Growth Group Study Booklet

Growth Group Study Booklet Living for Jesus By making, maturing and mobilising disciples For His Glory 1

Contents Introduction to 2 Thessalonians - Page 3 Study 1: Worthy of His Calling (2 Thessalonians 1) - Page 4 Study 2: That Day Has Not Yet Come (2 Thessalonians 2) - Page 6 Study 3: Prayer and Hard Work (2 Thessalonians 3) - Page 8 Lakeshore s Top Ten Books - Page 10 Map: Paul s Second Mission - Page 11 Community Carols: Who Can You Invite? - Page 12 Diary Dates Sunday December 14 Thursday December 25 Sunday December 28 Sunday February 1 Sunday February 8 Friday April 3 Sunday April 5 Community Carols Christmas Day Service Summer Series Begins: Parables of Jesus 2015 Launch Sunday Exodus Series Begins Good Friday Easter Sunday 2

Introduction to 2 Thessalonians Christians believe that the God of the Bible is the God of history. He has been carrying out his plan of salvation throughout history, culminating in the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. Since then, having sent his Spirit, he has for two further millennia been pushing his church out into the world to take the good news to its furthest extremities. And Christians believe history will come to a planned end, a grand finale, consisting of the Parousia, the Resurrection, the Judgment and the Kingdom. That these events are history s goal is plain in both Paul s letters to the Thessalonians. They contain between them four of the most important New Testament passages about eschatology, the culmination of all things. This is not to claim that the apostle sat down with the deliberate intention of writing an essay on Christianity and History. No, 2 Thessalonians, like all his other letters, is an ad hoc document, which was called forth by special, local circumstances to which he was responding. He mentions three groups of people, who were disturbing the peace of the Thessalonian church, and he addresses himself consecutively to the situations which they had created. First, there were the persecutors. Already three times in his first letter Paul has alluded to the opposition which the Thessalonians were having to endure (1 Thess. 1:6; 2:14; 3:3). Since then, probably only a few weeks or months later, news reached him in Corinth that matters had got worse. So in chapter 1 we read of their persecutions and trials (2 Thess. 1:4). They seem moreover to have been asking questions about the rationale of their afflictions. Why were they having to suffer so much? In his answer Paul does more than comfort them. He offers them a theodicy, a vindication of the justice of God. In fact, the emphasis of his first chapter is on the righteous judgment of God (1:5). Secondly, there were some false teachers, who seem to have been responsible for circulating a forged document (a prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, 2:2), to the effect that the day of the Lord had already come. Paul has a head- on collision with this serious error. Don t let anyone deceive you in any way, he writes (2:3). He then proceeds to explain how the Parousia cannot come until the Rebellion has taken place, and that the Rebellion will not happen until what is holding it back has been removed. Meanwhile, the Thessalonians must stand firm in the teaching they have previously received from the apostle. That is the focus of chapter two. Thirdly, there were the idlers, the ataktoi, whom we met in the first letter. Their profile becomes clearer in chapter 3 than it has been before. These irresponsible busybodies were ignoring the teaching Paul had already given, both in person and by letter. So he is obliged now to issue some sharp, authoritative instructions, which border on excommunication. It would be a mistake, however, to understand Paul s second letter in terms merely of confronting the persecutors (chapter 1), contradicting the false teachers (chapter 2) and rebuking the idlers (chapter 3). For he turns these negative situations to positive advantage. He focuses on the Parousia, when wrongs will be righted and Christ s judgment and salvation will be fulfilled; on the Antichrist, called here the man of lawlessness (2:3), whose appearing is anticipated by the secret power of lawlessness already at work (2:7) and who will be decisively overthrown by Jesus Christ; and meanwhile, before these two comings or appearings take place, on our Christian responsibility to live according to the teaching of Christ s apostles, not least in relation to earning our own living. From John Stott, The Message of Thessalonians. 3

STUDY 1 2 Thessalonians 1 Worthy of His Calling Discuss Last Week s Assignment: Think back over the MULTIPLY: Disciple Making Disciples series. What has been one thing that will stick with you from that series? Kick Off: Have you ever felt like you wanted to get revenge on someone? Go on, be honest! Key Verse: 2 Thess. 1:11 Big Idea: Persevering in suffering or persecution involves trusting God to make things right in the end. Investigate: 1. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4. a) What does Paul see in the church in Thessalonica that is filling his heart with gratitude to God? b) Why is it right to thank God, as Paul does in verse 3? What does it reveal about our hearts if we don t often thank God? 2. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. a) How will God s justice ultimately be worked out as seen in verses 5-10? b) From this passage, what characterizes those who will suffer punishment? What characterizes those who will not suffer punishment? c) How is this description of God s ultimate justice encouraging for believers? On the other hand, how is it disturbing? 3. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12. What do you think these phrases really mean? a) May make you worthy of his calling? 4

b) May fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power? c) So that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him? d) According to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ? Think & Apply: 4. What are some things that you are thankful for in the lives of fellow believers? 5. Thinking about your own life, your community, or the world, what kind of things most make you desire to see God s justice done? 6. How can remembering God will bring about justice in the end help you as you relate to others day by day? 7. Prayer: Before you look at the assignment for this week, take some time to pray for each other in your group, using the same kind of prayers that Paul uses in verses 3-4 and 11-12. Assignment: Plan in two times during this week to pause and pray for other believers, using the kind of language that Paul uses in verses 3-4 and 11-12. (See also 2 Thess 2:16-17; 3:1-5; 3:16) Why not send a quick message to one or two of the people you prayed for with an encouragement and a quote from one of the verses? Read Ahead: For next week s sermon and growth group, read 2 Thessalonians 2 Coming Up: - Community Carols (Sunday December 14) - Christmas Day Service (Thursday December 25) 5

