Wrapping up 1 and 2 Thessalonians

Summary Statement: “remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ”

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Brief Review

In light of hardships

While waiting for the Lord’s return

Clarifying events

Dealing with laziness

Q+A - Applications Discussion:

1.With whom have you shared words of truth?

2.For whom are you “animated” and investing in labors of love?

3.Are you being patiently hopeful, all because of your faith in Christ’s death, His position in heaven, and His future return?

4.Are you affirming (encouraging) others in the faith?

5.Are you more like the Thessalonians, moving forward with increasing love and maturity, or more like the Corinthians by not leveraging your calling?

6. Does the strength of your actions accurately reflect the level of your conviction? (Trick question! A “freebie”...)

7. Does your conviction drive you to review God’s truth daily?

8. Are you a good example for others to follow?

9. Can you describe evidences of your spiritual growth?

10. Are you serving in some capacity or are you a “lazy Christian”?

11. How do you enlist the aid of the Holy Spirit?

Faith in Christ, studying the Word of God, and belief in the power of the Holy Spirit; that He can, He wants to, He will. It is a partner- ship – we stand firm and hold fast; He will comfort and strengthen us, - and prayer, of course!

12. Who are you imitating? (Do they help or hinder your faith?)

13. What Scripture references have you held onto from these presentations?

14. What resources have you picked up and delved into?

“Love Does” by Bob Goff and the FBC podcasts for examples.

15. What made Paul’s efforts so impactful?

Boldness, Strength of faith/convictions, Fearlessness

16. What does taking risks look and feel like? To be incendiary, culturally unaccepted, “politically incorrect”...

17. How are the changes God is making in you impacting others?

18. How is Satan hindering your efforts?

19. Who would be willing to describe a godly versus an ungodly way of dealing with pain?

20. What guarantee do we have that we will be resurrected?

21. Who are the enemies to whom you have offered grace? (Ouch!)

22. Can you describe a time when you went through affliction silently?

23. When should we expect relief from all our afflictions?

24. Why is the difference between Christ’s Second Appearing and His Second Coming important to you?

25. Any other comments or observations you’d like to share?

Wrap up

“Nevertheless, their hope for the future led to their perseverance. It is not an accident that Paul emphasizes this virtue in the context of pressure and persecution and suffering. . . .

Their hope is grounded in the Lord Jesus. It is not an abstract quality but a personal living hope involving a living relationship with an individual who can and will come and vindicate the Thessalonian Christians.”

1 and 2 Thessalonians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

“Because of the WHO the prayer is directed towards and HOW we relate to God, the WHAT is possible.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16–18 (ESV)

Benediction

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.