Word (1 Peter 2:1–3) and not thepollutedgarbageoftheflesh(Rom.13:12–14).Also,HeteachesustheWord and helps us to recall God’s promises in times of temptation(John14:26;Eph.6:17).AsweyieldtotheSpirit,Heempowersustowalkinholinessandnotbedetouredintothelustsoftheworldandtheflesh. The fruit of the Spirit overcomes the works of the flesh (Gal.5:16–26).

—BeReady,page83

4.Why does Paul devote somuch space to the theme of sexual purity?Whatdoesthatsayaboutthechurchofthatday?Howisthismessageequally(orevenmore)appropriatetoday?

FromtheCommentaryThe transition fromholiness to love is not a difficult one. Paulmadethistransitioninhisprayerrecordedin1Thessalonians3:11–13.JustasGod’s love is a holy love, so our love for God and for one anotherought tomotivate us to holy living. Themore we live like God, themorewewillloveoneanother.IfaChristianreallyloveshisbrother,hewillnotsinagainsthim(1Thess.4:6).Therearefourbasicwordsfor“love” in theGreek language.Erosrefers tophysical love; itgivesusourEnglishword erotic.Eros love does not have to be sinful, but inPaul’sday itsmainemphasiswassensual.Thisword isneverused inthe New Testament. Another word, storge (pronounced STOR-gay),referstofamilylove,theloveofparentsfortheirchildren.Thiswordisalso absent from our New Testament, although a related word istranslated“kindlyaffectioned”inRomans12:10.

Thetwowordsmostusedforlovearephilia(fil-EE-uh)andagape(a-GA-pay).Philialoveistheloveofdeepaffection,suchasinfriendshiporevenmarriage.ButagapeloveistheloveGodshowstowardus.Itisnotsimplyalovebasedonfeeling;it isexpressedinourwills.Agapelove treats others as God would treat them, regardless of feelings orpersonalpreferences.

—BeReady,page84

5.Review1Thessalonians4:9–10.HowdoesGodcauseour love to“increasemore and more”? How important is emotion in God’s kind of love? In whatwaysarefeelingsof love important?Inwhatways isChristian lovemore thanjustfeeling?

FromtheCommentaryTheword in 1Thessalonians 4:12 that is translated “honestly” in ourAuthorizedVersion carries themeaning of “becomingly, in a seemlyway.”Itistranslated“decently”in1Corinthians14:40:“Letallthingsbe done decently and in order.” The emphasis is on the believer’switness to thosewhoareoutside theChristian fellowship.“Themthatarewithout”isafamiliardescriptionofunbelievers.

Christiansnotonlyhavetheobligationtoloveoneanotherbutalsotobe good testimonies to the people of theworld. Paul’s great concernwas that the Thessalonican believers earn their own wages and notbecomefreeloadersdependingonthesupportofunbelievers.“Makeityour ambition to lead a quiet life” (1 Thess. 4:11 NIV) seems like aparadox;ifyouareambitious,yourlifewillprobablynotbequiet.Buttheemphasisisonquietnessofmindandheart.


6. What’s wrong with being financially dependent on other people if we’rephysically able towork andnot raising children?How iswork a testimony toothers?Howdoweleada“quietlife”whilestillsharingthegospel?

FromtheCommentaryHowcanmortalmanpenetratebeyondthegraveandfindassuranceandpeace for his own heart? From Old Testament days till the present,mankind has tried to solve the riddle of death and the afterlife.Philosophershavewrestledwiththequestionof immortality.Spiritistshavetriedtocommunicatewiththosewhohavegonebeyond.

In our modern world, scientists have investigated the experiences ofpeoplewhoclaimedtohavediedandreturnedtolifeagain.Theyhavealsostudiedoccultphenomena,hopingtofindacluetothemysteryoflifeafterdeath.

—BeReady,page92

7. How did Paul solve the problem of worrying about life after death? (See1Thess.4:15.)Why is itdangerous tosubstitutehumanspeculation fordivinerevelation?Howdowedothatintoday’schurch?

FromtheCommentaryWehavenotedtheemphasisonthereturnofChristintheThessalonianletters. Paul related Christ’s return to salvation (1 Thess. 1:9–10),service (1Thess. 2:19–20), and stability (1Thess. 3:11–13). In 4:14–15,herelatedittosorrow.

Paulappliedthewordsleeptothosebelieverswhodied.Jesususedthesameexpression (John11:11–13).Paulwascareful to state that Jesusdied;thewordsleepisnotappliedtoHisexperience.

—BeReady,page93

8.Howcan thedoctrineofJesus’ returncomfort thebrokenhearted?Whyis itnotable that Paul used theword sleep to describe thosewho have died?Whatcomfortdoesthisphrasingbringtotheliving?

More toConsider:TheBible’sdefinitionofdeath is found inJames2:26:“Thebodywithoutthespiritisdead.”Whatimplicationsdoesthisstatementhave about our physical bodies?Whymight this have been an importantmessagetosharewiththeyoungChristiansinThessalonica?Whyisitstillanimportantmessagetoday?

FromtheCommentaryWhen Paul preached the doctrine of the resurrection to the Athenianphilosophers,mostof themmockedhim(Acts17:32).To theGreeks,beingridofthebodywastheirgreathope.Whywouldanymanwanttohave his body resurrected? Furthermore, how could his body beresurrected,whentheelementsofthebodywoulddecayandbecomeapartoftheearth?Tothem,thedoctrineofresurrectionwasfoolishandimpossible.

When Jesus Christ returns in the air, He will issue the “shout ofcommand”andthe“deadinChristshallrisefirst”(1Thess.4:16).ThisdoesnotmeanthatHewillputtheelementsofthebodytogetheragain,forresurrectionisnot“reconstruction.”Paularguedfortheresurrectionin 1 Corinthians 15:35ff. He pointed out that the resurrection of thehumanbody is like thegrowingofaplant fromaseed.Theflower isnottheidenticalseedthatwasplanted,yetthereiscontinuityfromseedtoplant.Christiansshallreceiveglorifiedbodies,liketheglorifiedbodyofChrist(Phil.3:20–21;1Cor.15:47–58).Thedeadbodyisthe“seed”thatisplantedintheground;theresurrectionbodyisthe“flower”thatcomesfromthatseed.


9.WhatistheassuranceoftheChristiandoctrineofresurrection?Whatdoesthedoctrineofresurrectionsayaboutthevalueofphysicalbodies?Whathappenstothe body in death? What happens to the soul? What happens to each at theresurrection?(SeePhil.1:20–24.)

FromtheCommentaryThe word rapture is not used in this section, but that is the literalmeaningof“caughtup.”TheLatinwordraptomeans“toseize,tocarryoff,”andfromitwegetourEnglishwordrapture.

Willtheunsavedworldbeawareofwhatishappening?Willtheyheartheshout,thevoice,andthetrumpet?FirstCorinthians15:52indicatesthatthiswillhappensosuddenlythatitwillbeoverinthetwinklingofaneye.Sincetheshout,voice,andtrumpetapplytoGod’speople,thereisnoreasontobelievethattheunsavedmasseswillhearthem.Iftheydo, they will hear sounds without meanings (see John 12:27–30).Millions of people will vanish instantly, and no doubt there will bechaosandgreatconcern.ExceptforthosewhoknowtheBibleteaching,theworldwillwonderatwhathashappened.

YouandIshallmeettheLordintheair,inperson,whenHecomesforus. The Greek word translated “meet” carries the idea of meeting aroyal person or an important person.WehavewalkedwithChrist byfaithhereonearth,butintheairweshall“seehimasheis”andbecomelikeHim(1John3:1–2).Whatameetingthatwillbe!


10.Why is the rapture such a controversial theological concept?What does 1Thessalonianstellusaboutthisevent?What’sthepointoftheraptureteaching?Whatistheultimate“restingplace”forbelievers?



11.WhatisyouremotionalreactiontoPaul’steachingonsexualpurity?Whyisthis topic so important? If this is an area of struggle for you, what are somethingsyoucandotoaddressthat?

12.Doyouthinkaboutdeathmuch?Ifso,whattroublesyoumostaboutdeath?Whatcomfortdoyougetfromyourfaith?Howimportantisthepromiseoftheresurrectiontoyou?Whatcomfortdoesthatpromisegiveyou?

13. What are your beliefs about the rapture? How important are end-timedoctrinestoyourdailyfaithlife?Howdotheyshapeyourfaith?


Do youwant tomake choices now in light of your future resurrection? Bespecific.Gobackthrough1Thessalonians4andputastarnexttothephraseorversethatismostencouragingtoyou.Considermemorizingthisverse.Real-Life Application Ideas: This week, practice living expectantly, as ifJesus could return anyminute. This doesn’tmean giving upwork—we’recalledtoworkdiligentlyrightupuntilJesus’return.Butasyougothroughyourdailyroutineatwork,home,and/orschool,carrywithyouasenseofeager anticipation about Jesus’ return. Look for moments to share yourfaith or to stand strong in your faith, modeling the joy that comes fromknowingJesus.Thentakethatattitudebeyondthisweekandinto thenext,and thenext.Expectant living canmakeaworldof differencenot only toyour attitude but also to the attitudes—and potentially, the eternities—ofthosewhomyouspendtimewith.


