A Study of the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians

Transcription

1 A Study of the Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians CHURCH OF CHRIST 1701 W. Elliott St. Breckenridge, TX (254)

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3 F o r e w o r d Jesus 2 nd Coming, the Lawless One and church discipline is what you can expect in the pages of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Jesus promised while He was on earth that He would come again and take the saved to heaven to be with him in eternity (John 14:1-30). When He would return, however, was not stated, and the Thessalonians mistakenly assumed He would return very soon and some had even quit working. Paul deals with the problem of this misunderstanding and informs them that no one knows the exact day of Jesus return. Therefore, Christians should live their lives normally, but with a daily expectation of the Lord s return. Paul also deals with the coming of the Lawless One who will be operating under the influence and power of Satan himself. Then he deals with church discipline especially as it relates to disobedience to the gospel. Both 1 and 2 Thessalonians give us more information on Jesus 2 nd Coming than any other books of the Bible. Since our eternity is involved these lessons should be of the greatest interest to every one of us. You will get out of this study in proportion to what you put into it. Please prayerfully prepare each lesson and be ready to participate in class when you meet together. Tommy Wolfe Elder in charge of religious education Elliott Street church of Christ Breckenridge, Texas Date: December 2017 Page 3

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5 Table of Contents LESSON 1: BACKGROUND TO 1 THESSALONIANS... Page 6 LESSON 2: 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 1... Page 8 LESSON 3: 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 2... Page 10 LESSON 4: 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 3... Page 12 LESSON 5: 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 4... Page 14 LESSON 6: JESUS 2 ND COMING (Digression from Text)... Page 16 LESSON 7: 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5... Page 18 LESSON 8: 2 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 1... Page 20 LESSON 9: 2 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 2... Page 22 LESSON 10: SATAN AND THE LAWLESS ONE... Page 24 LESSON 11: 2 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 3... Page 26 LESSON 12: LESSONS WE SHOULD LEARN FROM THIS STUDY... Page 28 LESSON 13: GRADUATION... Page 30 Page 5

6 LESSON 1 BACKGROUND TO 1 THESSALONIANS PAUL S 2 ND MISSIONARY JOURNEY 1. T F The Holy Spirit appeared to Paul and instructed him to go on the 2 nd missionary journey. a) Justify (Acts 15:36). b) Who sent Paul and Barnabas on the first journey (Acts 13:2f)? 2. T F A needed trip to Jerusalem caused there to be a personnel problem for the 2 nd journey. a) Justify (Acts 15:37f). b) How was the personnel problem resolved (Acts 15:39f)? 3. Y N Was the personnel problem in planning the 2 nd journey ever worked out? a) Justify (Acts 15:39; 2Tim.4:11; 1Cor.9:6). 4. T F Personnel problems in the church can turn out for good. a) Justify (Acts 15:36-41; cf. Rom. 8:28). THE LORD TAKES OVER PAUL S ITINERARY 5. T F Paul s first recorded area of work was in Asia and Bithynia. a) Justify (Acts 16:6-8). b) Show that Paul finally did, or did not, get the opportunity to work in Asia (Acts 18 and 19; cf. especially Acts 19:10). c) What lesson do you see from a) and b) above? 6. T F Paul was urged by a man of Macedonia, in a vision, to come over there and help them. a) Justify (Acts 16:9). b) In what city of Macedonia did they first preach and what were the first results (Acts 16:13-15)? c) How does this compare with Mark 16:16? 7. T F Paul s second converts were men of the Philippian civil court. a) Justify (Acts 16:11ff). b) What set up Paul s teaching opportunity (Acts 16:26)? c) What question did the jailor ask (Acts 16:30)? d) What answer did Paul give (Acts 16:31)? Page 6

7 8. T F The jailer was not willing to do what Paul commanded. a) Justify (Acts 16:33). b) Show Paul s answer did not mean salvation was by faith alone (Jas.2:24; cf. Mk.16:15f). 9. T F Paul and company were released from prison and driven out of the city. a) Justify (Acts 16:35ff). NEXT PAUL WENT TO THESSALONICA 10. T F Paul began his work in Thessalonica at the city arena. a) Justify (Acts 17:1f). b) What was Paul s main subject as he preached in this city (Acts 17:3)? c) What response did he get (Acts 17:4)? 11. T F Because of threats from the Jews, the brethren sent Paul and Silas to Berea. a) Justify (Acts 17:5-10). b) What motivated the Jews hatred (17:5)? c) Why was Jesus crucified (Matt.28:18)? THEN HE JOURNEYED TO BEREA 12. T F The Thessalonians and Bereans were favorably compared. a) Justify (Acts 17:11). b) What obvious lesson do you see in this passage? 13. T F The Bereans also ran Paul and company out of their city. a) Justify (Acts 17:13f). ON TO ATHENS, CORINTH AND THE JOURNEY S END 14. Y N Did Paul preach in Athens that there is an unknown God and ignorance of Him excuses obedience to Him? a) Justify (Acts 17:23-31)? 15. T F Paul had no success at Athens. a) Justify (Acts 17:32f). 16. T F Paul found willing helpers when he arrived in Corinth. a) Justify (Acts 18:1-4). b) How long did Paul stay in Corinth (Acts 18:11)? 17. T F The second journey ended in Jerusalem. a) Justify (Acts 18:22). Page 7

