Candee’s Blog

Our purpose for this class is to:

• To cover four different types of Precept studies, to discuss what we have studied and how to lead the type of study
• To discuss principles of leading
• To apply what we learn

July 8 – cover inductive study definition, do 40 min study, do a study outline  and prep for NISS

July 15 – discuss NISS, talk about discussion questions and how to lead, prep for Lord study

July 29 – discuss Lord study, talk about how to prep for leading, prep for In and Out

Aug 5 – discuss In and Out, application

Aug 12 –  end of semester brunch  – to be determined

Basic information will be posted for those who miss the class and need an overview of what we did.  Please let me know if you want any of the information we went over in class.

We covered a 40 minute study together where we did the lesson and discussed at the same time.  Added in were comments about how to lead, why to ask, what the aim of the lesson was and how to stay on track.

Next, we discussed the following paper that I have compiled from different trainings, experiences and mostly from “How to Study the Bible” by Kay Arthur.

Inductive Bible Study

What is Inductive Bible Study?

• Where the Bible is the primary source.
• No commentaries until you have taken a look at the text for yourself
• Scripture used to interpret Scripture.
• Emphasis is on what the Bible says, and keeping in context rather than someone’s personal interpretation of text.
  • This Context
    • it is not just the scriptures before and after a verse
    • is the environment in which something dwells.
    • context/environment is the setting, history,
  • Therefore, the framework of Inductive study is context.
  • Context rules!
  • Context is so important because
    • It helps us understand what something means as well as what it can’t possibly mean
  • What did you look for first?  Edges, 4 corners   EASY to find
  • So which pieces of a puzzle do you put together first?  The border
  • Why? Because it gives you an outline/ a boundary for how the rest of the puzzle goes together.

As you prepare to sit before the Lord to do this type of study, you need to:

• Come to the Scriptures leaving your predigested books or biased thoughts behind and see what the Lord wants to show you.
• You will have lots of questions as you do this study, you will get some answers as well as have more questions.
• It’s not about all the questions you still have, but what questions you got answered
• This method is personal discovery of God’s Word.  The more digging you do, the more you get out of it.
• A side result in learning this tool is quality quiet times because you begin to read the Word with purpose.  It is a wonderful, wonderful tool!
• time in prayer is a must
  • Ps 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Thy law.
    • It is the Holy Spirit that teaches and shows us truth. – it’s not about my abilities
  • Without this, we have just learned some new skills, a method and that is all it will be skills/method and maybe some head knowledge – that’s not what we want

There are three skills to Inductive Bible Study:

Observation is “What does the text say?”

• The objective in observation is to observe
• The more you look at an object the more you see – takes time and that’s why you read a passage over and over
• Observation takes time, you think and go back to look at what you have already looked at.
• Some things to do when you are observing:

Ask the “5 W’s and an H”

• Train yourself to constantly ask: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
  • Who wrote? Who is speaking?  Who is hearing this?
  • What are the main events? What are the major ideas? What is he talking about?
  • When was this written? When did this event take place?  When will it happen?
  • Where was this act done? Where was this statement said? Where will it happen?
  • Why was this written? Why was this mentioned?  Why was so much space given to this event or teaching?
  • How is this done? How is this truth illustrated?
  • These questions are the building blocks of precise observation, which is essential for accurate interpretation.
  • You may not always find all that you ask, but ask so you look
  • These questions are something you do everyday.  When your child wants to go to someone’s house to play what do you ask? So don’t fret about how to come up with the “correct” questions.  They will come.

1. Mark key words and phrases

• A key word is one that is essential to the text.
• Often key words and phrases are repeated in order to convey the author’s point or purpose for writing.
• So when we read we should mark key words:
  • symbols, colors, or a combination of the two can be used
  • the idea is to make a list of how you mark things so you remember
  • mark the way you think
  • The key is for the repeated words to stand out so you can see what was important to the author, what was their purpose for their letter

Look for lists – and number them in your text on your observation worksheets

• Writing your lists on paper will focus your mind on what you have seen in that particular area.

