Quarter Four Wilmington, NC - 2017
Lesson # 1 2 nd Thessalonians Author: Paul, as in 1 Thessalonians, identified himself twice as the author of this letter (1:1; 3:17). Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, Paul s co-laborers in founding the church, were present with him when he wrote. Date: The time of this writing was surely a few months after the first epistle, while Paul was still in Corinth with Silas and Timothy (1:1; Acts 18:5) in late ad. 51 or early ad. 52 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 2
Lesson # 1 2 nd Thessalonians Themes: Eschatology study of end times dominates the theological issues. One of the clearest statements on personal eschatology for unbelievers is found in 1:9-10. Church discipline is the major focus of 3:6 15, Which needs to be considered along with Matt. 18:15 20; 1 Cor. 5:1 13; Gal. 6:1 5, and 1 Tim. 5:19,20 for understanding the complete Biblical teaching on this theme. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 3
Lesson # 1 Outline of 2 nd Thessalonians Paul s Greeting (1:1, 2) Paul s Comfort for Affliction (1:3 12) By Way of Encouragement (1:3, 4) By Way of Exhortation (1:5 12) Paul s Correction for Prophetic Error (2:1 17) Prophetic Crisis (2:1, 2) Apostolic Correction and the great Apostasy (2:3 12) Christian Comfort (2:13 17) Paul s Concern for the Church Regarding Prayer (3:1 5) Regarding Undisciplined Living (3:6 15) Paul s Benediction (3:16 18) 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 4
Lesson # 1 2 nd Thessalonians - Apostasy Chart From - The Preceptor Vol. 21 - Number 1 - November, 1971 p. 13 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 5
Lesson # 1 2 nd Thessalonians NT Church 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 7
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS COLLECTIVELY (the church) and INDIVIDUALLY TREAT A CLEARLY SINFUL BROTHER OR SISTER IN CHRIST? A STUDY OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 8
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH SEEK TO RESTORE/CONVERT HIM/HER: Galatians 6:1 ---- Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 9
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH SEEK TO RESTORE/CONVERT HIM/HER: James 5:19-20 ---- Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 10
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH SEEK TO RESTORE/CONVERT HIM/HER: Matt. 18:15 ---- Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 11
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH IF HE WILL NOT HEAR Matt. 18:16-17 ---- "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 12
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH TO WITHHOLD APPROVING ASSOCIATION IF UNREPENTANT (I Cor. 5:1 immoral man) - I Cor. 5:11 "But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person." I Cor. 5:13b ---- "put away from yourselves the evil person." The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 13
TO DELIVER SOME TO SATAN I Cor. 5:4-5 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982 See I Tim. 1:18-20 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 14
TO WITHHOLD APPROVING ASSOCIATION IF UNREPENTANT (II Thess. 3:11 won t labor) II Thess. 3:6 ---- But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. II Thess. 3:14 ---- And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 15
CERTAIN ONES ARE TO BE NOTED/MARKED AND AVOIDED/REJECTED (divisive; doctrinal error) Rom. 16:17 ---- Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. Titus 3:10-11 ---- Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 16
CERTAIN ONES ARE NOT TO BE UPHELD OR RECEIVED (doctrinal error) II John 9-11 ---- Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 17
Is this CHURCH DISCIPLINE? The phrase church or congregational discipline is not found in the Bible. - But, what about the principle? Discipline includes training of the mental, moral, and physical powers - Surely all the passages we have read involve discipline - This Includes a type of punishment - see II Cor. 2:6 - Must be willing to teach, train, and seek to restore. - A family-type relationship offers potential for effective discipline when a persons association is withheld. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 18
Is this CHURCH DISCIPLINE? The relationship among Christians has particular significance in the local church. Some cases specifically mention the local churches responsibilities (not the decisions of higher organization) - Matthew 18:15-17 tell it to the church - I Corinthians 5:4 - when gathered together (the local congregation is) verses 2, 13 put away from among you. - II Corinthians 2:6 by the majority (Individual responsibility is not diminished by instructions for the local church ) 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 19
Some objections to such discipline Jesus said, Don t judge - Mt. 7:1f - Jesus spoke against hypocritical judging - Mt. 7 - Jesus encouraged righteous judging - John 7:24 - We are taught to judge those within (the church) - 1Cor. 5:12-13 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 20
Some objections to such discipline Relative to judging some are unwilling to withstand erroneous doctrine. This may be especially true among those who consider that doctrine doesn t matter. Can we truly preach the gospel of Christ and leave others alone? - II Timothy 4:1-5. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 21
Some objections to such discipline It s just between the individual and the Lord (or the Lord and me if the offender is speaking) - Not to be busybodies (I Peter 4:15) - However, God made the well-being of other saints the business of their brothers and sisters. (All the scriptures in this study.) - Many have fallen away from God who have never been bothered by others. 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 22
Some objections to such discipline IT IS UNKIND - As one woman said upon hearing of a church withdrawing from someone, That s the meanest thing I ve ever heard. - The primary objective of discipline is: The Salvation of the soul of the sinner I Cor. 5:4-5 - Compare II Cor. 2:5-11 and - Compare James 5:19-20 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 23
Some objections to such discipline If we practice church discipline we will lose members. - Is it more important to keep our numbers up or to seek the salvation of souls? - Is it more important to build a bigger church or to obey God? - God s word teaches the necessity of purging out the old leaven - (I Cor. 5:6-8) 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 24
Some objections to such discipline It makes me uncomfortable to reprove or withstand others. - It is not fun but it is necessary. - Love of God and love of others demands it! 12/21/2016 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 25