8 LESSON 2 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 1 GREETINGS 1. T F Paul, Timothy and Titus join in the greeting to the Thessalonians. a) Justify (1:1). b) How are each of the greeters introduced in the Scriptures? 1) Acts 7:58: 2) Acts 15:22: 3) Acts 16:1 and 1Thess.1:1: PAUL AND THE ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH IN THESSALONICA 2. T F Paul established this congregation on his second missionary journey. a) Justify (Acts 17:1ff). b) How does he address the congregation in this letter (1:1)? c) How is this address different from the other letters he wrote (cf. 1Cor.1:2; 1Thess.1:1)? 3. T F Paul informed these folks that he constantly mentioned them in his prayers. a) Justify (v. 2). b) What particularly did he say he prayed about for them (v. 3)? 4. T F Paul spoke of these folk as God s elect. a) Justify (1:4). b) How does God elect (choose) His people today (Mk.16:15f; Acts 2:37-47)? 5. T F Paul admitted the gospel got off to a bad start in Thessalonica. a) Justify (1:5). THE THESSALONIANS A GOOD EXAMPLE 6. T F Paul claimed he and his helpers became good examples and commended the Thessalonians for imitating them. a) Justify (1:5-7). b) How is the Thessalonians reception of the gospel described (1:6)? Page 8

9 7. T F The Holy Spirit is not active in the lives of Christians today. a) Justify (Gal.5:22; Rom.8:26f). 8. T F Paul commended the Thessalonians for becoming examples only to those in their own city. a) Justify (1:7f). b) How does Mark 16:15-16 relate to their conduct? 9. T F It is not possible to teach and convert others to Christ by one s actions. a) Justify (1:9). b) How is 1 Pet. 3:1 related to this? 10. Y N Is the Trinity in evidence in this chapter? a) Justify (1:1,6). b) Where can these three most definitely be seen at the same time (Matt.3:13-18)? 11. Y N Is God a God of wrath as well as love? a) Justify (1:9f). b) Give an example of your answer (Gen.6-9; Gen.19:24ff). THEIR MISSIONARY ZEAL IS COMMENDED 12. T F The Thessalonians were converted idle worshippers. a) Justify (1:9). 13. T F The Thessalonians were reluctant to accept Paul and his message from Jesus. a) Justify (1:9). 14. Y N Were the Thessalonians mission minded? a) Justify (1:8). b) Show we are, or are not, mission minded. 15. T F Jesus is described as having died, been resurrected and was then in heaven. a) Justify (1:9f). b) What is Jesus said to have done by his work on earth (1:10)? Page 9

10 LESSON 3 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 2 PAUL AND HIS QUALIFICATIONS 1. Y N Was Paul well received at Thessalonica from the very first? a) Justify (2:1f; Acts 17: 5-9). 2. T F Paul also had not been treated well at Philippi. a) Justify (2:2; Acts 16:16ff). 3. T F Paul declared to the Thessalonians that he had not been motivated to preach to them by deceit or money (covetousness). a) Justify (2:3-5). 4. T F The Lord demonstrated His approval of Paul as His minister. a) Justify (2:4). b) How did the Lord demonstrate this (Mk. 16:17ff; Jno.20:30f). 5. T F Paul admitted he did preach the gospel to please men. a) Justify (2:4). b) What jolting thing did Paul reveal about God (2:4; cf. Heb.4:13)? 6. T F Paul did not assert his claim as an apostle when dealing with the Thessalonians. a) Justify (2:6). 7. T F Paul described himself as a nursing mother to the Thessalonians. a) Justify (2:7). b) How important had the Thessalonians become to Paul (2:8)? c) How did he describe himself in 2:11)? PAUL CALLS ATTENTION TO HIS EXAMPLE BEFORE THEM 8. T F The Thessalonians generously supported Paul financially while he was with them. a) Justify (2:9). 9. T F Paul called on the Thessalonians as witnesses to his faithfulness. a) Justify (2:10). b) How did Paul describe his life there (2:10)? 10. T F Paul urged the Thessalonians to walk worthy of God. a) Justify (2:12). b) What does walk worthy mean? Page 10