NotesforSmallGroups:•LookforwaystoputintopracticethethingsyouwroteintheGoingForwardsection.Talkwithothergroupmembersaboutyourideasandcommittobeingaccountabletooneanother.•Duringthecomingweek,asktheHolySpirittocontinuetorevealtruthtoyoufromwhatyou’vereadandstudied.•Beforeyoustartthenextlesson,read1Thessalonians5.Formorein-depthlessonpreparation,readchapters8and9,“Don’tWalkinYourSleep!”and“It’sAllintheFamily,”inBeReady.

Lesson5

Sleepwalking(1THESSALONIANS5)


GettingStarted

FromtheCommentaryJesusChrist both unites and divides.Thosewho have trustedHim asSaviorareunitedinChristasGod’schildren.WearemembersofHisbody and “all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). When Jesus Christreturnsintheair,weshallbe“caughtuptogether”(1Thess.4:17)nevertobeseparatedagain.

ButChristisalsoadivider.“Sotherewasadivisionamongthepeoplebecauseofhim”(John7:43;9:16;10:19).FaithinJesusChristnotonlyunitesustootherbelievers,italsoseparatesusspirituallyfromtherestoftheworld.Jesussaid,“Theyarenotoftheworld,evenasIamnotoftheworld” (John17:16).There is adifferencebetweenbelieverswhoarelookingfortheLord’sreturnandthepeopleoftheworld;itisthisthemethatPauldevelopedinthissection.

His purpose was to encourage the believers to live holy lives in themidst of their pagan surroundings. He did this by pointing out thecontrastsbetweenbelieversandunbelievers.

—BeReady,page103

1. What are some of the differences Paul pointed out between believers andunbelieversin1Thessalonians5?Howarethesecontrastsstilltruetoday?


GoingDeeper

FromtheCommentaryThreephrasesin5:1–2needcarefulconsideration.

(1)“Timesandseasons.”ThisphraseisfoundonlythreetimesintheBible, and refers primarily toGod’s plans for Israel. This is thewayDanielstateditwhenGodgavehimunderstandingoftheking’sdream(Dan. 2:21). Our Lord’s use of the phrase in Acts 1:7 indicates thattimesandseasonsrelateprimarilytoIsrael.Godhasadefiniteplanforthenationsoftheworld(Acts17:26),andIsraelisthekeynation.

(2)“Thedayof theLord.” In theBible, theworddaycanrefer toatwenty-four-hour period or to a longer time during which Godaccomplishes some special purpose. In Genesis 2:3 the word meanstwenty-four hours, but in Genesis 2:4 it describes the entire week ofCreation.

The day of theLord is that timewhenGodwill judge theworld andpunish the nations.At the same time,Godwill prepare Israel for thereturnofJesusChristtotheearthtoestablishHiskingdom.ReadAmos5:18ff.; Joel 2:1ff.; Zephaniah 1:14–18; and Isaiah 2:12–21 for adescriptionofthisgreatperiod.

(3)“Thiefinthenight.”OurLordusedthisimageinHisownteaching(Matt.24:42–43;Luke12:35–40). Itdescribes thesuddennessand thesurprise involved in thecomingof thedayof theLord. InRevelation3:3; 16:15, He used this image to warn believers not to be caughtnapping. Since we do not know when the Lord will return for Hispeople, we must live in a constant attitude of watching and waiting,whilewearebusyworkingandwitnessing.


3. What does each of these phrases reveal about the Thessalonian church’s

challengesandobstacles?Howiseachof thesephrases important tous today?Howdoesthe“dayoftheLord”potentiallyrelatetoRevelation6—19?

FromtheCommentaryTheunsavedworldwillbeenjoyingatimeoffalsepeaceandsecurityjustbefore thesecataclysmiceventsoccur.Notecarefully thecontrastbetween “they” and “you” (or “us”) throughout this entire section,“they”referringtotheunsaved.Theywillsay,“Peaceandsafety!”butwewillsay,“Jesusiscoming,andjudgmentiscoming!”

TheworldiscaughtbysurprisebecausemenwillnothearGod’sWordor heed God’s warning. God warned that the flood was coming, yetonlyeightpeoplebelievedandweresaved(1Peter3:20).Lotwarnedhis family that thecitywouldbedestroyed,but theywouldnot listen(Gen.19:12–14).JesuswarnedHisgenerationthatJerusalemwouldbedestroyed(Luke21:19ff.),andthiswarningenabledbelieverstoescape;butmanyothersperishedinthesiege.

—BeReady,page105

4. Read Matthew 24:37–39 and Luke 17:26–30. How did Jesus use thesehistorical references to describe what will happen in the end-time? What issignificantabouttheworldbeing“caughtbysurprise”intheseevents,andintheend-timetocome?Howdoesthistruthspeaktothosewhohavetriedtopredictspecificeventsoftheend-time?Whyisitsoimportanttoourfaiththatwedon’tknowthedayandtimeoffutureevents?Howdoesthatgrowourfaith?

More toConsider:Unbelievers ridicule the idea ofChrist’s return (see 2Pet. 3:3–4), while well-meaning believers have tried to set dates for ourLord’s return,only tobeembarrassedby their failures.Whydoes it seem

there are always more believers intent on predicting the specific date ofJesus’ return?What is it about a specific date that seems so enticing tothesefolks(andtheirfollowers)?

FromtheCommentaryThere is a difference between being ready to go to heaven and beingready tomeet the Lord.Anyonewho has sincerely trustedChrist forsalvation is ready to go to heaven.Christ’s sacrifice on the cross hastakencareofthat.ButtobereadytomeettheLordatthejudgmentseatofChristisquiteanothermatter.ScriptureindicatesthatsomebelieverswillnotbehappytoseeJesusChrist!“Andnow,littlechildren,abideinhim; thatwhen he shall appear,wemay have confidence, and not beashamedbeforehimathiscoming”(1John2:28).

Havingbeenapastorformanyyears,Ihavehadthesadexperienceofseeing believers deliberately disobey the Word of God. I recall oneyoungwomanwhostubbornlychosetomarryanunsavedman.WhenItriedtohelpherfromtheBible,shesaid,“Idon’tcarewhatyousay.Idon’tcarewhattheBiblesays.I’mgoingtogetmarried!”InthelightofHebrews13:17,willshebehappyatthejudgmentseatofChrist?

—BeReady,page107

5.HowdoeslivinginexpectationofJesus’returnmakelifebetterforbelievers?Whatarethepracticalresultsoflivingexpectantly?

FromtheCommentaryTobesobermindedmeanstobealert,tolivewithyoureyesopen,tobesane and steady. Tomake the contrastmore vivid, Paul pictured twogroups of people: One group was drunk and asleep, while the othergroup was awake and alert. Danger was coming, but the drunkensleeperswereunawareofit.Thealertcrowdwasreadyandunafraid.

Sinceweare“sonsoftheday,”weshouldnotliveasthosewhobelongto the darkness. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let usthereforecastofftheworksofdarkness,andletusputonthearmoroflight. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting anddrunkenness, not in chambering [immorality] and wantonness[indecency],notinstrifeandenvying”(Rom.13:12–13).

Inotherwords,because“theday”isapproaching,itistimetowakeup,cleanup, anddress up.Andwhenwedress up,wehadbetter put on“the breastplate of faith and love: and for a helmet, the hope ofsalvation”(1Thess.5:8).Onlythe“armoroflight”(Rom.13:12)willadequatelyprotectusintheselastdaysbeforeourLordreturns.

Thesober-mindedbelieverhasacalm,saneoutlookonlife.Heisnotcomplacent,butneither ishefrustratedandafraid.Hehears thetragicnews of the day, yet he does not lose heart. He experiences thedifficulties of life, but he does not give up. He knows his future issecure in God’s hands, so he lives each day creatively, calmly, andobediently.


6.What does “outlook determines outcome”mean?Howdoes it apply to thismessagefromPaul?Whatdoesitmeantobea“sober-mindedbeliever”?Wheredoespassionforfaithfitintothatmind-set?

FromtheCommentaryBelieversdonothavetofearfuturejudgmentbecauseit isnotpartofGod’sappointedplanforus.WillChristiansgothroughthedayoftheLord,thatawfulperiodofjudgmentthatGodwillsendontheearth?Ithink not, and verses like 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9 seem to supportthis.Christianshavealwaysgonethroughtribulation,sincethisisapartofdedicatedChristianliving(John15:18–27;16:33).Buttheywillnotgothroughthetribulationthatisappointedforthegodlessworld.

—BeReady,page110

7.Review1Thessalonians5:9–11.Whydobelieversdisagreeonthematterofthetribulation?Whatis importantforustounderstandabout thisfutureevent?Whataretheimplicationsforbelieversifthechurchisrapturedtoheavenpriortothetribulationperiod?Whataretheimplicationsifthetribulationoccursfirst?

