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Suffering Saints 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Something To Think About This epistle was written only briefly after First Thessalonians to address a different problem. Apparently there had been a misunderstanding of Paul’s teaching on the Second Coming of Christ in the first epistle. It is also possible that a counterfeit letter had been sent that had further misled the Thessalonians (2:3). As is always true, doctrinal confusion led to practical problems. A second similarity between these two epistles is the admonition to stability. Paul used terms like “establish,” “stand fast,” “stablish,” “not soon shaken,” and “be not weary” in both epistles (1 Thessalonians 3:2, 8, 13; and 2 Thessalonians 2:2, 15, 17; 3:3, 13). The church today desperately needs to hear this same message.

KEY VERSE 2 Thessalonians 1:4 “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure”.

Lesson Objectives To know God will reward those who suffer for their faith and judge those who cause such suffering To kindle the flame of faith that it may grow even brighter To keep our relationship with the Lord regardless of persecution

THE OPENING SALUTATION 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 Greetings From Paul (1) Acts 15:22 2 Timothy 1:5 2 Timothy 1:4 Grace From God (2) 2 Corinthians 8:9 Ephesians 2:8-9 1 Corinthians 3:10

In all the writings of the apostle Paul in the New Testament, we never find him to be bashful about pointing out spiritual problems and weaknesses in those to whom he has written. Therefore, the praise he heaped upon the Thessalonians in these two epistles was significant. He praised the church members for their growing faith. Truly faith is central to Christianity, and if we cannot please God without it (Hebrews 11:6), it stands to reason that the more of it we have, the more we please Him. Simply defined, faith is our reliance on God for salvation, provision, protection, and all else that encompasses our areas of need in life. To some extent our faith is a gift from God, yet the Bible teaches that we can grow in faith. We, therefore, have an active, not passive, role in its growth.

THE OPTIMISM OF PAUL 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 Paul’s Gratitude (3) Romans 5:8 Paul’s Glory (4)

Whether we accept it or not, suffering and Christianity go hand-in-hand. American Christians have suffered comparatively little for the cause of Christ; however, our persecution-free period is not the norm for the Church when examined through the eye of history. Paul wanted to impress upon the Thessalonians that their suffering was actually a privilege. In a land where we do everything possible to avoid suffering, that seems rather hard to understand. However, the apostle gave three basic reasons that suffering for the cause of Christ is to be counted a privilege. The first reason lies in the fact that such suffering confirms our citizenship in the kingdom of God. Many “believers” turn away when persecuted. Also suffering often authenticates our faith. The second reason to regard suffering as a privilege is that it is part of the perfect plan of God. Part of God’s plan for this world includes bringing judgment upon those who reject Christ, oppose the gospel, and oppress His people. The final reason suffering is a privilege is that it sets the stage for the return of Christ. If all were sweet and rosy in this life, the return of Jesus would not be such a great hope. The fact that we do suffer builds within us a greater longing for that event.

THE OPPOSITION’S JUDGMENT 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 Patience in Suffering (5-6) Payment to the Persecutors (7-8) 2 Peter 3:12 Genesis 19:24 Leviticus 10:2 Numbers 11:1 2 Kings 1:10 Luke 16:24 Presence of the Lord (9-10) John 17:3 Matthew 8:10

It is little wonder that the Thessalonians had the love for one another that verse 3 speaks of when one considers their common enemy. There is little time in battle to point a condemning finger at a fellow soldier. They must have been comforted as they read Paul’s words about their perseverance, their eventual vindication, and the promise of the second advent of Christ.

THE OPTIONS IN PAUL’S PRAYER 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 God’s Goodness (11) God’s Glory (12)

The apostle Paul was a praying pastor. His concern for those he had won to Christ was expressed in sincere and fervent prayer for their needs. His prayer here, that God would count them worthy of their calling and work out His will in their lives according to their faith, has as its bottom line the ultimate goal of all Christians—glorifying God.

QUESTIONS FOR STUDY AND DISCUSSION 1. What do you learn about Paul’s attitude toward the Thessalonians from this lesson? 2. What does Paul say the return of Christ will mean to believers? What will it mean to unbelievers? 3. Why was Paul “bound to thank God” for the Thessalonians? Why did Paul glory in the Thessalonians? 4. What is patience, as mentioned in verse 4 of this lesson? How is it developed? 5. What purpose does persecution play in the life of the believer? How did persecution affect the faith of the Thessalonians? How should it affect our faith? 6. What, if any, significance do you attach to the fact Paul makes no reference to praying their persecution might be stopped?

May God Bless You For Coming To Sunday School This Morning! Bring Someone With You To Bible Study On Wednesday Night!

Acknowledgements Applications taken from Bible Teacher Bible Studies for Adults—Fall Edition (2011) This power point slide presentation may be altered by additions or deletions to fit your own teaching style. There is more information in viewing Note Pages Click on View then Note Pages Presentation Compiled For Randall House By Earl Scroggins