Whenever sin is overlooked and repentance is not emphasized—it risks creating a church indistinct from secular society. Thus, for a local church to truly reflect the spirit of the New Testament church, it must thoughtfully and deliberately apply disciplinary practices to build genuine and intimate fellowship among its members.
Church Discipline & Concluding Thoughts
2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
May 26, 2024 • Matthew Allen • 2 Thessalonians 3:6–18
More from
Thessalonians
Thanksgiving and Encouragement
May 19, 2024 • Matthew Allen • 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5, 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17
With the primary reason for writing the second letter, exposing and refuting the false teaching they had received and helping them better understand what would happen when the Lord returns, Paul now moves to cover more general issues. There are two sections of thanksgiving and prayer in 2 Thessalonians (1:3, 11) and here in 2:13-14, 16; 3:1, 5.
Lesson 11 - The Day of the Lord
May 12, 2024 • Matthew Allen • 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12
Many Thessalonians were overwhelmed with despair due to a false prophecy claiming that the Lord had already returned, causing them to fear that they had missed His return and, consequently, lost their salvation. In addressing this error, Paul provides a complex explanation, unique to this passage, about why this prophecy could not be accurate. He clarifies that certain events had to precede the Lord's return, yet to occur. Paul’s primary objective here was to reassure and comfort the Thessalonians. His response, though challenging to interpret due to its unique details and lack of depth in explanation, ultimately enriches our understanding of the events surrounding the second coming of Christ.
Lesson 10 - Thanksgiving and Prayer
May 5, 2024 • Greg Morrison • 2 Thessalonians 1
Ongoing problems and questions in the Thessalonian church necessitated Paul’s writing of a second letter soon after the first. While these problems may have persisted, Paul was still very pleased with the growth and progress of the church and encouraged them to do even more. 2 Thessalonians addresses three essential matters: · Ongoing persecution. · The return of Jesus. · The problem of idleness.