STUDY 2 2 Thessalonians 2 That Day Has Not Yet Come Discuss Last Week s Assignment: How did you go taking some time to pray for other believers during the week? Did you send anyone a message to encourage them? Kick Off: Key Verse: 2 Thess. 2:3 Big Idea: Christians must stand firm in their faith, because troubled times will occur before Christ returns. Investigate: 1. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2. What false teaching had the Thessalonians heard? How does Paul say they should respond? (See also 2 Thess. 2:5, 15) 2. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12. a) Summarise the events that Paul says must occur before Christ returns. b) It seems that Paul is describing both a pattern of opposition to God that repeats throughout history, as well as a final set of events that remains in the future. What is the nature and purpose of the man of lawlessness and his rebellion? c) Paul connects this man of lawlessness with satan. Describe how satan works in the world in verses 9-10. d) By what process to people become deceived in verses 10-12? 3. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. a) In verses 13-15 Paul describes 6 or 7 different events that take place in the existence of a Christian. Which ones occurred in the past? Which are we called to in the present? Which do we look forward to in the future? 6

b) In verses 13-17, which things has God done/will do? Which things have we done/must we do? What is the relationship between what God does and what we do? Think & Apply: 4. How can Christians train themselves to be discerning of false teaching? Have you come across any false teachers who seem to be Christian? What makes you conclude that they are false teachers? 5. Do you think it is wise to try to identify specific people or events in Paul s description of the man of lawlessness? Why/why not? What response do you think Paul wanted his readers to take from this passage? 6. How do the great truths of verses 13-17 encourage you to stand firm as a Christian? What specific choices or actions might you be able to take this week to stand firm? Assignment: The Community Carols are coming up on December 14, on Sunday afternoon. This is a natural and easy opportunity to invite family, friends, neighbours or workmates to come and celebrate Christmas together! a) Who can you invite to come to the Community Carols? Prayer: b) When and how will you invite them? Make a plan. For each other: For the church: For friends and family: Read Ahead: For next week s growth group, read 2 Thessalonians 3 Coming Up: - Community Carols (Sunday December 14) - Christmas Day Service (Thursday December 25) 7

STUDY 3 2 Thessalonians 3 Prayer and Hard Work Discuss Last Week s Assignment: How did you go with your Carols plan last week? If you re doing this study on schedule, there s still time to invite people to come to the carols! Kick Off: Growing up, what was your family s view of work, or work ethic? Key Verse: 2 Thess. 3:13 Big Idea: In view of God s faithfulness, Christians are called to pray and work hard Investigate: 1. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2. What prayer requests does Paul give the Thessalonians? What does this reveal about the direction and purpose of his life? 2. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:3-15 a) What seem to be the challenges or problems that the church community was facing? b) What instruction does Paul to idle people in the church? What was his own example? c) How do the assurances of verses 3-5 support the strong commands of verses 6-15? 3. a) From verses 6, 10 and 13-15 how does Paul say the church should act towards those who are being idle? What should the result be? b) Read Matthew 18:15-20. Are these descriptions church discipline often followed today? Why or why not, do you think? What might the result be if these commands are followed? 8

Think & Apply: 4. Are there any Christian leaders or missionaries that you would like to pray for more regularly? (Be specific). How can you make this happen? What exactly should you be praying for them? 5. How do Paul s commands about idleness and work pertain to your own job situation? How can you be the kind of worker that honours God? 6. How do you personally feel about this kind of tough love approach to approaching fellow Christians who are sinning? (Either on the issue of idleness, or any other issue.) Is there anybody you have thought of that you might need to approach, in line with 2 Thessalonians 3 or Matthew 18:15-20? (Probably best not to mention any names in your answer.) Assignment: Bring along your personal development plan from the MULTIPLY vision series. Summer is a great time to start new things, or do things you don t usually have time for. What are two concrete, specific things you can put into action from your plan this summer? Choose one personal action (e.g. a new habit) and one that involves others (e.g. inviting people around for a BBQ, serving in a new way at church). Share your specific plans with the group. Prayer: For each other: For the church: For friends and family: Coming Up: - Community Carols (Sunday December 14) - Christmas Day Service (Thursday December 25) 9

Lakeshore s Top Ten Books If you are interested in reading a few books to help you grow in Making, Maturing and Mobilising Disciples of Jesus, here are Lakeshore s top ten recommended books. You can find these books in the church library, and (often) on the book table. The Trellis & The Vine (Col Marshall & Tony Payne) Stop Dating the Church (or Why Church Matters) (by Joshua Harris) Living the Cross Centred Life (by C. J. Mahaney) The Reason for God (by Tim Keller) Promoting the Gospel (or The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission) (by John Dickson) Resolving Everyday Conflict (by Kevin Johnson) God s Big Picture (by Vaughn Roberts) Knowing God (by J. I. Packer) Desiring God (by John Piper) The Cross of Christ (by John Stott) Resources used in preparing this study booklet: - John Stott, The Message of Thessalonians, The Bible Speaks Today Commentary Series (1991). - The ESV Study Bible, Crossway Publishers (2008). - John MacArthur, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Titus: Living Faithfully in View of Christ s Coming, MacArthur Bible Studies (2007). - N. T. Wright, 1 & 2 Thessalonians: 8 Studies for Individuals and Groups, N. T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides (2009). - Gene Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians, Pillar New Testament Commentary Series (2002). 10

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Coming Up: Lakeshore Community Carols 14th December 2014 Kids Activities, Jumping Castle Free BBQ, Barista Coffee 4:30 Kids Activities 6:00 BBQ 6:30 Carols Program Who Can You Invite? 12