Watch for contrasts and comparisons

• some words that indicate Contrast: but, nevertheless, however, yet, otherwise, where-as
• some words that indicate Comparison:  also, as, as…so, likewise, so also, more-over, than

Identify chapter themes

• The theme of a chapter will center on the main person, event, teaching, or subject of that section of Scripture.
• By reviewing the key words and lists, one tries to be brief using words found in the text to state the theme.

Interpretation is what does the text mean?

• This can only be based on what the text says – on the observation.
• Observation and interpretation are linked together to tell us what God meant
• Since the Bible is its own best interpreter, the more accurate your observation, the greater will be your understanding of God’s Word.
• So how will you maintain accuracy:
  • context rules.
    • If you lay the solid foundation of observation, you will be prepared to consider each verse in the light of the surrounding verses,
    • Your interpretation of the passage should be consistent with the theme and purpose of the book, the historical and cultural context, other Scripture on the same subject.
    • Never take a Scripture out of its context to make it say what you want it to say.
    • Don’t add to the meaning of the author
  • Always seek the full counsel of the Word of God.
    • From Gen to Rev – don’t ignore those OT books
    • When you know God’s Word thoroughly, you will not accept a teaching based on one or two isolated verses.
  • As you interpret don’t base your convictions on an obscure passage of Scripture.
    • An obscure passage is one in which the meaning is not easily understood.
    • These passages should not be used as a basis for establishing doctrine.
  • Remember that Scripture will never contradict Scripture.
    • So if it appears to, there is something we don’t understand.
    • Can’t reconcile two seemingly contradictory truths taught in Scripture, such as the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man.
  • Interpret Scripture literally.
    • God spoke to us that we might know truth.
    • Therefore, take the Word of God at face value
    • Look first for the clear teaching of Scripture, not a hidden meaning.
    • Interpret portions of Scripture according to their literary style.
    • Some literary styles in the Bible are: Historical—Acts; Prophetic—Revelation; Biographical—Luke; Didactic (teaching)—Romans; Poetic—Psalms; Epistle (letter)—2 Timothy; Proverbial—Proverbs
• Look for the single meaning of the passage.
  • Always try to understand what the author had in mind when you interpret a portion of the Bible.
  • Don’t twist verses to support a meaning that is not clearly taught.

Application is what I do with the Word.

• The Purpose is to take the truths that have been seen through observation and understood through interpretation and accurately apply them to our lives
• Without application Bible study can become “knowledge that puffs up”
• Finding out what the word is saying to me and doing something about it
  • How does it apply to my life? It should create life change
• Once you see what the word teaches , you are obligated before God to accept the truth and to live by it
• What are some ways to apply?
  • your study reveals a false concept or teaching you had received, believed and embraced – you adjust it to the truth that you now know
  • If you find out where you have thought wrong or behaved unrighteous
    • You accept the reproof and agree with God acknowledging where you are wrong in thought or in deed
    • take steps to correct the part you need to correct
      • correction might be confessing and forsaking that which is wrong
      • or God might give you very definite steps to take
  • Keep a list of questions before you as you study and ask yourself
    • What is the doctrinal teaching of the passage?
    • Are there any principles being taught that I need to apply?
    • How does the passage of Scripture reprove me?
    • Does it expose any error in my beliefs?
    • Are there any commandments which I have not obeyed?
    • Are there any wrong attitudes or motives in my life which this passage exposes?
    • How can I correct that which is wrong?
    • What is God’s instruction to me?
    • Are there any new truths to be believed?
    • Are there any new commandments or insights to be acted upon?
  • When applying Scripture, beware:  Of applying cultural standards rather then biblical standards
  • Of attempting to strengthen a legitimate truth by using a scripture incorrectly
  • Applying scripture out of prejudice from past training, from ego which refuses to admit it is wrong, or from denomination beliefs
  • Applying scripture without getting the full teaching from the whole counsel of the word of God
  • Of Knowledge without transformation
• When considering application, lie on your face before your God and talk with Him about those things that you have read, studied, seen and heard
  • When God has pointed out your application, and talk to Him about the action you need to take
    • Write it out in specific measurable terms.
      • Reason:  we all say general statements and don’t do them but to give specifics and a time line helps us achieve
    • Application Example:  need to pray more –
      • We come away saying it and then maybe never taking action and then being convicted later on the same subject.
      • So make it more specific – use the 5W&H  on applying “I need to pray more”
        • Who will pray? Me
        • What will I pray about/for? I will use my prayer notebook
        • When will I pray? each day before my Bible study
        • Where will I pray? in my office/LR
        • Why am I praying? Because of Phil 4:6-7 it will help me to get rid of my anxiousness
        • How will I pray? with worship to God before I give my requests
        • How long will I try this? Duration of my study in Phil.
        • Concluding statement/summation: Therefore, I will pray each day before my Bible study worshiping God before I give my requests that are in my prayer notebook. I will apply this till I finish my Phil study and then re-evaluate.
          • The reason for a time frame is for re-evaluation, to see a change, to see victory
          • This was an actual application from my Phil study and it dealt with some anxiousness in my life.
    • Next share it in your group so everyone can pray and hold you accountable
    • The Precept studies have places throughout the lessons to write your thoughts, prayers, applications.  Some excellent application questions.
      • Use the “Scripture revealed” to make a continuous list of what is standing out to you.
        • It can show what is repeated, something God might be continually pointing out to you
        • If we don’t write down what God is showing us as we do our studies, we forget.