FromtheCommentaryPaul’sfavoritenameforbelieverswasbrethren.Heuseditatleastsixtytimes in his letters, and in the two Thessalonian epistles, he used ittwenty-seven times. Paul saw the local church as a family. Eachmember was born again by the Spirit of God and possessed God’snature (1 Peter 1:22–25; 2 Peter 1:3–4). They allwere part ofGod’sfamily.

Itistragicwhenbelieversneglectorignorethelocalchurch.Nofamilyisperfectandnolocalchurchisperfect,butwithoutafamilytoprotecthimandprovideforhim,achildwouldsufferanddie.ThechildofGodneeds the church family if he is to grow,develophis gifts, and serveGod.

—BeReady,page117

8. What does Paul teach in this final section of 1 Thessalonians about theessentialsforahappy,thrivingchurchfamily?Whatroledoesthefamilyplay?HowcanwemakeourlocalchurchesmorespiritualtothegloryofGod?

MoretoConsider:Godhasordainedleadership for the localchurch.It istruethatweare“alloneinChristJesus”(Gal.3:28),butitisalsotruethattheHeadof thechurchhasgivengifts topeople.What responsibilitiesdothesepeoplehavetothelocalchurch?(SeeEph.4:7–16.)Justastheflockneeds a shepherd (1 Pet. 5:1–5), so the family needs a leader. Whatresponsibilitiesdothebrethrenhavetowardtheirspiritualleaders?

FromtheCommentaryInrecentyears,churcheshaverediscoveredwhatwearecalling“bodylife.”This is a scriptural concept, though itdoesnotdefineall that isinvolved in the ministry of the local church, since there are otherpicturesof thechurchbesides thatof thebody.Bodyliferefers to theministryofeachChristiantotheothers,justasthevariousmembersofthehumanbodyministertooneanothertomaintainhealthandlife.

Family members must learn to minister to one another. The oldermembers teach the youngermembers and encourage themwhen theyareindifficulty.

—BeReady,page120

9.ReadEphesians4:12.Whatroledoesaspiritualleaderinthechurchplayinhelpingtoequipitsmembers?Howdofamilymemberslearntoministertooneanother?(SeeTitus2:3–5.)

FromtheCommentaryWorship is the most important activity of a local church family.Ministrymustflowoutofworship,otherwiseitbecomesbusyactivitywithoutpowerandwithoutheart.Theremaybe“results,”buttheywillnotglorifyGodor really last.Manychurchservices lackanemphasisontrueworshipandaremorelikereligiousentertainments,cateringtotheappetitesofthecongregation.

In1Thessalonians5:17–28,Paulnamedthevariouselementsthatmakeuptheworshipministryofthechurch:prayer(v.17);praise(v.18);andtheWordofGod(vv.19–21).


10. How is each of these three elements (prayer, praise, and God’s Word)importanttotheworshipministryofthelocalchurch?Whathappensifachurchdoesn’tincludeallthreeoroveremphasizesone?Howdoesachurch’sapproachtoeachoftheseelementsshapethatchurch?



11.HaveyoueverthoughtaboutJesuscoming“likeathiefinthenight”?Howdoesthatmakeyoufeel?WhatisitaboutJesus’secondcomingthatexcitesyou?Doesanythingaboutitfrightenorworryyou?Explain.

12.IfyouknewtheexacttimeofJesus’return,wouldthatchangethewayyouliveoutyourfaith?Explain.Whatisyourinitialresponsewhenyouhearaboutsomeonewho’s predicted the day of Jesus’ return?Do you think a predictionlikethis—eventhoughwrong—bringspeopletoChrist?Whyorwhynot?

13. How do you incorporate the three elements of church worship (prayer,praise, andGod’sWord) inyourpersonalworship?Doyou find it difficult to

include all three? If so,why?Howdoes eachof these threeworship elementshelpyougrowclosertoGod?


Doyouwanttomakeprayermoreofapriority?Bespecific.Gobackthrough1 Thessalonians 5 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is mostencouragingtoyou.Considermemorizingthisverse.

Real-LifeApplication Ideas:Thisweek, celebrate the family nature of thechurch by inviting neighbors or friends or other believers, you know to atimeoffellowshipandworship.Shareamealtogether,thenspendtimewitheach of the threeworship elements—prayer, praise, andGod’sWord—asyoubuildyourrelationshipsand,intheprocess,growGod’schurch.


NotesforSmallGroups:•LookforwaystoputintopracticethethingsyouwroteintheGoingForwardsection.Talkwithothergroupmembersaboutyourideasandcommittobeingaccountabletooneanother.•Duringthecomingweek,asktheHolySpirittocontinuetorevealtruthtoyoufromwhatyou’vereadandstudied.•Beforeyoustartthenextlesson,read2Thessalonians1.Formorein-depthlessonpreparation,readchapter10,“NoRestfortheWicked,”inBeReady.

Lesson6

TheWicked(2THESSALONIANS1)

Beforeyoubegin…•PrayfortheHolySpirittorevealtruthandwisdomasyougothroughthislesson.•Read2Thessalonians1.Thislessonreferenceschapter10inBeReady.ItwillbehelpfulforyoutohaveyourBibleandacopyofthecommentaryavailableasyouworkthroughthislesson.

GettingStarted

FromtheCommentaryThe Christians in Thessalonica were grateful to God for Paul’s firstletter, but it did not immediately solve all their problems. In fact, thepersecutiongrewworse,andsomebelieversthoughttheywerelivinginthe time of the tribulation. Then a letter arrived claiming to be fromPaul,statingthatthedayoftheLordwasactuallypresent.Needlesstosay,theassemblywasconfusedandfrightenedbythisprospect.

Someof thebelieversconcluded that since theLord’scomingwas sonear,theyoughttoquittheirjobsandspendtheirtimewaitingforHim.Thismeantthattheothermemberswereunderanextraburdentocarefor them.Satanwasworkingovertime;as the lion,hewas seeking todevour(1Peter5:7–8),andastheserpent,hewasseekingtodeceive(2Cor.11:3).ItwasinresponsetotheseneedsthatPaulwrotehissecondletter.

—BeReady,page131

1.Whymight some of the believers have chosen to stopworking and simplywaitforJesustoreturn?WhatdidthissayabouttheirbeliefinPaul’steaching?AbouttheirmisinterpretationofPaul’smessage?


GoingDeeper

FromtheCommentaryAfter greetinghis friends,Paul launched into a statement of praise toGod for what He had been accomplishing in their lives. Paul waspracticing his own admonition, “In everything give thanks” (1Thess.5:18). You cannot help but notice Paul’s repeated thanksgivings inthesetwoletters(1Thess.1:2;2:13;3:9;2Thess.1:3;2:13).Notonlydoesprayerchangepeopleandsituations,butsodoespraise.

Once I was teaching a series of lessons in a church about Satan’sdevicestodefeatChristians.Oneofthesedevicesissuffering,asinthecaseofJob.IfSatancanputusintodifficultcircumstances,hemaybeabletoweakenourfaith.

“One of the best weapons for fighting Satan is praise,” I told mymorningclass.“Inspiteofhispain,Jobwasabletosay,‘Blessedbethename of the Lord!’ So, the next time things go wrong and you aretemptedtogetimpatient,turntoGodandgivethanks.”

That evening, just before the class started, awoman rushedup tomeand said, “It works! It works!” And then she told me about herafternoonandallthathadhappened.HerstorywassounbelievablethatIwouldhavedoubtedithadInotknownhercharacter.“ButinitallIgavethanks,”shetoldme,“andGodgavemethegraceandstrengthIneeded.Itworks.Praiseworks!”

NodoubttheThessalonicanbelieversdidnotconsiderthemselvestobeveryspiritualas theysuffered,butPauldetectedwhatGodwasdoingamongthem.YouandIaretheworstonestoevaluateourownlives.

—BeReady,page132

3.Review2Thessalonians1:1–4.HowdidPaulencouragethebelieversthroughthanksgiving?How can praise growour faith?How can it address feelings of

frustrationorinadequacyinabeliever’sfaithlife?

MoretoConsider:InthebookHudsonTaylor’sSpiritualSecretbyDr.andMrs.HowardTaylor,wereadhowHudsonTaylor’sfaithinGodgrewfromthefirstdayhedeterminedtolivebyfaithinGodalone.HelearnedtotrustGodforhissalary,especiallywhenhisbusyemployerforgottopayhim.HelearnedtotrustGodfordailyneeds,andashisfaithwastested,hegrewinfaith and was able to trust God for His supply for an entire missionaryorganization. Sometimes it seemed that God had forgotten, but Taylorcontinuedtoprayandtrust,andGodanswered.

Howdoesthiskindoftrustleadtoadeeperfaith?ReadHebrews11.Howdidthemenandwomeninthischaptergrowthroughobstaclesorsuffering?

