We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. :11

1 An introduction to 2 Thessalonians

Background

• 1 and 2 Thessalonian’s are amongst the earliest of Paul’s letters probably written within weeks of his visit to Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. (Acts 17:1-15. Around 50AD) Several Jew’s, Greeks and prominent women were converted by Paul and Silas beginning the first church in Thessalonica. The link below provides an excellent interactive tool identifying Paul’s missionary journeys on both ancient and modern maps. https://viz.bible/journeys/

• Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia which was annexed by Rome in 168 BC. Michael Bird writes that ‘In Paul’s day, Thessalonica was a free city with tax exemptions. It was predominantly Greek, but with significant numbers of Italians, Thracians and Jews.’ 1 It had its own synagogue, signifying the size of the Jewish community, and was situated on a significant crossroad between Rome and Athens. Learn more here: https://www.thebiblejourney.org/the-bible-journey/10- pauls-journey-to-phrygia-macedonia/paul-in-thessalonica/

• Paul had little time with this young mixed background church, due to accusations that he and his colleagues were disrupting the Roman peace (Roman Pax) by proclaiming ‘ as King’ in opposition to Caesar. (Acts 17:6-7) Jew’s, who rejected Jesus as Messiah, hid behind people of ‘bad reputation’ to create a riot, causing Paul and his companions to need to quickly leave the city.

• Paul probably wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians once he reached Corinth. There he received a positive report on the young church from Timothy (1Thess 3:6) and saw the need to encourage them. This young church was fearful about the fate of believers who had died before the promised return of their King Jesus and were confused about how to live as they waited for his return.

• Not long after sending the first letter, perhaps only weeks or months, Paul wrote again concerned that the pressures continued to escalate for the young believers in Thessalonica. They were persevering in faith but needed further encouragement in what to believe about Jesus' return and how to live as they waited. It appears some were arguing that Jesus has already returned and there was confusion about the day of judgement and God’s promised future.

2 Paul’s purpose in 2 Thessalonians

Paul’s letter calls the church in Thessalonica to see life, both their own lives and the lives of those around them, from the perspective of the Kingdom of heaven. They are to live looking forward to the final day when the Lord Jesus will return. Whilst at the same time recognizing that through faith in Christ they live, right now, as representatives of the Kingdom of heaven.

The certain hope of ‘future glory’ through faith in Jesus must drive them to resist the temptation to live for earthly glory now and instead prioritize life together as God’s called and changed people in whom Jesus is glorified. Paul’s second letter invites the Thessalonian’s and us today to live lives loyal to God’s future, certain of Jesus return, strengthened in hope that we might labour with love and endurance sharing the message of Jesus. Resources

1-2 Thessalonians Nijay K. Gupta https://www.amazon.com.au/1-2-Thessalonians-New-Covenant-Commentary-ebook/ dp/B01J96KSF2/ref=sr_1_1? dchild=1&keywords=1+and+2+thessalonians+gupta&qid=1621392612&sr=8-1

A Helpful Essay on The Final Judgement by Paul R. Williamson https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-final-judgment/ Outline of Studies

Study 1: Waiting: Loyal for life. :1-12

Study 2. Waiting: Certain of the future. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Study 3: Waiting: Strengthened in hope. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – 3:5

Study 4: Waiting: Labouring with Love :6 - 18

3 STUDY 1: Waiting: Loyal for life. 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

“We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is “good,” because it is good, if “bad” because it works in us patience, humility, and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.”

C.S. Lewis 2

1. Brand Loyalty is when customers particularly favour a brand’s product over all others. For example, a particular make of car or brand of ice- cream. Is there a brand or company you are loyal to? Why?

Read Acts 17: 1-10a

2. Imagine for a moment you are Jason or one of the believers dragged before the city officials. What would this experience have been like? How might it have impacted you?

Paul wrote 2 letters to this young church seeking to encourage them and to particularly teach them about the return of the Lord Jesus. Please see above for further information.

Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4

3. What is Paul thankful for? What does he boast in?

4. Compare this to 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5. What is similar? What is different? What does this teach us about the Thessalonian believers and their experience?

Read 2 Thessalonians 1:5 -10

5. In verses 5 to 10 Paul describes the ultimate outcomes of God’s just character on the day Jesus returns in final judgement. What are those outcomes for the Thessalonian’s and for their persecutor’s?

6. In verse 8 what is God’s just basis for punishment? What do you think it means to ‘obey the Gospel’?

4 7. Note Verse 5. What is the evidence that proves God’s right judgement about the Thessalonian’s? Hint: Look for the evidence in verses 1 to 4.

Nijay Gupta expresses Paul’s meaning in this way.

You Thessalonians are suffering and you wonder, “Who is pulling the strings up there in heaven? Is God in control? Is he punishing us? Is he trustworthy? I say to you, God is in control and he is acting according to his good pleasure and looking after you at the same time. The afflictions you are suffering are not a negative reflection of your worth and value to God, but you should consider it a privilege that he would let you represent his kingdom and that he trusts you to rise above the persecution in faithfulness and hope.3

8. How have you seen God at work in your life in seasons of persecution or suffering? How can we share our testimony of God’s work in our lives with a broken and suffering world?

Read 2 Thessalonians 1: 11 – 12

9. What does Paul pray for the Thessalonians? Who is at work in them?

Putting it into action. 10.Paul is both praying for and calling them to be loyal to the Lord Jesus – living worthy lives. Attempt as a group to think of as many reasons as possible to be loyal to the Lord Jesus. (1:4) What is one concrete way you can act in loyalty to Jesus this week?

You might like to finish your time by praying Paul’s words in v11-12 for your group, our church and one of our mission partners.

5 STUDY 2: Waiting: Certain of the Future. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

“Christ is not alive now because he rose from the dead two thousand years ago. He rose from the dead two thousand years ago because he is alive right now.” ― Christian Wiman, 4

1. How do you wait? Think of a time you have had to wait for something. For example, a holiday, Christmas or even a test result.

Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

2. In verse 1 what does Paul describe as happening on the day of the Lord? (CF :17 – 18)

3. What is the content of the report that has unsettled the Thessalonians?

4. Given their experiences as a Church. (Acts 17:1-10a) How might such a report have impacted their view of Jesus and of the future?

The ‘day of the Lord in v2 refers to the Old Testament promise that God would return to Zion to call the entire world to account and to bring his rule of justice, mercy and peace. This promise is fulfilled in Jesus who embodies the return of YHWH and the promised royal deliverer (The Messiah).

5. Compare Isaiah 45:22 – 25 and Philippians 2:8-10 How has Jesus already fulfilled the promise in Isaiah and how will he complete this fulfillment when he returns?

6. V3 What must occur and who must be revealed before the Day of the Lord comes? How is he described in the rest of the passage?

6 Fleming Rutledge helpfully writes:

‘Paul speaks of “the lawless one’ who will be revealed … what’s important here is the clear picture of a Power of Evil who actively works to subvert the purposes of God. This power is personified in the under various names (Satan, the devil, Beelzebub… Paul and other New Testament writers want us to understand that God has an active, personal Enemy who works tirelessly to distort, contaminate, and destroy God’s plan for salvation. This apocalyptic scenario takes radical evil very seriously and so should we.”5

7. Does the “lawless one” have complete freedom? What comfort would this be to the Thessalonian Church? (2:6-7)

8. In verse 8 how does Paul describe Jesus' victory on the day of the Lord? How would this strengthen the Thessalonian Church? (Cf Isaiah 11:4)

Putting it into Action Paul wants the Thessalonian’s to be clear that they should expect persecution and suffering in the overlapping age between Jesus first and , whilst knowing God restrains evil and they can be certain of Jesus ultimate victory.