Then we covered the next type of lesson NISS (New International Study Series).  It was discussed how to do this type of lesson and why I prepare my groups with what they are going to see in the week of study.

Day6 pages 37-40

Extra cross references

Gospel

Day 4-6 plus extra cross references

What do we proclaim and how do we proclaim it? I Thess 2

2Ti 3:15  and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 3:16  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

2Ti 3:17  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2Ti 4:1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:

2Ti 4:2  preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

2Ti 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,

2Ti 4:4  and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

Act 1:8  but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

List the main points of the Gospel.

1Co 15:1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,

1Co 15:2  by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

1Co 15:3  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

1Co 15:4  and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

1Co 15:5  and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

1Co 15:6  After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep;

1Co 15:7  then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles;

1Co 15:8  and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.

1Co 15:9  For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

1Co 15:10  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

1Co 15:11  Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

When Christ preached, what was included in His message?

Mar 1:14  Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,

Mar 1:15  and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Luk 24:44  Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

Luk 24:45  Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

Luk 24:46  and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day,

Luk 24:47  and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

Luk 24:48  “You are witnesses of these things.

Luk 24:49  “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

How did Paul feel about preaching the Gospel?

Rom 1:14  I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.

Rom 1:15  So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Rom 1:17  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

1Co 1:17  For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.

1Co 1:18  For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1Co 1:19  For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”

1Co 1:20  Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1Co 1:21  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

1Co 1:22  For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;

1Co 1:23  but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,

1Co 1:24  but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1Co 1:25  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

1Co 1:26  For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;

1Co 1:27  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

1Co 1:28  and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,

1Co 1:29  so that no man may boast before God.

1Co 1:30  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,

1Co 1:31  so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”

1Co 2:1 And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.

1Co 2:2  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

1Co 2:3  I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,

1Co 2:4  and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

1Co 2:5  so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.

Who is saved, how are they saved, what is necessary to believe/confess? (consider Ro 1 above as well)

Rom 10:8  But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”–that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,

Rom 10:9  that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

Rom 10:10  for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

Rom 10:11  For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”

Rom 10:12  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;

Rom 10:13  for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”

Rom 10:14  How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

Rom 10:15  How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!”

Day 6

What you are saved from:

Rom 6:23  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Joh 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Col 1:13  For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Col 1:14  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Finished our chart completing What? How? When and Where?

WHAT?

What are we to give people when we give the gospel? the main points of the gospel as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.

• · Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. 15:3

What does according to the Scriptures mean?

o In other words, His death for sins was predicted in the Old Testament.

o What does the fact that He was buried prove? The fact that He was buried, verse 4, proves His death.

• · The second main point is that He was raised on the third day. 15:4

o Again this is according to the Scriptures, predicted in the Old Testament.