FromtheCommentarySufferingcanmakeusselfish,butwhensufferingismixedwithgraceand faith, it produces love. It is “faithwhichworketh by love” (Gal.5:6).When Christians suffer, their faith reaches upward to God, andtheirlovereachesoutwardtotheirfellowbelievers.

Thoreauoncedescribedacityasaplacewheremanypeopleare“lonelytogether.”Residents of a high-rise apartment can be suffering greatlyand the people in the next apartment know nothing about it. Ourmodern world can promote spiritual and emotional isolation andinsulation,eventothepointofourwatchingotherssufferwithoutreallycaring.

But for the Christian, suffering can help to produce abounding love.“Behold,howtheyloveoneanother!”wastheconfessionofthepaganworld as it beheld the miracle of Christian fellowship. The earlybelievers were only obeying the commandment of their Lord, “Loveoneanother.”

—BeReady,page133

4.Howcansufferingbecomedebilitating forbelievers?HowdidPauladdressthe issue of suffering?What can help believers continue to share God’s lovewithotherseveniftheyaresuffering?

FromToday’sWorldIntoday’sfast-pacedworld,patiencehasbecomesomethingofalostart.Wecanaccess prettymuch any informationwewantwith just a few keystrokes on a

computer,orderproductsthatcanbedeliveredtoourhomesovernight,andgetcaught up with local and national news with little more than a glance at oursmartphones.Thefurtherawaywegetfromanagrariansociety(andmostofusare quite aways away from that), the fewer opportunitieswehave to practicewaiting.YetthisisexactlywhatJesustellsustodo,andwhatPaulpreachestotheyoungchurchinThessalonica.

5.Howdoesourmodernculture’sobsessionwith“fast,now”affectthewayweapproachfaithissues?WherecanweturntopracticethepatiencePaulteaches?Isit importanttotaketimeawayfromthealways-connectedworldswechoosethesedays?Whyorwhynot?Howcanourright-awaythinkingactuallyworktoouradvantageasbelievers?

FromtheCommentaryPerhaps“perseverance”wouldbethebesttranslationoftheGreekwordin verse 4. “Tribulation works out endurance” (Rom. 5:3, literaltranslation).Youdonot becomepatient andperseveringby reading abook(eventhisone)orlisteningtoalecture.Youhavetosuffer.

What were these believers enduring? Paul used several words todescribe their situation: persecutions, which means “attacks fromwithout,”or“trials”;tribulations,whichliterallymeans“pressures,”orafflictionsthatresultfromthetrials;andtrouble(2Thess.1:7),whichmeans“tobepressedintoanarrowplace.”Nomatterhowwelookatit,theThessalonicanChristianswerenothavinganeasytime.

—BeReady,page134

6.Howdoesthephrase“Godneverwastessuffering”applytowhatPaultaughttheThessalonianchurch?Howdotrialsworkforus,notagainstus?(See2Cor.4:15–18;James1:1–5.)Whathappenstoourfaithwhenwerebelandfightourcircumstances?

FromtheCommentaryNomatterhowdifficulttheirpresentcircumstancesmayhavebeen,theThessalonicanbelievershadasecureandgloriousfuture.Infact, theirsufferingswereevidence,“amanifest token,” thatGodwasrighteous,working out His great plan for them. We are prone to think thatsufferingprovesthatGoddoesnotcare,whenjusttheoppositeistrue.

—BeReady,page135

7. Review 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10. Why are believers tempted to believesufferingmeansGoddoesn’tcare?HowissufferingevidenceofGod’sworkinus?How does thewaywe act in times of trial prove to others thatGod is atwork?(SeePhil.1:28–30.)

FromtheCommentaryAsChristians,wemustliveforeternityandnotjustforthepresent.Infact,living“witheternity’svaluesinview”iswhatmakesourChristianlifemeaningfultoday.Wewalkbyfaithandnotbysight.

Thisbringstomindthestoryofthetwofarmers,oneabelieverandtheother an atheist. When harvest season came, the atheist taunted hisbelieving neighbor because apparently God had not blessed him toomuch.Theatheist’sfamilyhadnotbeensick,hisfieldswererichwithharvest,andhewassuretomakealotofmoney.

“IthoughtyousaiditpaidtobelieveinGodandbeaChristian,”saidtheatheist.

“Itdoespay,”replied theChristian.“ButGoddoesn’talwayspayHispeopleinSeptember.”

Whatkindof a futuredoes theunbeliever face?Lookat thedramaticwords Paul used to describe it: tribulation, vengeance, flaming fire,punishment,andeverlastingdestruction.TheChrist-rejectingworldwillreceive from God exactly what it gave to God’s people!When Godrecompenses,Hepaysinkind,for thereisa lawofcompensationthatoperatesinhumanhistory.


8. What does it mean to “live for eternity”? Paul described the future forunbelievers in vivid and dramatic terms (tribulation, vengeance, flaming fire,punishment).Howmight the young churchhave responded to hearing this? Isfearareasonablemotivatortoturnpeopletowardfaith?Explain.

MoretoConsider:PharaohtriedtodrownallthemalebabiesborntotheJews, and his own army was drowned in the Red Sea. Haman plotted towipeouttheJews,andheandhisownsonswerewipedout.TheadvisersofKingDarius forcedhim toarrestDanieland throwhim intoa lions’den,butlatertheythemselveswerethrowntothelions.TheunbelievingJewishleaderswhosacrificedChristinordertosavethenation(seeJohn11:49–53)inafewyearssawtheircitydestroyedandtheirnationscattered.HowdoesGoddealwith nonbelievers, as recorded in these stories?Howdoesthis line up with what Paul is teaching? How can these stories motivatebelievers?

FromtheCommentaryGodwill recompense tribulation to the lost, but rest to the saved. Ibelievethatthefirstphrasein2Thessalonians1:7shouldbetreatedasaparenthesis:“torecompensetribulationtothemthattroubleyou(andtoyou who are troubled, rest with us) when the Lord Jesus shall berevealed.”ThesaintsreceivetheirrestwhentheLordreturnsintheairandcatchesusuptobewithHim.

The word rest means “relief, release, not under pressure.” It is theopposite of “tribulation.” The word describes the releasing of abowstring. In this life, God’s people are pressured, “pressed out ofmeasure”(2Cor.1:8),andunder theburdensof trialandpersecution.Butwhenwe seeChrist,wewill be released.Weneed not fear fierywrath and judgment (1Thess. 1:10; 5:9), forGodhas already judgedoursinsatCalvary.


9.Whatkindoffuture is therefor the lost (2Thess.1:9)?For thesaved(Rev.22:4)?Whatdoesthephraseeverlastingdestructionmean?(SeeMatt.25:41.)

FromtheCommentaryPaulprayedforhisconverts(1Thess.1:2;3:10).His“wherefore”in2Thessalonians 1:11means “Andbecause of all I have just said”—thereturnofChristtobeglorifiedinthesaints,andtojudgethelost.Thefutureprospectofglorymotivatedtheapostletoprayforthesaints.Wemustneverneglectapresentresponsibilitybecauseofafuturehope.Onthecontrary,thefuturehopemustencourageustobefaithfultoday.

TherewerethreeconcernsinPaul’sprayer.

(1)Theirworthiness(v.11a).

(2)Theirwalk(v.11b).

(3)Theirwitness(v.12).


10.AddresseachofthethreeconcernsPaulnotedinhisprayeraslistedabove.Whatarethepracticalaspectsofeacharea?WhatactionsbytheThessalonianswouldhaveaddressedeachoftheconcerns?



11. Describe a time when you struggled in your faith because you weresuffering.Howdid youget through that season?Howdid your faith suffer orgrow in the midst of that time? Where can you turn when your faith ischallengedbecauseofsuffering?

12.Whatarethecircumstancesinlifethattestyourfaithmost?Whataresomewaysyoupersevereinyourfaith?Whatdoesperseverancelooklikeinpracticalterms?

13.DoesthefearofseparationfromGod(oranyofthedarktruthsPaulusedtodescribe unbelievers) affect the way you approach your own faith? Explain.

WhataresomepositivemotivationstoseekarelationshipwithGod(incontrasttothe“fireinsurance”approachthatbringssometoChrist)?


Doyouwant to learnhow to live for eternityandnot just for thepresent?Bespecific.Gobackthrough2Thessalonians1andputastarnexttothephraseorversethatismostencouragingtoyou.Considermemorizingthisverse.

Real-Life Application Ideas: Paul talked not only about being patient indifficult times but also about the importance of moving toward Jesus—oftakingactionsthatcanbuildfaithandhelpusprepareforthechallengingtimes to come. There are some obviousways to do this (going to church,readingtheBible,praying),butwhataresomeotherlittlethingsyoucandoto “keepmoving” toward Jesus? Think about things that can fit in smallperiodsoftime—fiveminuteshereandthere—likespecificprayersessions,focusedstudyordiscussiontimes,expressinggratitudethroughouttheday,etc.Brainstorma fewcreative ideas foryourspiritual journey (and ifyouhaveone,yourfamily’s);thenimplementthoseintheweektocome.