11 THE THESSALONIANS TREATMENT OF PAUL 11. T F Paul indicated the word of God had an energy producing power. a) Justify (2:13). 12. T F Paul said the Thessalonian church suffered in a way the churches of Judea had suffered. a) Justify (2:14). b) What was this commonality (cf. Acts 8:1-4)? 13. Y N Did Paul accuse the Jews there of hindering the gospel being preached to the Gentiles? a) Justify (2:16). b) In what way were they doing this (2:16; Acts 17:5-9)? 14. T F Paul told them that God was not one who could be angered. a) Justify (2:16). b) Show from the Scriptures that God is a God of wrath as well as love (Gen. 6 9; 19:1ff; Rev.20:14f). THE REASON PAUL HAD NOT RETURNED TO THESSALONICA 15. Y N Did Paul have a desire to return and visit with the Thessalonians? a) Justify (2:17f). b) Describe the circumstances under which he left there (Acts 17:5-10). c) Why had he not returned (2:18)? 16. T F Satan is a real being and actively thwarts Christians efforts to save the lost. a) Justify (2:18; 1Pet.5:8f). b) How did Jesus deal with Satan s temptations (Matt.4:1-10)? 17. T F It is indicated that Christians will not know one another in heaven. a) Justify (2:19f). b) Show that the Scriptures indicate we will, or will not, know each other in the eternal world and be the same person (cf. Matt.17:1-5; Lk.16:19ff). Page 11

12 LESSON 4 1THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 3 PAUL SENDS HELP BACK TO THESSALONICA 1. Y N Did Paul go to Athens alone? a) Justify (3:1; Acts 17:15). 2. T F Paul sent help back to Thessalonica. a) Justify (3:2). b) Who was this helper Paul sent (3:2)? c) How is this helper described (3:2)? d) What did Paul send him to do (3:2)? 3. Y N Has the Lord protected Christians from affliction, persecution and trials in life? a) Justify (3:3-5). b) How is 2Tim.3:12 related to this subject and you? 4. T F Paul spoke of a spiritual danger to the Thessalonians. a) Justify (3:5). b) How is this spiritual danger described (3:5)? c) What kind of danger did Paul refer to (3:5)? 5. T F There is a real tempter who is the enemy of Christians. a) Justify (3:5). b) If there is a tempter, how is he described (1Pet.5:8f)? c) If such a one exist, how can he be defeated (Matt.6:13; 4:1-10; 1Cor.10:13)? 6. Y N Can Christians fall from grace and be lost? a) Justify (3:5; Gal.5:4; Heb.3:12; 2Pet.2:20ff). PAUL S HELPER RETURNS FROM THESSALONICA 7. T F Paul s helper returns from Thessalonica with bad news. a) Justify (3:6). b) What was the news? 8. T F Christians should respond emotionally to the successes and failures of other Christians and congregations. a) Justify (3:8f; 1Pet.2:17). b) Why (Eph.3:15)? Page 12

13 9. T F Christians must beg God for what they need because God is reluctant to help with their daily problems. a) Justify (3:10). b) What do Lk.11:5ff and 18:1ff say about this? c) How do you reconcile b) above with Matt.6:7f? 10. Y N Can the faith one has be lacking in some way(s)? a) Justify (3:10). b) How can one strengthen his faith (Rom.10:17)? 11. Y N Are Christians able to be joyful at all times? a) Justify (3:9). b) Show Paul was qualified to speak concerning hardships (2Cor. 11:23ff). c) What does Jesus imply in John 14:27? 12. T F Paul had no desire to return to Thessalonica. a) Justify (3:10f). PAUL CONTINUED TO PRAY FOR THE THESSALONIANS 13. Y N Is God active in the Christian s life in a practical way today? a) Justify (Rom.8:26-28; Matt.6:11-13; Heb.7:25; Gal.5:22f). 14. Y N Will God involve Himself in increasing the Christian s ability to love? a) Justify (3:12). b) Describe Biblical love (1Cor.13:4ff). 15. T F It is impossible for Christians to live holy lives here upon the earth. a) Justify (3:13; cf. 1Pet.1:15f). 16. Y N Are there saints (humans who have died) with Jesus now? a) Justify (3:13; Phil.1:21-23; 1Thess.4:14). 17. T F Jesus is coming again to establish His kingdom on earth. a) Justify (3:13). b) Show that Christ s kingdom does, or does not, exist today (Matt.16:18f; Mk.9:1; Col.1:13f; etc.). c) How does 1Cor.15:24-28 relate to this? Page 13

