1 & 2 THESSALONIANS STUDY 9

Back to Basics 2 Thess. 1:1-12

Introduction

This second letter was written, probably just a few months after the first one in AD53.

It’s a letter which seems to have two main objectives: 1. To give more teaching, correcting misunderstandings which had arisen concerning the second coming; and

2.To specify the life-styles that should characterise them. Among a minority their life-styles had been adversely affected by their misunderstanding of Paul’s teaching. It’s important to remember that right teaching is meant to produce right living. We’ll think about this particularly in Ch. 3

Of course other issues are raised in the letter, especially in Chapter 1, which we look at now. If Paul had wanted to develop three positive slogans for the Thessalonian church, they probably would have been those which we’re using as headings for this week’s study.

1. Congratulations – you’re growing (3,4)

a. What two areas of growth are referred to in v. 3? Look back at the first letter and see how they’re emphasised there (1:3; 3:5,6; 4:9,10; 5:8,13). In what areas had their love and faith to be exercised? In what areas are they especially needed by us today? What will be the evidence which shows whether they are increasing or decreasing? We all want our faith and love to grow. What principle did Jesus teach His disciples )Luke 17:5,6)? What do we learn for ourselves from this?

b. Why was endurance (4) an important factor for the Thessalonians? This noun is related to the verb which can mean literally ‘I stand my ground’. In our daily living as Christians, what areas of ‘ground’ do we have to stand firm on?

c. In what ways can ongoing trials and problems both inhibit these three qualities – and also stimulate them? Remember the Thessalonians had plenty of them (Acts 17:5-9,

1 Thess. 3:3,4). Why do some Christians fail to grow? How can we help to promote growth? What encouragement does James 1:2-4 give to those who are having a tough time?

d. Paul had to hand out some corrective teaching later in this letter. Why was it important for him to start off with positive, encouraging elements? So if someone has to be corrected, what else should we look for? Try to illustrate this.

2. Be encouraged – you’re kept by God (5-10)

a. What evidence of God’s keeping power for His people is there in this paragraph? What encouragement does this provide personally for us?

Note: ‘All this’ of v.5 refers back of course, to v.3,4.

b. How do you understand the concept of being ‘counted worthy of the Kingdom of God’ (5), when in one way, we’re all unworthy servants (Luke 17:10)? Think about the implications of Eph. 4:1,2; Col. 1:10-12; 1 Thess. 2:11,12; 2 Thess. 1:11.

c. Note the emphasis on God’s ‘judgement’ (5), justice (6), punishment (8,9). Why does Christ’s Second Coming (7) inevitably bring this for unbelievers (see how they are described in v.8)? Note also the effect of Christ’s coming for believers (7). What feelings and resolves do these facts create in us? Notice, too, another of the purposes of the Second Coming (10). How will this be achieved and why is it important?

3. Keep praying – God answers (11,12)

a. How is constant prayer possible (11)? The word is literally ‘always’ – a favourite with Paul for prayer; e.g. Rom. 1:9,10; 1 Cor. 1:4; Eph. 5: 20; Phil. 1:4; Col. 1:3.

Make some practical suggestions for attaining this kind of prayer attitude and practice.

b. Itemise the content of Paul’s prayer. Knowing our own situation, list some ‘prayer content’ for God’s people at Oakhall Church.

c. Why is v.12 important as summaries of the purpose of our praying. How can that save us from unworthy praying, e.g. from selfish motives etc.

POSTSCRIPT: Read over the words of Hymns of Faith 455: ‘Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire….’