NotesforSmallGroups:•LookforwaystoputintopracticethethingsyouwroteintheGoingForwardsection.Talkwithothergroupmembersaboutyourideasandcommittobeingaccountabletooneanother.•Duringthecomingweek,asktheHolySpirittocontinuetorevealtruthtoyoufromwhatyou’vereadandstudied.•Beforeyoustartthenextlesson,read2Thessalonians2:1–12.Formorein-depthlessonpreparation,readchapter11,“God’sTimetable,”inBeReady.

Lesson7

InGod’sTime(2THESSALONIANS2:1–12)

Beforeyoubegin…•PrayfortheHolySpirittorevealtruthandwisdomasyougothroughthislesson.•Read2Thessalonians2:1–12.Thislessonreferenceschapter11inBeReady.ItwillbehelpfulforyoutohaveyourBibleandacopyofthecommentaryavailableasyouworkthroughthislesson.

GettingStarted

FromtheCommentaryThepurposeofBibleprophecyisnotforustomakeacalendarbuttobuild character.Paul emphasized this fact inbothofhisThessalonianletters,andourLordwarnedusnot tosetdatesforHiscoming(Matt.24:36,42).Date setters areusuallyupsetters, and that is exactlywhathappenedintheThessalonicanassembly.

Someone had deceived the believers into thinking they were alreadylivinginthedayoftheLord.Theteachingprobablyfirstcamethrougha“propheticutterance”inoneoftheirmeetings,andthenitwasfurtherenhancedbyaletterclaimingtocomefromPaulhimself.Thebelieverswere instantly shaken by this teaching and continued to be deeplytroubled.HadGodchangedHisprogram?HadnotPaulpromisedthemdeliverancefromthetribulation(see1Thess.1:10;5:9)?

—BeReady,page145

1.How did Paul calm theThessalonians’ fears about the “time of the Lord”?Paul seems to be preaching two distinct messages in 2 Thessalonians—oneencouraging believers to be ready for Jesus’ return, the other cautioning themnot to get too anxious about that return. How do those two messages worktogether?

2.Chooseoneverseorphrase from2Thessalonians2:1–12 that standsout toyou. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something thatmakes youuncomfortable,somethingthatpuzzlesyou,somethingthatresonateswithyou,orjustsomethingyouwanttoexaminefurther.Writethathere.

GoingDeeper

FromtheCommentaryPaulappealedtothemto“calmdown”onthebasisofthetruthhehadtaughttheminhisfirstletter:TheLordwouldreturnandcatchupHisowntomeetHimintheair(1Thess.4:13–18).Thisis“thecomingofourLordJesusChristand...ourgatheringtogetheruntohim”(2Thess.2:1). Not two separated events, but one great event that will occursuddenlyandwithoutwarning.

Once the church is out of theworld,Satan andhis forceswill unfoldtheirprogram.ThedayoftheLordistheperiodthatfollowstheraptureof the church. Itwill be a timeof tribulation for thepeopleon earth:Satan and his hosts will be working on earth, and God will sendrighteousjudgmentsfromheaven.

—BeReady,page146

3.Review 2Thessalonians 2:1, 6–7.What is it about the rapture that poses achallengefortheologiansandindividualbelievers?WhymightthechurchneedtobeoutoftheworldbeforeSatanenactshisplan?ReviewRevelation6—19.Howdothesechaptersdescribethisperiodoftime?

MoretoConsider:In2Thessalonians2:6–7,Paulmentionedarestrainingforcethateventodayishelpingkeepeverythingonschedule.Whoorwhatisthisrestrainer?Howisthisrestraineratworkintheworldevennow(see2Thess.2:7b)?

FromtheCommentaryIn spite of itsweakness and seeming failure, never underestimate theimportanceofthechurchintheworld.PeoplewhocriticizethechurchdonotrealizethatthepresenceofthepeopleofGodinthisworldgivesunsavedpeopleopportunitytobesaved.Thepresenceofthechurchisdelayingthecomingofjudgment.Lotwasnotadedicatedman,buthispresenceinSodomheldbackthewrathofGod(Gen.19:12–29).

—BeReady,page147

4. There are two programs at work in the world today: God’s program ofsalvationandSatan’sprogramofsin.HowdoesGod’stimetableaffectSatan’splans?WhatdoesthefullnessoftimeforthecomingofChristreferto(seeGal.4:4 KJV)?What then does the “fullness of time” mean when referring to theappearanceoftheAntichrist?

FromtheHistoryBooksIn theearlydaysof thechurch, itwascommon for leaders to refer toallwhotaught heresy as “antichrists.” But throughout history, there have also beenindividualsorgroupskeenonnamingtheAntichristasaspecificperson—fromNero to the pope. In fact, many notable church reformers, including MartinLutherandJohnCalvin,referredtothepapacyastheAntichrist.Inmoremoderntimes, fringe groups have pointed to government leaders (including variouspresidents)andevencorporate leadersas likelycandidatesfor thespecific titleofAntichrist.

5.Why do some Christians believe with such confidence that they know theidentityof theAntichrist?Whatpromptsthiskindof thinking?Wherearetheygoingwrongintheirthinking?IsitimportantforustoknowwhotheAntichrististoday?Whyorwhynot?

FromtheCommentaryPauldidnotusethetermAntichristinhisletter.ThistermisusedintheNewTestamentonlybyJohn(1John2:18,22;4:3;2John7).Butthisisthenameweusetoidentifythelastgreatworlddictator,whomPauldesignatedas“thatmanofsin,”“thesonofperdition”(2Thess.2:3),and“thatlawlessone”(2Thess.2:8,literaltranslation).

Satan has been at war with God ever since he, as Lucifer, rebelledagainst God and tried to capture God’s throne (Isa. 14:12–15). HetemptedEveinthegardenand,throughher,causedAdamtofall(Gen.3).InGenesis3:15,GoddeclaredwaronSatanandhisfamily(“seed”)and promised the coming of the Redeemer, who would finally andcompletelydefeatSatan.

—BeReady,page147

6.TheGreekprefixanti-has twomeanings: “against” and“insteadof.”WhatdoesthistellusabouttheroleoftheAntichrist?WhatresourcesdidPaulhavetohelp the young believers understand the role and purpose of the Antichrist(thoughhedoesn’tspecificallyusethisterm)?Whatadditionalresourcesdowehavetodaytoexplorethiscontroversialsubject?

FromtheCommentaryProphetic studentsmay not agree on every detail, but themain facts,whentheyarerelated,giveusaprettygooddescriptionofAntichristinthelastdays.Thefirsttwotraitsare“peacemaker”and“protector.”

Thepeacemaker(Rev.6:1–2).Certainly,thismanwillbeonthescenebeforetheraptureofthechurch.Hewillbeapeacefulpolitical leaderwho unites ten nations of Europe into a strong power bloc (seeRev.17:12–13).TherideronthewhitehorseimitatesChrist(Rev.19:11ff.).Hegoesforthtoconquerpeacefully:Hehasabow,butnoarrows.Hewillbringabrieftimeofpeacetotheworld(1Thess.5:1–3)beforethestormofthedayoftheLordbreaksloose.

Theprotector(Dan.9:24–27).Wecannotexaminetheexcitingdetailsof this prophecy, but it is important to note several facts. First, theprophecy applies to Israel, Jerusalem, and the temple, but not to thechurch. Second, it announces the time whenMessiah will come andaccomplish certain purposes for the Jewish people. The word weekreferstoaperiodofsevenyears;seventyweeksareequalto490years.Note that these490yearsaredivided into threeparts:sevenweeksorforty-nine years, during which the city would be rebuilt; sixty-twoweeksor434years,attheendofwhichtimeMessiahwouldcomeandbe cut off; oneweek or seven years, duringwhich a “prince”wouldhaveacovenantwithIsrael.

—BeReady,page148

7.Whywould theAntichrist take on suchpositive character traits?Howdoesthis alignwith someofSatan’s other familiar tactics in our lives?WhymightGodallowSatan tobe so clever in the end-time?Whatdoes this reveal aboutGod’sultimateplan?

FromtheCommentaryThe other traits of the Antichrist include “peace-breaker” and“persecutor.”

The peace-breaker (Dan. 9:27). After three and one half years,Antichrist will break his covenant with the Jews and take over theirtemple.ThiswaswhatPaultermed“afallingaway”(2Thess.2:3b).Abetter translationwouldbe“therebellion, theapostasy.”Notsimplyarebellion, but the rebellion. Up to this point, Antichrist has been apeacemakingleaderoftenEuropeannations,obligatedtoprotectIsrael.ButnowherevealshistruecharacterbytakingovertheJewishtempleanddemandingthattheworldworshiphim(seeRev.13).

SinceAntichristwillbeenergizedbySatan,itisnosurprisethathewillseekworship, for Satan has alwayswanted theworship of theworld.There have been various “apostasies” in church history,when groupshaveturnedawayfromGod’struth;butthisfinalrebellionwillbethegreatestof all.Themanof sinwillopposeeverything thatbelongs toanyother religion, trueor false.Hewillorganizeaworldchurch thatwill,byworshippinghim,worshipSatan.