14 LESSON 5 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 4 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CHURCH 1. T F Paul said he had taught the Thessalonians how to live to please God. a) Justify (4:1). b) What does abound more and more imply (2Pet.3:18; Heb.5:12-14)? c) Are you growing spiritually? 2. T F Sexual immorality has always been a problem for the Lord s people. a) Justify (2Sam.11:2ff; 1Cor.5:1-13). b) What is God s remedy to keep the lust level low for married couples (1Cor.7:2-5)? c) How do Gal.5:19ff and 1 Cor.6:18ff relate to this subject? 3. Y N Will God avenge all wrongs? a) Justify (4:6). b) How does Rom. 12:19-21 relate to this? 4. Y N Does Paul claim he was writing for God? a) Justify (4:8; cf. 1Cor. 11:23). 5. T F God gives the Holy Spirit to all of those who become His. a) Justify (Acts 5:32). b) When does the Holy Spirit come to God s chosen ones (Acts 2:38)? c) How does 1Cor.6:19f relate to this? d) Name two things the Holy Spirit is said to do for Christians (Gal.5:22f; Rom. 8:26f). PAUL SPEAKS OF LOVE 6. T F Paul gave a lengthy description of how to love because the Thessalonians didn t understand it. a) Justify (4:9f). b) How is Biblical love described by the Apostle Paul (1Cor.13:4-6)? 7. T F Paul said God taught the Thessalonians to love one another. a) Justify (4:9). b) What are some ways Christians express their love for one another? Page 14

15 8. Y N Does love exist in degrees and can it be made to grow? a) Justify (4:9f; Eph.4:15f ). b) How essential is love (1Cor.13:1-4)? 9. T F Paul said how the Christians live affects those who are not Christians. a) Justify (4:12). b) What did Paul require of Christians (4:11)? THE STATE OF THE DEAD 10. T F Paul was the first one to use the metaphor of sleep to describe the death of a Christian. a) Justify (Jno.11:11). b) What happens to the person when he dies (Jno.11:11; Lk.16:19ff)? 11. T F Christians are forbidden to grieve for their dead. a) Justify (4:13). 12. Y N Are some saints (Christians) with the Lord now? a) Justify (4:14; cf.phil.1:23). 13. T F The 2 nd Coming of the Lord refers only to His sending the archangel to gather His people. a) Justify (4:16). 14. Y N Did Paul give a simple 1, 2, 3 order of things to happen at Jesus 2 nd Coming (4:16f)? a) List, in order, (1, 2, 3, etc.) the things Paul described at the 2nd coming (4:16f): 1) a) Cry of command 2) b) So always be with the Lord 3) c) With the sound of the trumpet of God 4) d) The Lord Himself will descend from heaven 5) e) We alive be caught up in clouds meet the Lord 6) f) With the archangel s call 7) g) The dead in Christ will rise first. 15. T F Paul s purpose in verses was to give us a rough order of the happenings at Christ 2 nd Coming. a) Justify (4:18). b) Do you do this? Page 15

16 LESSON 6 JESUS 2ND COMING (DIGRESSION FROM TEXT) GETTING A PERSPECTIVE 1. T F God s first visit to the planet earth was by way of a miraculous/ natural birth. a) Justify (Lk.1:26ff). b) Name the Trinity (cf. Matt.28:19f). c) Which of the three came to earth as a human (Jno.1:1-14)? 2. T F When Jesus earthly work was completed, He simply disappeared without a trace. a) Justify (Acts 1:9-11). b) What did the two men in white promise (Acts 1:11)? JESUS IS COMING AGAIN IN GLORY THIS TIME 3. T F It is scriptural to speak of Jesus second coming. a) Justify (Heb.9:28). 4. T F Jesus will be accompanied by others when he returns this second time. a) Justify (Matt.25:31; 1Thess.4:14). b) What else does 1 Thess.4:16f tell us about Jesus 2 nd Coming? 5. T F No one knows when Jesus is to return again. a) Justify (Matt. 24:36). b) How did Jesus describe the situation on earth when He comes again (Matt.24:37ff)? 6. T F Even Jesus doesn t know when He will return. a) Justify (Mk.13:32; Jno.17:5; Acts 2:30-36). 7. T F On one occasion Jesus made a scary comment in reference to His second coming. a) What was that comment (Lk.18:8)? b) What can you do to make the answer to that question yes? 8. T F Christians will be given no warning of Jesus return. a) Justify (1Thess.5:1-4). 9. T F The Christian s best defense against it being an unhappy time for him when Jesus returns is watchfulness and prayer. a) Justify (Matt.24:42ff). Page 16