• · Verses 5-8 repeat that He appeared to many after His resurrection.

o What do the appearances prove?Those appearances prove His resurrection.

o What does the resurrection prove?The resurrection proves that He defeated sin and death.

What transforming work do we see in the lives of those who believe the gospel? I Cor 15:1-2

• · Believers stand in, are saved by, and hold fast to the Word, the gospel.

o What does this believed in vain mean? Just the opposite of what those who do…Those who don’t hold fast really didn’t believe it, believed in vain; they really weren’t saved.

What did Jesus preach?

• · He also preached the gospel, good news. Mark 1:14-15

o Repent and believe for forgiveness Mark 1/Luke 24

• · Jesus stated that He was written about in the Law and Prophets and Psalms of the Old Testament. Luke 24:44

o The elements were that He should suffer and rise again from the dead on the third day. Lk 24:46

§ Where have we seen this before? 1 Corinthians 15, “according to the Scriptures.”

• · Repentance is part of believing the gospel.

o Where did we see this happening?

§ It was seen in the Thessalonians as they turned to God from idols.

• · So what can we conclude, if there is no repentance, then …there is no true salvation.

We didn’t look the following up

• Acts 2:22-42, Peter gave the gospel to the Jews in Jerusalem. This was only 50 days from Jesus’ crucifixion in the same city. Peter spoke on Pentecost to most of the same group who had been in Jerusalem at Passover when Jesus was killed.

o He told of their sin and called them to repent and believe that God had raised Jesus from the dead.

o They knew He had died because they had put Him to death.

o Peter quoted Scripture from the Old Testament with which those Jews would have been familiar.

o He explained that the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell those who believed was promised by the Father and sent by Jesus after His ascension.

• · What do you learn from this on what information to give to certain people?

o With those unbelievers who have some Bible knowledge, believers should use that knowledge as a basis to witness to them, reason with them, from the Bible.

§ Romans 1:16 tells us what? says that in the gospel is the power to believe.

§ Use the Word in witnessing.

We can learn more about Paul giving the gospel in Acts 17 and 26?

• · Who did he give it to?Acts 17 is an account of the gospel being presented to Gentiles, who might be paralleled with those outside the church today, people who have no knowledge of the Word of God.
• · How did he approach this?

o It began with stating that God is the creator of the world. (opportunity – relate truth about God, don’t demean)

o Paul also presented to them that God will judge the world, another basic truth of the Scripture.

o He called the men of Athens to repent and believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

• · In Acts 26 Paul gave his defense before King Agrippa (a descendant of King Herod), a man knowledgeable of the Scriptures.

o Again Paul presented to those listening that Jesus died and rose again according to the Scriptures. He called them to repent and believe.

HOW? Do we give the gospel

how did Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy give the gospel in I Thess?

• · After already being beaten and jailed in Philippi, they faced opposition to the gospel in Thessalonica, but still spoke it there. They had boldness from the Lord to speak the truth even though it meant suffering for it.
• · They imparted not only the gospel, but also their own lives by the example of godly living they showed to the Thessalonian believers.
• · They worked hard not to be a burden to those new believers.
• · Also they gave an example for the Thessalonian church to follow.
• · They gave the gospel by word and by example

What contains the power to save? The gospel is what contains the power to save. Ro 1:16

Therefore, how does this relate to the messenger? It’s not the messenger but the message which saves.

Are you encouraged by that?

What did you learn about how to deliver the gospel from I Cor 1 and 2?

• · 1 Corinthians says that the gospel is not preached in cleverness of speech.

2:4 And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

• · It is simply the word of the cross, the gospel.
• · Those who don’t believe are not the wise ones. The message of God’s gospel is wiser than men.

I Cor 1:26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, What does this say to you?

o Even if you don’t consider yourself intelligent, you can still give the gospel to the smartest people in the world.

WHEN AND WHERE?

In 2 Timothy 3:15–4:4 Paul told Timothy that he should be ready to preach the Word in season and out of season.

o Being ready would be knowing the content of the gospel and being sensitive to the leading of the Spirit.

