2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
May 9, 2021
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Paul writes that believers are saved through two things. What are they? How do those two things work together to accomplish salvation? What other passages of scripture can you think of that help us understand this verse?
What do you think Paul means when he says that we ‘might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ?’
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:15
Do a search (google, biblegateway.com, etc.) on the phrase “stand firm” as it appears in the Bible. Come to our discussion ready to discuss some verses you found and how they shape your understanding of ‘standing firm.’
How do we ‘hold fast’ to biblical teachings? What does that mean? What is entailed in ‘holding fast’ to a teaching?
What biblical teachings are most difficult for you to hold fast to?
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Verse 16 tells us two things that have already been given to us by God our Father. What are they?
Verse 17 tells us two things Paul is asking both Jesus and God the Father to provide for the Thessalonians moving forward. What are they?
How does reflecting on the eternal things God has already done for us prepare us to receive the things we need to get through the day to day of our lives? How has this played out in your own personal experience?