Our Lord predicted this apostasy; He called it “the abomination ofdesolation” (Matt.24:15),aclear reference toDaniel9:27.Theworldwillwonderatthisgreatleaderwho,withSatan’spower,willperformsignsandwondersanddeceivethenations.

The persecutor (Rev. 13:15–17).Most prophetic students agree thattheabominationofdesolationwilloccurthreeandonehalfyearsaftertheAntichristmakeshis covenantwith the Jews. (Dan.9:27—“in themidst of theweek” or three and one half years.) Thiswill usher in aperiodofintensepersecutionandtribulation.Jesussaid,“Forthenshallbe great tribulation” (Matt. 24:21). Satan will vent his wrath against

Israel. He will so control the world’s economic system that citizensmust bear “the mark of the beast” to be able to buy and sell (Rev.13:16–17).


8.Howdothesetworoles—peace-breakerandpersecutor—helpdefinethetruecharacteroftheAntichrist?Whatdoesitmeantotakethe“markofthebeast”?HowdoessuchaneconomicsystembenefitSatan’smission?

More to Consider: Read Revelation 7:1–17.What do these verses tell usabout those who (if anyone) will be saved during the seven-year period?WhatdoesthissayabouttheHolySpirit’sworkduringthistime?

FromtheCommentaryTheeventdescribedin2Thessalonians1:5–10andRevelation19:11ffisJesus’returntoearthingloryandjudgment.Itwilloccurattheendof the seven-year tribulation period when the “mystery of iniquity”(Satan’sevilprogram)willhaveendedwiththebattleofArmageddon.It is important thatwedistinguishHis raptureof thechurch fromHisreturntotheearth.Thefirsteventissecret,asthechurchiscaughtuptomeet Him in the air. The second event is public, when the churchreturnswithHimtodefeatSatanandhishosts.

NobodyonearthwillbeabletoovercometheAntichristandhisforces,forheisenergizedbySatan.“Whoislikeuntothebeast?Whoisabletomakewarwithhim?”(Rev.13:4).

—BeReady,page151

9.WhatisthepointofSatan’s“powersandsignsandlyingwonders”(2Thess.2:9KJV;seealsoActs2:22)?WhydoyouthinkSatanchoosestoimitateChrist?Whatisthepointofthat?HowdoesSatandothatinourliveseventoday?Whyistherepowerinimitation?

FromtheCommentaryWehavenotedthatagreatnumberofJewsandGentileswillbesavedduring the seven-year tribulation period. But the vastmajority of theworld’spopulationwillbelost.ManywilldieintheterriblejudgmentsthatGodwillsendonearth(seeRev.6:7–8;8:11;9:18;11:13).Otherswill perish in judgment when Jesus Christ returns and separates thesavedfromthelost(Matt.25:31–46).

Itisimportanttonotethatthesepeopledidhaveopportunitytobelieveandbesaved.Godhasnodelightinjudgingthelost(Ezek.33:11).Godis “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come torepentance”(2Peter3:9).Thesepeoplewillbe judgedandwillsufferforever because theywould not receive and believe the truth. In fact,theirheartswillbesoevilthattheywillnotevenhaveanyloveforthetruth. Those who love lies and make lies will be excluded from theheavenlycity(Rev.22:15)andsenttothelakeoffire.

In thisparagraph,Paul taughta sobering truth:Apersoncanso resistthetruththathefinallybecomesdeludedandhastobelievealie.Therecanbenoneutralground:Eitherwebelievethetruthorwebelievealie.Torejectthetruthmeanstoreceivethelie.


10.Does the fact thatmanywill reject the truthmeanGod is toblamefor therejectionofChrist?Whyorwhynot?HowisthissimilartoGod’sroleinthelifeof Pharaoh, when Moses was bringing plagues on Egypt? In what ways didPharaohhardenhisheart towardGod?Howdo thosewho rejectChristdo thesamethingtoday?

LookingInwardTakeamomenttoreflectonallthatyou’veexploredthusfarinthisstudyof2Thessalonians2:1–12.Reviewyournotesandanswersandthinkabouthoweachofthesethingsmattersinyourlifetoday.


11.WhataresomeofthesignsyouseethatsuggestJesusiscomingsoon?Whatare some ways you live with that kind of expectation? Do you ever get tooanxious about Jesus’ return? If so, what prompts that anxiety? How can youdevelop an “eager patience” about Jesus’ return that can help others grow intheirfaith?

12.Whatareyourgreatestfearsabouttheend-time?Howdothosefearsenhanceor detract from your relationship with God? How much time do you spendworryingabout(orevenstudying,forthatmatter)theend-time?Howdoesthattimecomparetoworryingabouttheissuesandconcernsthatmattertoday?

13.What isyour interpretationof theevents thatwillhappen in theend-time?Arethesebeliefscriticaltoyourfaithstory?Whyorwhynot?Whataspectsoflast-daysteachingarehelpfultothedevelopmentofyourrelationshipwithGod?


DoyouwanttocultivateeagerpatienceregardingJesus’returnandapplythattosomeaspectofyourlife?Bespecific.Gobackthrough2Thessalonians2:1–12 andput a star next to the phrase or verse that ismost encouraging to you.Considermemorizingthisverse.

Real-LifeApplication Ideas:Thisweek, looknot for theAntichristbut theanti-Antichrist—leaders around the world who are preaching the gospeland doingGod’s work from a position of power. Spend time praying foreach of these leaders, asking God to continue to give them wisdom andhumilityandadesiretoserveChristaboveallelse.


NotesforSmallGroups:•LookforwaystoputintopracticethethingsyouwroteintheGoingForwardsection.Talkwithothergroupmembersaboutyourideasandcommittobeingaccountabletooneanother.•Duringthecomingweek,asktheHolySpirittocontinuetorevealtruthtoyoufromwhatyou’vereadandstudied.•Beforeyoustartthenextlesson,read2Thessalonians2:13—3:18.Formorein-depthlessonpreparation,readchapters12and13,“NothingbuttheTruth”and“OrderintheChurch,”inBeReady.

Lesson8

Truth(2THESSALONIANS2:13—3:18)

Beforeyoubegin…•PrayfortheHolySpirittorevealtruthandwisdomasyougothroughthislesson.•Read2Thessalonians2:13—3:18.Thislessonreferenceschapters12and13inBeReady.ItwillbehelpfulforyoutohaveyourBibleandacopyofthecommentaryavailableasyouworkthroughthislesson.

GettingStarted

FromtheCommentaryPaul’semphasiswasonthetruthofGod’sWord,incontrasttoSatan’sgreat lie,whichPauldiscussed in theprevioussection.EverybelieverhasfourresponsibilitiestoGod’struth.Thefirstistobelievethetruth.

WehavenotedPaul’srepeatedthanksgivinginhisletterstothischurch(1Thess.1:2;2:13;3:9;2Thess.1:3;2:13).HegavethanksforthewaytheyrespondedtoGod’sworkin their lives. In these twoverses,Paulreviewedthestagesintheirsalvationexperience.

Godlovedthem(v.13a).

Godchosethem(v.13b).

Godsetthemapart(v.13c).

Godcalledthem(v.14a).

Godgavethemglory(v.14b).


1. Review 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14. Why does Paul review their salvationexperiencehere,aftertalkingsomuchabouttheend-time?WhydoeseachofthefivestagesnotedinthecommentarymattertotheyoungChristians?Whatvalueisthereinperiodicallyreviewingoursalvationstory?

2.Chooseoneverseorphrasefrom2Thessalonians2:13—3:18thatstandsouttoyou.Thiscouldbesomethingyou’reintriguedby,somethingthatmakesyouuncomfortable,somethingthatpuzzlesyou,somethingthatresonateswithyou,orjustsomethingyouwanttoexaminefurther.Writethathere.

GoingDeeper

FromtheCommentaryPaulhadtoldthemaboutthefuturerebellionagainstthetruth(2Thess.2:3),thegreatapostasyheadedbytheAntichrist.Buthealsowarnedinhis letters that there was a present danger, and that the church mustguard God’s truth and not turn from it. There are repeated warningsabout this in theNewTestament:1John2:18–24;4:1–3;2Peter2;1Timothy4;and2Timothy3,tonameonlyafew.

God works in this world through the truth of His Word, and Satanopposes this truth by substituting his lies. Human nature is prone tobelieve a lie and resist the truth. Satan accomplishes his best workthrough people in so-called Christian institutions (churches, schools,and so forth)who do not believeGod’s truth. They have “a form ofgodliness”buthaveneverexperiencedthepowerofGod’ssavingtruth.

WhenPaulusedthewordtraditions,hewasnotreferringtoman-madereligious ideas that are not based on the Word of God. Our Lordrejectedman’sreligioustraditions(Mark7:1–13).Paulwarnedagainstthem in Colossians 2:8. It is sad to see religious people argue overman’s traditions and, at the same time, reject the simple truth of theWordofGod.