17 SOME THINGS RELATED TO JESUS 2 ND COMING 10. Y N Will Jesus return be in person? a) Justify (1Thess.4:16; Acts 1:11). 11. T F We are not told what Jesus will be doing between the time of His FIRST and SECOND comings. a) Justify (1Cor.15:25; Heb.7:25; 1Tim.2:5; Jno.14:1-3). 12. T F There will be no sign from the Lord that His second coming is imminent. a) Justify (Lk.21:7ff; 1Thess 4:16). b) What is the name of the only archangel recorded (Jude 9). 13. T F Many startling and miraculous things will accompany Jesus 2 nd Coming. a) What will happen to the dead (1Thess.4:16)? b) What will happen to the living (1Cor.15:51ff)? c) What will happen to both (1Thess.4:17)? d) How long will this happy situation continue (1Thess.4:17)? THE FATE OF THE EARTH 14. T F At Jesus coming, the earth will be renovated and the Garden of Eden restored. a) Justify (2Pet.3:10). b) How is this information supposed to affect Christians (2Pet.3:11,14)? 15. T F Jesus will never actually return to the planet earth itself. a) Where in relationship to the earth will He return (1Thess.4:17)? 16. T F No clear picture of Christ judging the world is given in Scripture. a) Briefly describe what we are told (Rev.20:11-15; Matt.25:31-46). 17. Y N Can you in any way affect Jesus second coming? a) Justify (2Pet.3:12). Page 17

18 LESSON 7 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5 NO LAST MINUTE WARNING 1. T F Some people will be caught totally unprepared for Jesus 2 nd Coming. a) Justify (5:3). b) Show this has, or has not, generally been the attitude of many, even God s people (Jer. 6:14ff). 2. T F Paul compared Jesus 2 nd Coming to someone stealing something. a) Justify (vs.1f). b) How did Jesus describe His 2 nd Coming in Matt.24:36-39)? 3. T F Paul compared Jesus 2 nd Coming to a woman having a baby. a) Justify (v.3). b) How will it be like this? 4. Y N Will some escape the destruction at the end of the age? a) Justify (v.3). b) What will happen to the planet earth at this time (2Pet. 3:10)? c) How should this warning of the coming end of time affect us (2Pet.3:11ff)? 5. Y N Did Paul contradict himself in verses 2 and 4? a) Justify. SOME SPECIFICS PAUL WARNS ABOUT 6. T F Paul said the Christians in Thessalonica were in darkness. a) Justify (vs.4f). b) What did he mean by darkness? 7. T F Paul warned Christians of sleeping late too much. a) What specifically was Paul warning them about (5:6)? 8. T F Paul urged the Thessalonians to put on gospel Armor. a) Justify (5:8). b) What specifically did he say (5:8)? Page 18

19 9. T F Faithful Christians can expect to experience salvation from God, not His wrath. a) Justify (5:9). 10. T F In verse 11 Paul urged the Thessalonians to begin doing something they were not doing. a) Justify (5:11). SOME FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS 11. T F Paul urged the Christians to submit to some men s oversight (5:12). a) Who are these men and what are they doing for the Christian (cf. Heb.13:17)? b) Describe some of the other duties of these men (Acts 20:28f; 1Pet.5:1-7). 12. T F Paul urged the Thessalonian brethren to live together in peace. a) Justify (5:13). b) What did Paul say would help to produce that peace (5:12f)? 13. T F Christians are given permission to take revenge on their enemies. a) Justify (5:15). b) What does Rom. 12:18ff add to your thinking about this? 14. T F Paul gives a check list for Christian living in verses a) What do these verses tell you? SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS 15. Y N Are humans made up of three parts? a) Justify (5:23). b) How is the only way this can be known (Heb.5:12)? c) Why should this three-fold existence be expected Matt.28:19f; 2Cor.13:14). d) Where can the Trinity best be observed (Matt.3:13-18)? 16. T F Paul recommended kissing for Christians. a) Justify (5:26). Page 19