9. How should we wait for Jesus second coming? How does our future certainty impact our actions now?

10.Reflect on your last week: Where might there have been an opening to connect with someone who does not know Jesus yet? How might you stay awake to opportunities this week to share your hope in Jesus?

7 STUDY 3: Waiting: Strengthened in Hope. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – 3:5

‘Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all’ Emily Dickinson

So far …

Paul has reminded the Thessalonians of God’s right judgement and that through accepting the Gospel they were counted as God’s Holy People and called to live worthy lives. He has reminded them that Jesus will be ultimately victorious over sin and death on the final day of judgement. On this day those who have rejected the truth about Jesus will be condemned (2 Thess 2:12) and those faithful to Jesus will share in his glory (1 Thess 1:12).

1. What story does your family always tell about you? Or What is your first memory of being really excited?

Read 2 Thessalonians 2:12 – 14

2. How does Paul contrast the identity of the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica with those who persecute them?

3. Read Deuteronomy 7:7-8 What does this teach us about God’s character in choosing? Why is this significant?

4. How do verses 13 - 14 describe the work of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the lives of believers through the Gospel?

5. How is Paul seeking to give the Thessalonian’s hope and stability? How does this give you hope and stability today?

8 Read 2 Thessalonians 2:15 to 3:5

6. What response does Paul call for from those chosen in Christ? (V15)

7. What challenges do we face today in standing firm to God’s teaching? What habits help you to stand firm?

8. What does Paul pray for and what does he ask for prayer for?

9. How is the character and work of “our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father” described in these verses? How does this strengthen our hope?

Putting it into Action

10.How does this passage encourage you to stand firm as one ‘loved by the Lord’(v13)? What is one action you could take this week to encourage and strengthen someone else?

You might like to include Paul’s prayers in 2:15-16 and 3:5 to pray for your group, our church and one of our mission partners. Pray that we take every open door and that the message of our Lord Jesus Christ might spread rapidly and be honoured.

9 STUDY 4: Waiting: Labouring in Love 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18

“On the last day, God will ask, in effect, “What have you done with the salvation I bestowed on you? How have you responded to the way I graciously called you to myself?” ― D.A. Carson6

1. What was your first job? What did it teach you about work?

Paul has sought throughout this letter to affirm the Thessalonian’s identity as chosen and loved by God and encouraged them to look to the certain future of Jesus victory on the last day. Next, because he loves them so much (1 Thess 1:8) he turns to bring discipline in an area where the church needs strengthening.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6 -12

2. What is the area the Thessalonian’s need to show discipline in? (v6/11) Why would this be a significant issue in the life of a church? What might it impact?

3. What is the example that Paul and his colleagues have set?

4. Also read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-11. What motivated and characterized Paul and his colleagues work amongst the Thessalonians?

5. How can idleness lead us to inappropriate behaviour? Is it possible to still be a busybody in a culture like ours where busyness is prized?

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:13 – 18

In verse 6 some of those who are being disruptive are described as not obeying the ‘teaching’ received from Paul. The word translated ‘teaching’ is a specific word referring to the Apostles authoritative teaching. They are refusing to obey God’s Word to them and so Paul instructs what the church should do if this continues after receiving this second letter.

6. How is the church in Thessalonica to respond if members do not obey the teaching of the Apostles? (13 – 14) (Note that this responsibility is addressed to the whole community.) 10 7. What do you think is the significance of v15 for the way the community is to treat someone who does not respond to the call to obey?

8. What do verses 16 to 18 tell us about Paul’s ultimate goal for the church at Thessalonica and his hope for the outcome of disciplining members?

Putting it into Action

9. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 reads “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

How have you been challenged through Paul’s example to labour prompted by love?

10.How can we as a church seek to avoid talk that leads to disunity and focus on work produced by faith and inspired by hope?

11 Bible studies and notes for individuals and groups. St Phil’s Anglican Church Eastwood. 2021.

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