3.Review2Thessalonians2:15.Whatdoesitmeantoguardthetruth?Whatisthe truth wemust guard? How dowe distinguish between human’s truth andGod’struth?

MoretoConsider:Thewordtraditionsimplymeans“thatwhichishandeddownfromonepersontoanother.”ThetruthofthegospelbeganasanoralmessageproclaimedbyChristandtheapostles.Later,thistruthwaswrittendown by the inspiration of theHoly Spirit, and it becameHoly Scripture(see2Tim.3:12–17;2Pet.2:16–21).WheredoesGod’struthcomefrom?(See1Cor. 15:1–6;Gal. 1:11–12.)What is our role inpassing this truthalong?(See2Tim.2:2.)

FromtheCommentaryItisnotenoughtobelievethetruthandguardit;wemustalsopracticeit.IfweheartheWordbutdonotobeyit,weareonlyfoolingourselves(James1:22–25).

These two verses record Paul’s desire and prayer for his friends: HewantedGod toencourage them (“comfort yourhearts”) andestablishthem (“stablish you”) “in every goodword andwork.”Both of thesewordsareprominentintheThessalonianletters.

WhenPaulwaswiththem,heencouragedthemindividuallyasafatherdoeshischildren(1Thess.2:11).HesentTimothytoencouragethem(1Thess.3:2),andPaulhimselfwasgreatlyencouragedwithTimothy’sreportoftheirfaithfulness(1Thess.3:7).

Paul encouraged them to walk to please God (1 Thess. 4:1), and togrowintheirloveforothers(1Thess.4:10).Hetaughtthemabouttherapture of the church in order that they might encourage each other(1Thess.4:18).Tocalmtheirfears,heexplainedthedayoftheLordtothem (1Thess. 5:1–11). In addition tohis teaching,heurged them toministertoeachother(1Thess.5:14–18).

PaulwasconcernedabouttwoaspectsoftheirChristianlife:theirwordandtheirwork,theirsayingandtheirdoing.Ifourwalkcontradictsourwords,we loseour testimony.Our“walk”andour“talk”mustagree;goodworksandgoodwordsmustcomefromthesameyieldedheart.


4.Review2Thessalonians2:16–17.Howdowepracticethetruth?Howisthisdistinctfromguardingthetruth?Whatdoesitlookliketodemonstratethetruth?Howdoesourdemonstrationofthetruthbringotherstofaith?

FromtheCommentaryAsequenceof responsibilities is logical.Learningand livingmustgotogether.Ifwebelievethetruth,itchangesourlives.Weguardthetruthandpracticeitsothatwecanshareitwithothers.Wecannotsharewhatwedonotbelieve(unlesswewant tobehypocrites),andwecanbestsharethatwhichwehavepracticedourselves.

God’s Word is alive (Heb. 4:12); we must let it move freely. Paulalluded here to Psalm 147:15—“He sendeth forth His commandmentupon earth: His word runneth very swiftly.” God’s servants may bebound,butGod’sWordcannotbebound(2Tim.2:9).Aswepracticethe truthandprayfor theministryof the truth,God’sWordwillhavefreedomtorunandaccomplishGod’spurposesintheworld.

—BeReady,page165

5.WhatdoesPaulteachusin2Thessaloniansabouttheroleofsharingourfaithwithothers?Whywasthatcriticaltotheearlychurch?Whyisthatcriticaleventoday?Does Paul tell us explicitly how to share our faith?Why orwhy not?Whatdoesthissuggestabouthoweachofuscanaccomplishthatmission?

FromtheCommentaryItisnotenoughthatthepastororchurchofficersalonesharetheWord;eachChristianmustbeapartofthisvitalministry.ChrististheCaptainofoursalvation;weareHissoldiers(2Tim.2:3–4).Inabattle,itisnotenoughforonlytheofficerstofight;everymanmustdohisduty.Thisisalsotrueintheworkofthelocalchurch.

Whatifanarmywererunwiththesamelackofobedience,order,anddisciplinethatweoftenseeinthelocalchurch?Itwouldneverwinthewar. If soldiers attended drill whenever they felt like it, they wouldnever be equipped to face the enemy. If the recruits disobeyed theirofficers’ orders the way some churchmembers disobey theWord ofGod,theywouldbecourt-martialed.

Asoldierobeysprimarilyoutof loyaltyand fear.But aChristianhasmuchhighermotivesforobedience:God’s loveandChrist’s return(2Thess.3:5).“Ifyeloveme,keepmycommandments”(John14:15).Acommandingofficerdoesnot requirehismen to lovehim,but if theydo, theywill respectandobeyhimwithgreaterdiligence.Thehistoryofwarfare recordsheroicdeedsdonebymenwho loved their leadersandwillinglydiedforthem.OurSaviorlovedusanddiedforus.CanwenotobeyHim?

—BeReady,page167

6.ThewordcommandthatPaulusedin2Thessalonians3:4means“amilitaryorder passed down from a superior officer.” Why does Paul use militarylanguagewhentalkingaboutsharingthegospel?(Seealso1Thess.4:2;2Thess.3:4, 6, 10, 12.)What does this tell us about the approach we should take tosharing God’s truth?Where does themetaphor break down?What is anothermetaphorfromtoday’sworld thatcandescribeourroles inspreadingthegood

newsofthegospel?

FromtheCommentaryWhenproblemsarenotsolved,theygrowandbecomeworse.Asliverleft in the finger can become infected and cause a toxic condition soseriousthatsurgerymaybecomenecessary.Ifyoutellyourdoctorthatyou stepped on a rusty nail, he will immediately give you a tetanusshot,eventhoughthewoundmayappearinsignificanttoyou.

Churchproblemsarelikephysicalproblems:Ifleftunsolved,theygrowandbecomeworse,andtheyinfectmorepeople.Thelocalchurchisabody, andwhat germs are to the physical body, sin is to the spiritualbody.WhenPaulwrotehisfirst letter to theThessalonicanchurch,hewarned the idle busybodies to get to work (1 Thess. 4:11). Headmonishedthechurchleadersto“warnthemthatareunruly”(1Thess.5:14).Thewordunrulymeans“asoldieroutofrank.”Apparentlythesetroublemakers did not repent, because Paul devoted the rest of hissecondlettertothisproblem.

What was the problem? Some members of the assembly hadmisinterpreted Paul’s teachings about the return of Christ, left theirjobs,andwere livingoff thegenerosityof thechurch.Theywere idlewhile others were working. Yet they expected the church to supportthem.Itispossiblethatthisgroupoflazysaintswasthesourceofthefalse teachingPaulmentioned in2Thessalonians2:2.Theywerealsospreading gossip about people in the church. They had time on theirhands and gossip on their lips, but they defended themselves byarguing,“TheLordiscomingsoon!”


7. What is the danger of misinterpretation or misapplication of God’s truth?What is thebestwaytodetermine ifa teaching isbiblicalorunbiblical?What

roledoeschurchleadershipplayinthisprocess?Thecongregation?Prayer?TheBibleitself?

FromtheCommentaryWhat authority did Paul have to issue this command: “If any is notwilling to work, neither should he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10, literaltranslation)?HehadtheauthorityofthenameoftheLordJesusChrist.At least twenty times in the Thessalonian letters, Paul used thiscomplete title of the Savior. Jesusmeans “Savior” and isHis humanname (Matt. 1:21).Christ isHis divine title; itmeans “Messiah—theAnointedOne.”Otherpersons coulduse thename Jesus (theHebrewformis“Joshua”);andotherpersonscouldclaimtobeanointed,suchas prophets, priests, and kings. But the two names, Jesus Christ, arefurtherdefinedbythenameLord,“JehovahGod.”

—BeReady,page173

8.WhatdoesitmeantospeakontheauthorityofJesusChrist?Howdidpeopleabusethatright inPaul’s time?In today’sworld?Whatmustwedobeforewecanspeak“inJesus’name”tootherbelieversornonbelievers?

More to Consider: What’s similar about the characters in each of thefollowingstorieswhenGodchosethemtoenterHisservice:Moses(Exod.3); Joshua (Exod. 33:11);Gideon (Judg. 6:11–40);David (1 Sam. 16:1–13.); Paul (Acts 8:1–3)? Why did God choose people who were alreadybusy doing life?What does that suggest about howwe ought to be livingtoday?

FromtheCommentaryAs an apostle, Paul had the right to expect financial support, but hedeliberatelygaveupthisrightthathemightbeanexampletotheyoungbelievers(see1Cor.9:6–14).Inthisattitude,PaulprovedhimselftobeamatureChristian leader.Selfish leadersusepeople tobuildup theirsupport, and they are always claiming their rights. A truly dedicatedleaderwillusehisrightstobuildupthepeople,andwill layasidehisrightsandprivilegesforthesakeofothers.