20 LESSON 8 2 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 1 BACKGROUND MATERIAL 1. T F Paul begins this letter defending his apostleship. a) Justify (v.1). 2. T F Titus and Timothy join Paul in the salutation. a) Justify (v.1). 3. Y N In view of Paul s use of the church of the Thessalonians, is it okay to talk about my church or our church? a) Justify (v.1). 4. T F Paul said he gave thanks to God for the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. a) Justify (1:3). b) What does this tell you about that prayer? 5. Y N Was Paul a little ashamed of the spirituality of the Thessalonian congregation? a) Justify (v.4). 6. T F God always protects the church and Christians from all persecution and hardships. a) Justify (v.4; cf. 2Cor.11:23ff). b) What does Revelation 2:10 add to your thinking about this? CONTINUE TO BE FAITHFUL 7. Y N Is suffering for the Lord related to His considering one worthy of the kingdom of God? a) Justify (v.5; cf. Acts 5:40f). 8. T F God will ultimately avenge all wrongs done to His saints. a) Justify (vs.5f). b) What does Rom. 12:19 add to your thinking about this? 9. T F Jesus Second Coming will be unspectacular as was His first coming. a) Justify (vs.7f; cf. Matt. 25:31ff; Rev.1:7). Page 20

21 GOD S GREAT ENEMY TO BE DEALT WITH 10. T F Enemies of the Lord will be punished at Jesus 2 nd Coming. a) Justify (v.9f; cf. Rev.20:10). 11. Y N Will the wicked be annihilated at Jesus 2 nd Coming? a) Justify (v.9)? _ 12. T F Jesus 2 nd Coming will be totally fearful. a) Justify (v.10; Matt. 25:33f). 13. T F Love of the Truth, or lack of it, will determine one s eternal destiny. a) Justify (v.10). PAUL DISCUSSES PRAYER AGAIN 14. T F Paul prayed that God would count them worthy of the gospel. a) Justify (v.11). b) How can one be made worthy (Mk.16:15f; Acts 2:38)? 15. Y N Did Paul say the gospel had power (v.11)? a) What does Rom. 1:16 add to your thinking about this? 16. T F Paul s ultimate desire was that his prayer be answered and the name of our Lord Jesus would be glorified. a) Justify (v.12). b) How significant is the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12)? 17. T F Names have been significant to God from the Creation of the world. a) Justify (Gen. 2:19ff). 18. T F Paul indicated that all the above blessings he prayed for in behalf of the Thessalonians would come by the grace of God (v.12). a) Show even salvation is by grace (Eph.2:8f). Page 21

22 LESSON 9 2 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 2 THE DAY OF THE LORD 1. Y N Does the coming of verse 1 refer to Jesus 2 nd Coming? a) Justify (v.8). b) Show that it is Scriptural to refer to the Lord s return as the second coming (Heb.9:28). 2. T F Paul refers to the assembling of the saints at Jesus 2 nd Coming. a) Justify (v.1). b) Describe this assembling (1Thess.4:13-17). 3. T F Paul warned of false teachers in reference to Christ s 2 nd Coming. a) Justify (v.2). b) What three means of communication did he warn them about (v.2)? 4. T F It is arguably true that the day of the Lord has already come. a) Justify (v.2). 5. T F A significant rebellion was/is expected before the Lord comes again. a) Justify (v.3; 1Tim.4:1-3). 6. Y N Can Christians be deceived? a) Justify (v.3). b) What do Rom. 16:18 and Eph.4:14 say about this? 7. T F Paul warns Christians of the coming of a man of sin. a) Justify (v.3). b) How is this being described (vs.3-4)? THE DEFENSE AGAINST THE MAN OF SIN 8. T F Paul had earlier warned of the coming of this lawlessness one. a) Justify (v.5). 9. T F Something was at that time restraining the man of sin and the Thessalonians knew what it was. a) Justify (v.6). b) Can you suggest some things that might have been what it was that was restraining him? Page 22

23 10. Y N Did Paul say the working of this lawlessness would begin about 100 years from the time of his writing? a) Justify (v.7). THE LAWLESS ONE S FATE 11. T F The lawless one will be destroyed by Jesus at His 2 nd Coming. a) Justify (v.8). 12. Y N Is the lawless one Satan himself? a) Justify (v.9). 13. T F The lawless one will actually be impotent he will be all threat and no power. a) Justify (v.9). 14. Y N Will some be deceived by the man of lawlessness and perish because they were powerless to resist him? a) Justify (Jas 4:7; 1Pet.5:8f). 15. T F God will help some to be lost. a) Justify (v.11f). GOD CHOOSES IN REFERENCE TO SALVATION 16. T F Paul said God chose the Thessalonians and saved them. a) Justify (v.13). 17. T F Paul pointed out conditions for maintaining a right relationship with God after having been chosen by him through the gospel. a) Justify (v.15). 18. T F Paul indicates that God is a God of comfort. a) Justify (vs.16f). Page 23

