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Sunday School Lesson Outline – Pleasant Zion Missionary Baptist Church – 3317 Toledano Street – New Orleans, La.

April 14, 2019 --- A Growing Resolve --- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 -- 3-5

Unit II – New Growth

Introduction: ―Solomon wrote that we should not despise the Lord’s chastening. The correction of the Lord is always for our benefit and thus is a reflection of His love for us. The same should be true of parents’ correction of their children (cf. Heb. 12:7-9). A loving parent disciplines for the child’s benefit. Yet even loving discipline can be misunderstood if the discipline seems more for the parent’s benefit than the child’s, and this can give rise to bitterness and despair. It is so important that words of encouragement accompany correction. The Apostle Paul spent most of II Thessalonians correcting his readers concerning doctrinal (1:5— 2:12) and practical (3:6-15) matters. In the midst of this correction, however, he wisely took time to encourage his readers.‖ – BE&I (See God's Demand on Page 6.)

I. THANKS FOR THE THESSALONIANS -- 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

2 Thessalonians 2:13 13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

A. Chosen to salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

1. ―Paul had just completed a lengthy description of the end-times and the doom that awaits both him and those who believe and follow him…now followed by a 'wonderful passage of comfort and assurance (Stedman).'‖

2. ―Despite their confusion and even questioning of Paul’s previous teaching, he was grateful for them.‖

a. ―They were clearly objects of the special love of Christ, and this was evident because God had chosen them to salvation. (They were elected [chosen] from the beginning. [Eph. 1:4])‖

b. ―Election is a gracious work of the sovereign God that remains, largely, a mystery to human minds.‖

3. ―How is the salvation of the chosen effected?‖

a. ―It is effected through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.‖

b. ―It is effected through faith in (belief of) the truth.‖

2 Thessalonians 2:14 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Christ.

B. Called to the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

1. ―Salvation, of course, is never apart from belief of the truth.‖

a. ―The Greek word for belief (pistis) is the common word for faith.‖

b. ―The human side of salvation is faith that believes the truth. (…the truth of the gospel.)‖

2. ―The Thessalonians were called to the truth through the preaching of the gospel. (They had responded in faith and were saved.)‖

a. ―The end result of salvation is the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.‖

b. ―The Thessalonians, and all Christians, will share in the honor and glory of Christ when He returns (1:10).‖

Practical Point 1: ―God saved us so that we might bring glory to His name.‖ 2

II. EXHORTATION TO THE THESSALONIANS -- 2 Thessalonians 2:15

2 Thessalonians 2:15a 15a Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught,…

A. Standing fast (2 Thessalonians 2:15a).

1. ―The great truths related to salvation under gird Paul’s exhortation to his readers to stand fast, and hold the traditions” they had been taught.‖

a. ―Salvation brings with it an obligation to stand firm in the truth (traditions).‖

b. ―Again, the truth is the truth of the gospel.‖

2. ―We usually think of traditions as merely helpful human inventions and teachings.‖

a. ―Here, however, the term refers to God-given truths conveyed either by Paul and others or through his written correspondence.‖

b. ―This was an appropriate exhortation for the Thessalonians, for 'a continuation in basic Christian doctrines would have alleviated the instability and alarm that prompted the writing of this letter' (Barker and Kohlenberger).‖

2 Thessalonians 2:15b 15b …whether by word, or our epistle.

B. Taught by the Word (2 Thessalonians 2:15b).

1. ―To claim Christ is an act of submission.‖

a. ―It is submission to His written Word (letter [epistle]).‖

b. ―It is submission to His spoken Word (mouth).‖

2. ―What it (the Word) teaches will often go against the grain of society, but it alone is divinely inspired truth and the source of stability for our lives.‖

Practical Point 2: ―Biblical Christian traditions have great value and should be honored.‖

III. PRAYER FOR THE THESSALONIANS -- 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

2 Thessalonians 2:16 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

A. Paul's prayer (2 Thessalonians 2:16).

1. ―Paul now turns to prayer for the Thessalonians -- a prayer that expresses his recognition that they could not continue firm in the faith without divine help.‖

2. ―The prayer is addressed to our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father.‖

a. ―The whole construction equates the two as God and points out the appropriateness of addressing our prayers to Jesus, the Son, as well as to God the Father.‖

b. ―Paul goes on to describe God in terms of what He has done.‖

1.) ―He has loved us.‖ 2.) ―He has given us everlasting consolation.‖

3.) ―He has given us good hope through grace.‖

2 Thessalonians 2:17 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 3

B. Prayer for strength (2 Thessalonians 2:17).

1. ―The apostle also prayed that God would stablish, or strengthen, them in every good word and work.‖

a. ―His desire and prayer was for the Lord to bring the Thessalonian church to maturity in their faith.‖

b. ―Such maturity would be reflected in words (speech) and works (actions) that were truly good— God- honoring and beneficial.‖