Hehadreferredtohisexampleinlaborinhispreviousletter(1Thess.2:9).His readersknew thatPaul andhis associateshadnot takenanysupport from the infant church. Instead, they had set the example ofmeetingtheirownneedsandalsohelpingtomeettheneedsofothers.“Yououghttoimitateus,”headmonishedhisreaders.

—BeReady,page175

9.Review2Thessalonians3:7–10.HowdidPaulmakehimselfanexamplefortheyoungbelieversinhowtoliveoutalifeoffaith?Whyistheresuchpoweringodlyexamples,evenwhencomparedtogodlyteaching?What’sthedifferencebetweenauthorityandstature?Howdoesabelievergainstature?

FromtheCommentarySecondThessalonians3:13isthekey:“Andyou,brothers,donotloseheart doing good!” (literal translation). The faithful Christians werediscouragedbytheconductofthecarelesssaintswhorefusedtowork.“Iftheydon’thavetowork,whyshouldwe?”wastheirargument,andPaulnippeditinthebud.

Sin in the life of a believer always affects the rest of the church.Asmembers of His body, we belong to one another and we affect oneanother.Thebadexampleofafewsaintscandestroythedevotion,andhindertheservice,oftherestofthechurch.

Paul named the sins of this group. To begin with, they were“disorderly,”oroutoforder,outofrank.Theyweredisobeyingorders,andthisbroughtconfusionanddivisionto theassembly.Further, theywere“busybodies,”notbusyworkers.TheGreekwordfor“busybody”literally means “to be working around”; that is, busy but “foolingaround”andnot accomplishinganything.FirstTimothy5:13 suggeststhatbusybodiesmeddleinmattersthatdonotbelongtothem.

Almost every culturehas its sayingabout idleness.TheRomans said,“Bydoingnothing,menlearntodoevil.”IsaacWattswrote:“ForSatanfinds some mischief still, for idle hands to do.” The Jewish rabbistaught, “Hewho does not teach his son a trade, teaches him to be athief.”

—BeReady,page176

10.Whatarethesinsofidlenessthatthechurchfacestoday?Howshouldchurchleaders address this issue? In what ways is work a good antidote to wrongthinkingandspeculationaboutend-timedoctrines?

LookingInwardTakeamomenttoreflectonallthatyou’veexploredthusfarinthisstudyof2Thessalonians2:13—3:18.Reviewyournotesandanswersandthinkabouthoweachofthesethingsmattersinyourlifetoday.


11.Summarizeyoursalvationstory.Whatrolesdidotherbelieversplayinyourstory?WherewasGodthroughoutyourjourneytosalvation?Howcanknowingyour own story help you share God’smessage of salvation with others, eventhougheachofuscomestoJesusinauniqueway?

12.How comfortable are you sharing your faithwith others?Howdo you goaboutthis?Whatchallengesdoyoufaceinsharingthegospel?HowcanPaul’smessagetotheThessaloniansencourageyouaswell?

13.Whataresomewaysyou’reagoodexample forotherbelievers?Whataresome ways you exemplify Christ for nonbelievers? Is it important for you to

know you’re a good example? Why or why not? What are your greatestchallengesinmaintaininggoodhabitsandbeingagoodexample?


Do you want to better share your faith with others? Be specific. Go backthrough2Thessalonians2:13—3:18andput a starnext to thephraseorversethatismostencouragingtoyou.Considermemorizingthisverse.

Real-Life Application Ideas: Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to sharethegoodnewsbytheirwordsandactions.Thisweek,youcandothesame.Perhaps you’re uncomfortable talking about your personal faith. Pushbeyondthatdiscomfort,andtakeadvantageofanyopportunitiesyoucantosharewhyarelationshipwithGodissoimportanttoyou.UsePaul’swordsin1and2Thessaloniansasyourguide,andalsoasyour text,shouldyougetachancetoshareScripturepassageswithfriends,coworkers,orfamilymemberswhodon’t yet know Jesus. In all things, pray forGod’swisdomandguidance.


NotesforSmallGroups:•LookforwaystoputintopracticethethingsyouwroteintheGoingForwardsection.Talkwithothergroupmembersaboutyourideasandcommittobeingaccountabletooneanother.•Duringthecomingweek,asktheHolySpirittocontinuetorevealtruthtoyoufromwhatyou’vereadandstudied.

BonusLesson

SummaryandReviewNotesforSmallGroups:Thissessionisasummaryandreviewofthisbook.Becauseofthat,itisshorterthanthepreviouslessons.Ifyouareusingthisin a small-group setting, consider combining this lesson with a time offellowshiporasharedmeal.

Beforeyoubegin…•PrayfortheHolySpirittorevealtruthandwisdomasyougothroughthislesson.•Brieflyreviewthenotesyoumadeintheprevioussessions.Youwillreferbacktoprevioussectionsthroughoutthisbonuslesson.

LookingBack1.Over the past eight lessons, you’ve examined 1 and 2Thessalonians.Whatexpectationsdidyoubringtothisstudy?Inwhatwayswerethoseexpectationsmet?

2.Whatisthemostsignificantpersonaldiscoveryyou’vemadefromthisstudy?

3.What surprised youmost about 1 and 2 Thessalonians?What, if anything,troubledyou?

ProgressReport4.Take a fewmoments to review theGoingForward sectionsof thepreviouslessons.Howwouldyourateyourprogressforeachofthethingsyouchosetoworkon?Whatadjustments,ifany,doyouneedtomaketocontinueonthepathtowardspiritualmaturity?

5. In what ways have you grown closer to Christ during this study? Take amoment tocelebrate those things.Then thinkofareaswhereyoufeelyoustillneedtogrowandnotethosehere.Makeplanstorevisitthisstudyinafewweekstoreviewyourgrowingfaith.

ThingstoPrayAbout6.Paul’s letters to theThessalonians are books that focusonpreparedness forJesus’eventualreturn,butalsoonhowtoliveinthemeanwhile.Asyoureflectonwhat itmeans tobereadyforJesus—inboth thenowand thenotyet—askGodforguidanceanddirectionsoyoucanbeagoodexampleforothers.

7.Themessagesin1and2Thessaloniansincludetrust,preparedness,diligence,patience, perseverance,maturing in your faith, and sharingGod’s good news.Spendtimeprayingforeachofthesetopics.

8.Whetheryou’vebeenstudyingthisinasmallgrouporonyourown,therearemany other Christians working through the very same issues you discoveredwhenexamining1and2Thessalonians.Taketimetoprayforeachofthem,thatGod would reveal truth, that the Holy Spirit would guide you, and that eachpersonmightgrowinspiritualmaturityaccordingtoGod’swill.

ABlessingofEncouragementStudyingtheBibleisoneofthebestwaystolearnhowtobemorelikeChrist.Thanksfortakingthisstep.Inclosing,letthisblessingprecedeyouandfollowyouintothenextweekwhileyoucontinuetomarinateinGod’sWord:MayGod light your path to greater understanding as you review the truths

foundinthebooksof1and2ThessaloniansandconsiderhowtheycanhelpyougrowclosertoChrist.

THEWIERSBEBIBLESTUDYSERIES:1&2THESSALONIANSPublishedbyDavidCCook

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circleClogoisaregisteredtrademarkofDavidCCook.Allrightsreserved.Exceptforbriefexcerptsforreviewpurposes,nopartofthisbookmaybereproduced

orusedinanyformwithoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher.Unlessotherwisenoted,allScripturequotationsinthisstudyaretakenfromtheHolyBible,NewInternationalVersion®,NIV®.Copyright©1973,1984byBiblica,Inc.™Usedbypermissionof

Zondervan.Allrightsreservedworldwide.www.zondervan.com.ScripturequotationsmarkedKJVaretakenfromtheKingJamesVersionoftheBible.(PublicDomain.)IntheBeReadyexcerpts,unlessotherwisenoted,allScripturequotationsaretakenfromtheKingJamesVersionoftheBible.(PublicDomain.)

ScripturequotationsmarkedNASBaretakenfromtheNewAmericanStandardBible®,Copyright©1960,1995byTheLockmanFoundation.Usedbypermission(www.Lockman.com);NIVaretakenfromtheHolyBible,NewInternationalVersion®.NIV®.Copyright©1973,1984byBiblica,Inc.™UsedbypermissionofZondervan.Allrightsreservedworldwide.www.zondervan.com.;PHaretakenfromJ.B.Phillips:TheNewTestamentinModernEnglish,revisededitions©J.B.Phillips,1958,1960,1972,permissionof

MacmillanPublishingCo.andCollinsPublishers;TheauthorhasaddeditalicstoScripturequotationsforemphasis.

AllexcerptstakenfromBeReady,secondedition,publishedbyDavidCCookin2010©1979WarrenW.Wiersbe,ISBN978-1-4347-6501-7.

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©2013WarrenW.Wiersbe

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An internationally renownedBible teacher,Dr.WarrenW.Wiersbe haswrittenmore than160books, including the popular “BE” series ofBible commentaries.He and hiswife,Betty, live inLincoln,Nebraska.

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Documents

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Living in Light of Christ's Return