24 LESSON 10 SATAN AND THE LAWLESS ONE THE LAWLESS ONE 1. T F The Lawless One has a very low opinion of himself. a) Justify (2Thess.2:4). 2. T F The Lawless One would actually be impotent and unimpressive. a) Justify (2Thess.2:9). SATAN AND THE LAWLESS ONE 3. T F The Lawless One is actually Satan himself. a) Justify (2Thess. 2:9). b) Who is this Satan being (Col.1:16f; Ezek.28:11ff)? c) Where does he enter human history (Gen.3:1ff; Rev.12:7-9)? 4. T F Satan has assaulted the best of God s people. a) Name some of these (Job 1 & 2; Matt.4:1-10; Lk.22:3; Lk.22:31)). 5. T F Satan is not a threat to humans today. a) Justify (Lk.22:31; 1Pet.5:8f). 6. T F It is not possible for a Christian to withstand all of Satan s temptations. a) Justify (Jas.4:7; 1Cor.10:13). SATAN AND HUMAN TEMPTATION 7. T F Satan seeks to define sin for us as pleasant, profitable and safe. a) Justify (Gen.3:4). 8. T F Tempted, humans tend to rationalize sin. a) Justify (Gen.3:6). Page 24

25 9. T F Satan s primary technique in tempting humans is to create doubt. a) Justify (Gen.3:1; Matt.4:3). 10. T F Procrastination is one of Satan s favorite devices. a) Justify (Acts 24:25). SATAN S BOLDNESS 11. T F Satan is the enemy of God and man. a) How is this manifested (2Cor.4:3f; Matt.13:19; Matt.4:6)? 12. T F Satan is bold enough to accuse God to humans and humans to God. a) Justify (Gen.3:1ff; Job 1 & 2). b) Just how bold was Satan (Matt.4:1-10)? 13. T F Satan will use one s friends to tempt them if it suits his purpose. a) Justify (Mk.8:31-33). b) How does this differ from the world s usual description of Satan? 14. T F Satan is a liar. a) Justify (Jno.8:44). b) What was the first lie he told humans (Gen.3:4)? c) What should this alert you to (2Cor. 11:3)? 15. T F A person s best defense against Satan s temptations is ignoring him. a) Justify (Matt.26:41; Matt.6:13; Matt.4:1-10). SATAN S AND HIS FOLLOWERS FATES 16. T F Satan will finally see the error of his ways and turn to Christ and be saved. a) Justify (Rev.20:10). b) What about the fate of Satan s followers (Matt.25:41,46; Rev.20:11-15)? 17. T F The Lawless One will escape punishment at Jesus 2 nd Coming. a) Justify (2Thess.2:8)? Page 25

26 LESSON 11 2 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 3 THE POWER OF PRAYER 1. T F One can do missionary work in his bedroom or closet. a) Justify (vs.1f; cf. Matt.6:6). 2. Y N Is there any indication that prayer and God s response to the prayer ever actually took place? a) Scripturally show your answer is right (Acts 4:24-31; 12:7-17). b) How is God s response to our prayers different today from the 1 st century? 3. T F There is no need for the strong to pray or to be prayed for. a) Justify (v.1; Matt.26:39ff). 4. Y N Does the Lord place barriers between the Christian and Satan? a) Justify (v.3). b) If you choose yes, suggest what some of these barriers are. 5. T F Paul was not pleased with the spiritual performance of the Thessalonians. a) Justify (v.4). THE NEED FOR OBEDIENCE 6. T F Paul never used the word command in addressing the Thessalonians. a) Justify (vs.4,6,10,12). 7. T F Paul commanded the Thessalonians obedience by his own personal authority. a) Justify (v.6). b) How much authority did the person who gave Paul his authority have (Matt.28:18)? 8. T F Christians who won t work for a living and live in idleness are to be disfellowshipped. a) Justify (v.6). b) How does 1Cor.5:1-13 relate to this subject? c) Who determines who is to be disfellowshipped? 9. T F Verse 6 teaches that God requires obedience to church tradition. a) What is the only tradition that is binding on Christians (Gal. 1:6-9)? Page 26