§ In Acts it is recorded that Paul was prohibited by the Holy Spirit from taking the gospel to Asia or Bithynia, but was directed to go to Macedonia.

o Therefore, the “when” would be whenever led by the Spirit to speak, but always being ready to do so.

o And the “where” would be where the Spirit leads.

§ Do you believe…As the Spirit directed Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to where and when, He still does the same for believers today.

How do you witness or give the gospel?

What has God taught you from this lesson?

How has He changed your thinking?

Do you feel more equipped to give the gospel to the lost?

Chart for this lesson

Page 35 Day 1 and 2 – mark author and recipients and add to your chart

Do you measure up to the example of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy?

What did you discover about the author and recipients?

Chart #1 for Author and Recipients

Day 3-5 page 36-37

Preach the gospel

WHO?(gives the gospel)

§ From Acts what was given?All believers are given the Holy Spirit at salvation.

§ He gives the power to witness, or give the gospel.

§ In 1 Thess we saw PST examples of what? 1:5-6 All believers are to be witnesses.

WHY?

Why are we to give the gospel?

• · Paul said he was entrusted with the gospel, 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
• · He was under obligation, Romans 1:14.

• · In the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, Gentile. Ro 1:16

o The message, regardless of the messenger, has power to save people.

WHAT?

What are we to give people when we give the gospel? the main points of the gospel as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.

• · Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. 15:3

What does according to the Scriptures mean?

o In other words, His death for sins was predicted in the Old Testament.

o What does the fact that He was buried prove? The fact that He was buried, verse 4, proves His death.

• · The second main point is that He was raised on the third day. 15:4

o Again this is according to the Scriptures, predicted in the Old Testament.

• · Verses 5-8 repeat that He appeared to many after His resurrection.

o What do the appearances prove?Those appearances prove His resurrection.

o What does the resurrection prove?The resurrection proves that He defeated sin and death.

Chart #2 for the Gospel Who? Why? What?

Last week we followed Paul and plotted his second missionary journey.  His purpose of the journey was to strength the churches already established from his first missionary journey.  He took Silvanus with him.

• They picked up Timothy in Derbe and Lystra.
• They didn’t go to Asia nor Bithynia and ended up in Troas.
• In Philippi they were beaten and imprisoned after casting out demon of slave-girl – as Jews proclaiming customs not acceptable to the Romans.
• Then they came to Thessalonica staying three weeks with the gospel in the synagogues
  • Jews and Greeks believed
• They went by night to Berea because of mob formed by nonbelieving
• The unbelieving Jews show up stirring up trouble
• Paul was sent out as far as the Aegean Sea and then taken to Athens
• Silas and Timothy remained in Macedonia
• In I Thess 3:1-2 Timothy was sent to the Thess at that point.

Book – Day 5,6,7

RECEPTION OF THE GOSPEL

How did the Thessalonians receive the gospel from chapter 1.

• · In the midst of much tribulation they received it with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
• · They turned to God from idols.

o NOTE: In this context, the Greek word for “turned,” epistrepho, means to convert.

What does this show us?

• · This shows the power of the gospel and salvation.
• · It also shows that they were truly converted;

What can we conclude then?

therefore, no turning = no conversion.

How did the Thessalonian believers prove what kind of men they were when Timothy was there?

• · They had a work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope in Christ. 1:3
• · Not only did they imitate Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy and the Lord, but they also became examples to all the believers in the surrounding areas. 1:6-7

WORK OF FAITH

What was an example of their work of faith in chapter 1?

1:8-9

• · It seems from chapter 1 that part of their work of faith was the turning from idols to serve the living and true God.
• · Also, the sounding forth of the word to Macedonia and Achaia would be part of that work of faith.

1 Thessalonians 3 is where it speaks of Timothy visiting the Thessalonians the second time to see about their faith. What was his concern and what does Timothy report?

• · 3:5 If they had no change in lifestyle, then Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s work would have been in vain. But that was not the case.
• · They truly believed, and were standing firm in the midst of opposition.

2 Thessalonians 1

• · states that their faith was greatly enlarged by the time of the second letter to them. They continued to grow in their faith. 1:3

Titus 1:16–2:14 can add to one’s understanding of the work of faith.

