2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
May 16, 2021
1As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1
1) Why do you think that Paul includes the idea “rapid” in the spread of the Gospel?
2) How are you contributing to the rapid spread of God’s message?
3) Paul summarizes the whole Gospel with two words: “God’s message.” How would you summarize the Gospel in three sentences or less?
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:2
1) Think about a few people that need Christ in your life. List five things we can do to lead people toward Christ. Which of these do you do well? Which ones are more difficult for you?
2) What do you think Paul means when he refers to “wicked and evil people”? And what does it mean to be delivered from them?
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5
1) What do you think is the connection between prayer in Verse 2 and protection in Verse 3? Have you ever experienced that kind of protection in your life?
2) In this letter, Paul is encouraging the people of Thessalonica to stand firm and trust in the Lord. Tell about a time where you have been encouraged by a fellow believer. How did that impact you and why was it important to you?
3) It’s not always easy to be an encourager. What are some of the things that might keep you from encouraging other believers?
4) Consider Hebrews 12:1-3. What does it teach us about Christ’s perseverance? What other scriptures can you think of that demonstrate Christ’s perseverance?