27 CHRISTIANS TO BE INDUSTROUS 10. T F Christians are to be industrious and not lazy beggars. a) Justify (vs.7f). b) Show that work did, or did not, originate with Adam and Eve s curse (Gen.2:15-17 ; 3:17-19). 11. T F Paul worked at a secular job while staying in Thessalonica. a) Justify (v.7f). b) How does Acts 18:1-3 relate to this? 12. Y N Does Paul s saying NIGHT and day instead of DAY and night make sense? a) Justify (v.8; Gen.1:5ff). 13. T F Example is a valid and valuable teaching tool. a) Justify (v.9). b) What does 1Cor.11:1 add to this? c) How long does one s example (influence) last (Rev.14:13)? 14. T F Paul accused some of being lazy busybodies. a) Justify (v.11). b) What did he command the idlers to do (v.12)? 15. Y N Can one become weary even of doing good works? a) Justify (v.13). b) How does Gal.6:9 relate to this? 16. T F Paul gave specific instruction on how to deal with those who would not obey his commands as an Apostle. a) Justify (vs.14f). b) What was the purpose of this disciplinary action? CLOSING WORDS 17. T F Paul used a secretary to write this letter. a) Justify (v.17). b) How was Paul personally related to the close of this letter (v.17)? 18. T F Paul s closing words were words of encouragement to the Thessalonians. a) Justify (v.18). b) What do these words mean to you? Page 27

28 LESSON 12 LESSONS WE SHOULD LEARN FROM THIS STUDY THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS 1. T F Jesus is coming again. a) Justify (1Thess.1:10a). b) What will He do when he comes (1Thess.1:10b)? c) How does Jno.14:1-3 relate to this? 2. T F Jesus 2 nd Coming will be as unspectacular worldwide as was His first coming. a) Justify (Lk.2:7ff; 2Thess.1:7-10; Rev.1:7). 3. T F Jesus 2 nd Coming will be preceded by obvious signs to warn of His advent. a) Justify (1Thess.5:2f; Matt.24:36-43). 4. T F Jesus will not Himself, personally, return but will send the archangel in His place. a) Justify (1Thess.4:16; Acts 1:11). 5. T F At Jesus 2 nd Coming, the planet earth will be renovated and Eden restored on earth. a) Justify (2Pet.3:10-13) 6. T F At Jesus Coming, the whole world shall be judged (Matt.25:31f). a) Describe the fate of the wicked (Matt.25:41), b) the fate of the righteous (Matt.25:34,46). PERSECUTION AND SATAN 7. T F Christians are promised exemption from all persecution. a) Justify (1Thess.2:13ff; 2Tim.3:12). 8. T F Satan was active in relationship to the Thessalonians. a) Justify (1Thess.2:18; 3:5). b) Show that Satan is a threat to Christians today (1Pet.5:8f). c) Show Christians, with divine help, can resist Satan (Jas.4:7; 1Cor.10:13). 9. T F Paul warned the Thessalonians of the possibility of falling from grace. a) Justify (1Thess.3:5). b) Show other Scriptures confirm this doctrinal truth (Gal.5:4; Heb.3:12; 2Pet.2:20ff). Page 28

29 10. T F Paul claimed inspiration for the book of 1 Thessalonians. a) Justify (4:2). b) Show that Paul consistently did, or did not, claim such inspiration (1Cor.11:23; Rom.1:5). 11. T F Christians are forbidden to grieve when a loved one dies. a) Justify (1Thess.4:13). THE CALLED AND THE DISFELLOWSHIPPED 12. T F God calls people to salvation today subjectively (by a still small voice within them). a) Justify (2Thess.2:14). b) How do Mk. 16:15f and Rom.1:16 relate to God s call? 13. T F The status of a disfellowshipped Christian is that of an enemy. a) Justify (2Thess.3:14f). b) What if the disfellowshipped person repents (2Cor.2:6-8)? SPIRITUAL GROWTH 14. Y N Does the Lord expect continued spiritual growth? a) Justify (2Thess.1:3f). b) Show this is a consistent Scriptural teaching (2Pet.3:18; Heb.5:12-14). 15. Y N Is it right to use one congregation s spirituality to encourage other congregations? a) Justify (2Thess.1:4; 2Cor.8:1ff). 16. Y N Will sinners escape punishment if the offended Christians do not take revenge? a) Justify (2Thess.1:5ff). 17. T F Christians prayers for preachers and the preached word has a great positive effect on the outcome of the preaching. a) Justify (2Thess.3:1f). Page 29

30 LESSON 13 GRADUATION All classes meet in the auditorium for graduation and the introduction of the new material for the next thirteen weeks. Page 30