2 Thessalonians - session 1
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The second letter to the church at Thessalonica was a follow up to the first one, written only a few months later. Paul was concerned about the trials and persecutions they had to endure. Not only that, Paul wanted them to be prepared for the "second coming". As the NIV Study Bible states, nearly every age has come up with different interpretations of Paul's understanding of the "end times". He was quite concerned that these Believers would be deceived. in this second letter he tried to be more specific.
Paul emphasized that the "anti-Christ" would come first with "all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders" (2 Thes. 2:9). His most important message as found in other writings, is well worded here, "So, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you" (2 Thes. 2:15).
Paul encouraged those who had thought it not necessary to do any work because the "end" was near. A well known line in this letter is, "If a man shall not work, he shall not eat" (2 Thes. 3:10).
The following verses are worth memorizing for they lift one's spirit.
Paul emphasized that the "anti-Christ" would come first with "all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders" (2 Thes. 2:9). His most important message as found in other writings, is well worded here, "So, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you" (2 Thes. 2:15).
Paul encouraged those who had thought it not necessary to do any work because the "end" was near. A well known line in this letter is, "If a man shall not work, he shall not eat" (2 Thes. 3:10).
The following verses are worth memorizing for they lift one's spirit.
We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do all that we ask you to do. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. (2 Thes. 3:4-5)
How often we need perseverance that comes from Christ . . . to continue to live the Christian Life that He has planned for us to fulfill.
Next we will examine I Timothy, a letter to a young protégé of Paul, who was trained and later carried on the amazing work of Paul. These letters are short, but full of "meat" and can be read to open up a fuller understanding of the Christian Life. Do read them!
God bless!
Next we will examine I Timothy, a letter to a young protégé of Paul, who was trained and later carried on the amazing work of Paul. These letters are short, but full of "meat" and can be read to open up a fuller understanding of the Christian Life. Do read them!
God bless!