2. ―While the establishment of Christians in a firm, stable faith is the work of God (3:3)…‖

a. ―…He uses the ministry of His servants (I Thess. 3:2) to accomplish this work.‖

b. ―…He uses our faithful prayers for one another (I Thess. 3:13; II Thess. 2:17) to do this work.‖

Practical Point 3: ―God’s comfort fills us with peace and confident assurance.‖

IV. REQUEST OF THE THESSALONIANS -- :1-2

2 Thessalonians 3:1 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

A. A request for prayer (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

1. ―Finally in II Thessalonians 3:1 marks the transition to a new section of the epistle, which deals with another issue that required Paul’s correction— namely, the failure of some in the church to live orderly, productive lives.‖

2. ―Now he asks them (his readers) to pray (constantly) for him and his fellow missionaries.‖

a. ―He asks that that the word of the Lord may have free course (spread rapidly -- Amp.)‖

b. ―He asks that that the word of the Lord may be glorified (extolled -- Amp.)‖

c. ―He credits them for their good example (even as it is with you).‖

2 Thessalonians 3:2 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

B. A specific prayer (2 Thessalonians 3:2).

1. ―Paul sought the prayers of the Thessalonians that he and his colleagues would be ―delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.‖

a. ―Unreasonable refers to out of place, or perverse, people.‖

b. ―They were also wicked, actively pursuing that which is evil.‖

2. ―The apostle’s prayer requests were for the gospel to be successful and the messengers of it to be protected.‖

Practical Point 4: ―We should pray before embarking on any new work for the Lord.‖

V. CONFIDENCE IN THE THESSALONIANS -- 2 Thessalonians 3:3-4

2 Thessalonians 3:3 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

A. A faithful Lord (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

1. ―While not all people have faith, the Lord Himself is faithful.‖

a. ―Paul assured his Thessalonian brethren that the Lord would establish them and keep them from evil.‖ 4

b. ―Evil could be translated evil one, and thus be a reference to Satan.‖

2. ―It was Paul’s prayer that they be established in their faith (2:17), and he was sure the Lord would do this.‖

Practical Point 5: ―We have no reason to fear that evil will overtake us. God will establish and protect us.‖

2 Thessalonians 3:4 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

B. Confidence in the Lord (2 Thessalonians 3:4).

1. ―Paul was confident the Thessalonians would continue to obey the commands of the Lord he gave them.‖

a. He trusted that they were obedient in the present.

b. He trusted that they would be obedient in the future.

2. ―Paul had no doubt of God's kindness towards them.‖

VI. PRAYER FOR THE THESSALONIANS -- 2 Thessalonians 3:5

2 Thessalonians 3:5a 5a And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God,…

A. God's love (2 Thessalonians 3:5a).

1. ―The Apostle Paul then uttered another brief prayer on behalf of his readers.‖

a. ―While he was confident of their continued obedience, that obedience would come only as their hearts were directed into the love of God.‖

b. ―The phrase love of God can refer either to their love for God or God’s love for them.‖

c. ―It is likely that both ideas are present. (See Romans 5:5 -- Compiler)‖

2. ―As they contemplated and fully appreciated God’s love for them, they would grow in their love for Him and their desire to obey Him.‖

2 Thessalonians 3:5b 5b …and into the patient waiting for Christ.

B. Patient waiting (2 Thessalonians 3:5b).

1. ―Paul prayed that the Thessalonians would have patience, such patience, under all their sufferings and persecutions, as Christ manifested under his.‖

a. ―He bore meekly the contradiction of sinners against himself.‖

b. ―When he was reviled, he reviled not again.‖

2. ―The Lord directs the believer to patiently wait for Christ's return.‖

a. ―Therefore, when evil strikes, the believer endures and perseveres—stands in strength and patience— keeping his eyes and heart focused upon the glorious hope of Christ.‖

b. ―He focuses on the hope of conquering death and of living forever and ever in perfection with God.‖

Practical Point 6: ―The Lord will only direct us to do what will enable us to showcase His love.‖

Compiler: Rev. Kenneth E. Thompson From: Expositor and Illuminator, Union Gospel Press, Cleveland, OH: Standard Lesson Commentary NIV, Standard Publishing Company, Cincinnati, OH; Power Bible CD, Online Publishing Co., Wordsearch 9 Basic Edition, Wordsearch Bible Software, Austin, TX.

