Unit two Study 13

february 23, 2020

Study text for this week lesson: 2 thessalonians 2:13 through 3:18

Key Verse: 2 Thessalonians 3:3 The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, you, and keep you front evil (kjv).

Central Truth: God establishes, guards, and keeps His children.

Our Focus: god will continue to keep you faithful in Christ

kept by god's power

Introducing the study

Paul wanted to be sure the Thessalonians church was prepared for the challenges of Christian living, especially as they faced persecution. Therefore, he encouraged them with a reminder of how precious their salvation was to them. He also prayed for their faithfulness while likewise requesting prayer for himself. Finally, he instructed them to be diligent in doing good. As you consider what you have learned about the Thessalonian church and how faithful they remained to Christ, be challenged by their example. Take seriously the instruction and encouragement of Paul, as his words still ring true for Christian living today. At the end of this lesson you will be able to: 1. Instill within students a knowledge that God will be faithful to them. 2. Exhort others to live out their faith with confidence in Christ 3. Challenge others to be committed to cultivating spiritual disciplines in their lives.

CHOSEN AND CALLED (2 THESSALONIANS 2:13-17)

Paul explained gratitude for the Thessalonian believers because God had chosen them "as firstfruits to be saved" (2 Thessalonians 2:13). This pertains to what God has determined will happen to those who accept His gift of salvation and follow Him. Because they had believed the gospel and were saved, Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to hold on to the teachings he had taught them (verse 15). The Thessalonians church had been given a tremendous gift in the teachings of Paul, as well as in the ministry of Silas and Timothy. They could trust what these leaders said to be truth, not man-made philosophies. Paul prayed that they would live out their faith. This kind of lifestyle only comes about through the ongoing work of the Spirit, as sanctifier, in a Christian's life (verse 13; see Galatians 5:22-23).

[For Personal Reflection] In what ways do you show God gratitude for His work of salvation in your life?

ESTABLISHED AND GUARDED (2 THESSALONIANS 3:1-5).

Paul often prayed for the Thessalonians church, as seen throughout his writings in the New Testament. He was quick to request prayer for himself and his fellow companions as seen 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5. Paul continued to face opposition in his ministry travels, specifically in Corinth as he was writing to the Thessalonians (Acts 18:5-6). Paul also requested prayer for deliverance from "unreasonable and wicked men." Persecutors were determined to squelch the message he was preaching, and Paul wanted deliverance from these enemies. Such deliverance would help him conduct his ministry. It's a privilege to be asked by our brothers and sisters in Christ for prayer, for it demonstrates that they value prayer and feel confident that we will pray. Paul continued by expressing confidence in the Lord, who had given them the desire and the ability to do what he had commanded of them. Paul asked for two things: (1) tat their hearts would be directed into the love of God; and (2) that their hearts would be directed into waiting for Christ into patient waiting for Christ to come again.

[For Personal Reflection] How seriously do you take praying over the requests of fellow believers?

COMMANDED AND ENCOURAGED ( 2 THESSALONIANS 3: 6-16)

In 2 Thessalonians 3:6-16, Paul addressed a problem in the church: Certain individuals, whom he called lazy and disruptive, were neglecting manual labor, choosing instead to cause trouble in the lives of others. This made them a negative influence on the church. Paul used himself as an example to encourage the Thessalonians Christians by his own example to work and earn their living (verse 7-9). Although he had a right to receive material support from those he nurtured in faith, he chose to instead provide an examples of responsibility. Paul commanded those busybody people (verse 11),who used their idle time to meddle in others' business instead of being occupied with their own responsibilities. Paul commanded these people, who professed to be Christians, to mind their own business and earn their own living (verse 12). Concluding, Paul instructed the Thessalonian believers to stay away from anyone who refused to obey the commands in his letter. Paul then offered a prayer of benediction that they would have the peace of Christ and a constant awareness of His presence. This is a good prayer for Christians today.

[For Personal Reflection] Why is being a busybody at odds with how a Christian ought to live?

CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

You can imagine how difficult it would be to keep from being disheartened in the face of Thessalonians remained steadfast in their faith as they encouraged one another--even as they also received encouragement from Paul and his ministry companions. Though you may not be facing the same type of persecution as the Thessalonian believers, perhaps you also need encouragement to remain faithful. Or maybe you know of someone who could use some encouragement. Consider how you can pray your fellow believers and speak spiritual encouragement into their lives this week.

BE STEADFAST UNMOVABLE!

Monday Provision Through God's Power. 1 Chronicles 29:10-15

Tuesday Upheld by God's Power. Psalm 63:1-8 Wednesday God's Power To Reveal. Daniel 2:17-25

Thursday God's Sovereign Power. Acts 4:23-33 Friday Power To Preach. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Saturday Power To Reign. Revelation 5:6-10

See You In Sunday School Next Week!!!!

Copyright Reference: Radiant Life, Volume 101 Number 2 Dec. Jan. Feb. 2019 by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, Mo 65802.

Dr. June Normil

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