Study the Bible in Two Years – 11/18/10

Thursday, Nov. 18 – 2 Thessalonians 2-3

1.  2:1-2 tells us why Paul is writing again.  What false message had they received?

2.  Paul describes the “man of lawlessness” who must come before Jesus returns.  His power is already at work in Paul’s day (2:7) but he will be revealed for who he truly is near the end.  What other facts does Paul give us about this deceiver in the church?  See 2:4,9,10.  Who might this be?

3.  Instead of the lawless one’s power, we have God’s power!  According to 2:13, what is the original reason for why we are saved?  How did this come to us?  See 2:13b and 14 for three ways which all work together as one to bring us to faith.

Study the Bible in Two Years – 11/17/10

Wednesday, Nov. 17 – 2 Thessalonians 1

St. Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians seems to have been written within a year of the first letter.  Paul is still dealing with the end of the world and the return of Christ.

1.  Even in the midst of persecutions, what is happening in this congregation?  See 1:3-4. Why can trials and persecutions be a good thing?

2.  When we think life is unfair because those who hurt us “get away with it,” Paul reminds us that God is just.  In his justice, what will happen to them?  See 1:8-9.

3.  When we succeed in our plans and in our actions of faith, can we boast or take credit for it? Who is behind those successes all along?  See 1:11.

Study the Bible in Two Years – 11/16/10

Tuesday, Nov. 16 – 1 Thessalonians 5

1.  To what two events does Paul compare Jesus coming in 5:1-3?

2.  How will these facts affect how we live?

3.  How might a Christian fall into the trap of putting out the Spirit’s fire?  (5:19).   What do we do to keep the fire burning brightly?

Study the Bible in Two Years – 11/15/10

Monday, Nov. 15 – 1 Thessalonians 4

1. Note what God’s will is for us in 4:3.  That means God expects us to be different from the rest of the world in how we live.  What items does Paul mention that is going to be different from the sinful world?  See 4:3-12.

2.  What facts in 4:13-18 relieve our sorrow and grief when a loved one dies?

3.  This same passage is the main passage in the Bible that people use for a false teaching called the rapture.  This teaching says that all the believers in Jesus, living and dead, will be resurrected and leave this earth, while the unbelievers will be left behind to face terrible tribulation.  According to this teaching, Jesus will come back invisibly and no one but the believers will know.  What in this very passage disagrees with that? Notice how this fits with Matthew 24:30-31, which everyone agrees is the last day.  When will believers be raised, according to John 6:40?

Study the Bible in Two Years – 11/13/10

Saturday,  Nov. 13 – 1 Thessalonians 3

1.  Paul couldn’t return to visit Thessalonica.  Why not?

2.  Instead of going himself, Paul sent Timothy to find out how these new Christians were doing.  What did Timothy report?   See 3:6-8.

3.   What is the content of Paul’s prayer for them in 3:12-13?   What does the Lord use to answer that prayer for them (and us)?

Study the Bible in Two Years – 11/12/10

Friday, Nov. 12 – 1 Thessalonians 1-2

Paul visited the Macedonian (northern Greece) city of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey.  This was Paul’s next stop after getting out of jail in Philippi.  This letter was probably written just a year or so later, from Corinth.  Paul could not stay long, so it makes sense that he would want to write to them soon.  See Acts 17:1-9 to see what happened in Thessalonica. 

1.  God has chosen you to be his!! (1:4)  How can you know that this applies to you?  See what Paul says in verse 5.

2.  The Thessalonians were models for other believers in how they lived their Christian faith (1:7).   Do you consider yourself a model of Christianity to others?  In what ways?  What do you need to do to improve?

3.  The unbelieving Jews in Thessalonica had attacked Paul and his character.  Note how Paul defends his message and his service to God in chapter 2.  How are we to receive the word of faithful preachers and teachers?  See 2:13.