Thessalonians 1-2: Verse by Verse With Bible Study FellowshipMuestra

Right Outlook on the Day of the Lord 

The “man of lawlessness” shows the reality of life consumed by love of sin. How often does a rebellious attitude show up in you? Likely, the Thessalonians were struggling to stand firm in response to persecution and confusion. They were tempted to return to their old ways. Sin loves independence and self-determination. Sin loves acceptance and is self-promoting. Do you believe you are your own master? Do you see yourself or loved ones as exceptions to biblical teaching about life issues? Beware! Repent whenever God reveals sin in your heart. 

Stand Firm – 2:13-17

Paul does not leave his beloved Thessalonians in doubt. He begins verses 13-17 with a contrasting thought, “But we ought to always thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, …” He had reminded them of what he previously taught about the day of the Lord. Now he reminds them of his teaching about their identity and destiny as children of God.

The Thessalonians had everything they needed to reject fear and false teaching. They, brothers and sisters, were united in God through His love. Paul continually thanked God for them. Their identities and destiny resulted from the will of God. He acted on their behalf. Paul recounts why he thanks God for them. They were chosen, saved, sanctified, called and destined for glory. God’s presence and promises were delivered to them through Paul’s gospel and teaching. All believers find comfort, joy and peace in the right outlook on Christ’s second coming.

God’s people agree on the main things taught plainly in Scripture. Now is the time for unbelievers to repent and believe. Now is the time for believers to walk worthy of the One who bore God’s wrath in our place. Now is the time for Christ’s brothers and sisters to love one another before the watching world. We should humbly and graciously respect those who love God and honor His Word but interpret these end-time events differently.

Faithful Christians disagree about the timing, sequence and events to come. Some say Christ’s return and the day of the Lord occur in phases – in the air to rapture believers, on the earth with believers to rule and reign and with final resurrection of the wicked for judgment. Some say these events are simultaneous. Others say they are separated in time. Christ’s first coming covered a period of 30 years. It is possible His second coming unfolds in stages over time.

Christians are to peacefully anticipate the Lord’s return. We are not to focus on or fear tribulations or the Antichrist. Religious zeal, rituals, predictions and preparation lists cannot save anyone. The purpose of Christ’s second coming is not destruction, but complete revelation of justice and blessing. God has appointed His people and creation to everlasting glory. His wrath falls on the wicked and unrighteous to avenge all injustice. Do you have the assurance of God’s peace through your faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ?

Questions

Q1. From verses 13-14, what actions of the Trinity – God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - produce salvation, and what is our action?

INSIGHTS: There is forever one God in three persons in complete unity. It can be understood generally that from before the creation of the world, the Father chose us for salvation. The Holy Spirit brings new life by grace through faith in the gospel of the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Spirit also sanctifies us (makes us holy) to experience and enjoy the glory of the Son, Jesus Christ. Our personal responsibility is belief in this truth through faith shown in action.

Q2. From 2:15, what challenges exist against holding fast to teachings passed on through Paul, now in the Bible?

INSIGHTS: Answers may include ridicule for following God’s Word, persecution from those who demand that we compromise on Christianity’s essential truths to be accepted in society; resistance from those who reject God’s authority in the Old and New Testaments, personal difficulties for standing firm on Paul’s teaching about the gospel and how to live for Christ.

Q3. What does it look like in your present situation for Jesus to help you stand firm?