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Sunday School Lesson Text With NIV And Interlinear

April 14, 2019 --- A Growing Resolve --- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 -- 3-5

2Th 2:13 ¶ But (de) we (hemeis) are bound (opheilo) to give thanks (eucharisteo) alway (pantote) to God (theos) for (peri) you, (humon) brethren (adelphos) beloved (agapao) of (hupo) the Lord, (kurios) because (hoti) God (theos) hath (haireomai) from (apo) the beginning (arche) chosen (haireomai) you (humas) to (eis) salvation (soteria) through (en) sanctification (hagiasmos) of the Spirit (pneuma) and (kai) belief (pistis) of the truth: (aletheia)

13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. (NIV)

14 Whereunto (eis) (hos) he called (kaleo) you (humas) by (dia) our (hemon) gospel, (euaggelion) to (eis) the obtaining (peripoiesis) of the glory (doxa) of our (hemon) Lord (kurios) Jesus (Iesous) Christ. (Christos)

14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

15 Therefore (ara), (oun) brethren, (adelphos) stand fast, (steko) and (kai) hold (krateo) the traditions (paradosis) which (hos) ye have been taught, (didasko) whether (eite) by (dia) word, (logos) or (eite) (dia) our (hemon) epistle. (epistole)

15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. (NIV)

16 ¶ Now (de) our (hemon) Lord (kurios) Jesus (Iesous) Christ (Christos) himself, (autos) and (kai) God, (theos) even (kai) our (hemon) Father, (pater) which (ho) hath loved (agapao) us, (hemas) and (kai) hath given (didomi) us everlasting (aionios) consolation (paraklesis) and (kai) good (agathos) hope (elpis) through (en) grace, (charis)

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, (NIV)

17 Comfort (parakaleo) your (humon) hearts, (kardia) and (kai) stablish (sterizo) you (humas) in (en) every (pas) good (agathos) word (logos) and (kai) work. (ergon)

17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. (NIV)

2Th 3:1 ¶ Finally, (loipon) brethren, (adelphos) pray (proseuchomai) for (peri) us, (hemon) that (hina) the word (logos) of the Lord (kurios) may have free course, (trecho) and (kai) be glorified, (doxazo) even (kai) as (kathos) it is with (pros) you: (humas)

1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. (NIV) 6

2 And (kai) that (hina) we may be delivered (rhoumai) from (apo) unreasonable (atopos) and (kai) wicked (poneros) men: (anthropos) for (gar) all (pas) men have not (ou) faith. (pistis)

2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. (NIV)

3 But (de) the Lord (kurios) is (esti) faithful, (pistos) who (hos) shall stablish (sterizo) you, (humas) and (kai) keep (phulasso) you from (apo) evil. (poneros)

3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (NIV)

4 And (de) we have confidence (peitho) in (en) the Lord (kurios) touching (epi) you, (humas) that (hoti) ye both (kai) do (poieo) and (kai) will do (poieo) the things which (hos) we command (paraggello) you. (humin)

4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. (NIV)

5 And (de) the Lord (kurios) direct (kateuthuno) your (humon) hearts (kardia) into (eis) the love (agape) of God, (theos) and (kai) into (eis) the patient waiting (hupomone) for Christ. (Christos)

5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. (NIV)

God's Demand And Our Effort

In this passage there is a kind of synopsis of the Christian life.

(i) It begins with God's call. We could never even begin to seek God unless he had already found us. The whole initiative is with him; the ground and the moving cause of the whole matter is his seeking love.

(ii) It develops in our effort. The Christian is not called to dream, but to fight; not to stand still, but to climb. He is called not only to the greatest privilege but also to the greatest task in the world.

(iii) This effort is helped continually by two things. (a) It is helped by the teaching, guidance and example of godly men. God speaks to us through those to whom he has already spoken. "A saint," as someone has said, "is a person who makes it easier for others to believe in God." And there are some who help us, not by anything they say or write, but simply by being what they are, men whom to meet is to meet God. (b) It is helped by God himself We are never left to fight and toil alone. He who gives us the task also gives us the strength to do it; more, he actually does it with us. We are not thrown into the battle to meet it with the puny resources we can bring to it. At the back of us and beside us there is God. When Paul was up against it in Corinth, he had a vision by night in which the Lord said to him, "Do not be afraid... for I am with You" (Ac 18:9-10). They that are for us are always more than they that are against us.

(iv) This call and this effort are designed to produce two things. (a) They are designed to produce consecration on earth. Literally in Greek a thing which is consecrated is set apart for God. They are meant to set us apart in such a way that God can use us for his service. The result is that a man's life no longer belongs to him to do with it as he likes; it belongs to God for him to use as he likes. (b) They are designed to produce salvation in heaven. The Christian life does not end with time; its goal is eternity. The Christian can regard his present affliction as a light thing in comparison with the glory that shall be. -- Barclay NT

Barclay's Daily Study Bible (NT). 7