• · Even though some might profess to know the Lord, if what they do is not sound according to the Word of God, then they deny that they know Him by their disobedient deeds. (what we do lines up with Word of God)
• · The older believers are to teach the younger ones how to be sound in faith and love and perseverance.
• · The grace of God instructs one to deny ungodliness and live righteously.
• · A lifestyle of good deeds gives evidence that believers have been redeemed from lawless deeds.

Ephesians 2:8-10 tells of the whole picture of faith and works.

• · Believers are saved by grace through faith, but there are works which God prepared for each believer to walk in or live out.
• · No one is saved as a result of works, but the good works come after the point of conversion, salvation.

James 2:14-26 gives a good summary of this.

• · Faith without works is dead, not living, not true faith, not real salvation.
• · Abraham’s offering of Isaac is the example of faith working with works.

o He believed, and his faith resulted in good works, obedience to the Word of the Lord.

o So works were part of his salvation as was justification, although he was not saved by his works.

How does this passage show the uselessness of belief that is solely intellectual? “the demons also believe, and shudder” (verse 19).

LABOR OF LOVE

4:9

• · indicates that they were doing very well in their demonstration or labor of love toward one another.
• · Who teaches us about this love?They, and believers today, are taught by God Himself to love one another.
• · How had the believers responded to God’s teaching?The Thessalonian believers practiced that love not just among themselves, but also to all the brethren in Macedonia and Achaia, v10

o but the letter encourages them to excel still more in this.v10

2 Thessalonians 1:3 says that their love was growing ever greater, as was their faith. (1:3)

1 John 5:1-3

• · tells how one is to love God, by keeping His commandments.
• · That is also how one knows that he loves his brothers; how one knows if he is truly saved.

What can we conclude about this love and the Word of God?Obedience to the Word of God is connected with faith and love.

STEADFASTNESS OF HOPE

From the context of I Thess, what is hope connected with? 1:10 with the coming of the Lord to save from wrath.

• · Even though the Thessalonians were being persecuted, suffering opposition, they still had hope.

Can you have this steadfastness of hope in the worst of circumstances?

• · NOTE: Elpis is the Greek word for “hope.” It is a confident assurance, not just a wish or desire as “hope” is used in English.

What do you do when you are suffering?

Do you wait eagerly with perseverance for the time of the return of our Lord and Savior?

1 Corinthians 15:58

• · is a great encouragement for believers to be steadfast . . . because their labor is not in vain; it’s the work of the Lord that they are to be doing.

(Same question in your book p32)

How did the gospel come by Paul, Silvanus and Timothy? verse 5
in word
in power
in the Holy Spirit
with full conviction
it came by example.

Verse 6 – The tribulation of the time did not prevent them from having the joy of the Holy Spirit.

(same question in book p33)

What experience did we see in Acts that relates to this and the example that the Thess saw in Paul and Silvanus lives?
• The experience of Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail, praising God and singing.
• True salvation brings the Holy Spirit, and joy is part of His fruit in a believer’s life.
• Do you exhibit that joy of the Holy Spirit in your tribulations?
• They also imitated to the extent that they sounded forth the Word of God, too.
• Show Macedonia and Achaia on your map.
It is not just a small area; the Thessalonian believers became examples because of sharing the Word.
Are you imitators of the godly examples mentioned in the Bible and seen in other mature believers around you, as well as of the Lord?
Are you an example to those believers around you?
Do you sound forth the Word of the Lord?

Verses 9 and 10 Have you turned to serve God. Are you waiting for Jesus’ return?

What did you learn about God in this chapter and how does it relate to your life?
• God is the Father of believers. Do you know Him as your own Father?
• God is to be thanked.
• God loves and chose believers. He chose each one. He even chose people as bad as idol worshipers.
• Believers can imitate the Lord because of His Holy Spirit indwelling them.
• Faith is toward God, not anything else.
• He is living and true; compare this with the dead and false gods the Thessalonians had served and which many serve in these modern times.
• He is served by those He saves.
• He raised His Son Jesus from the dead. He is the living God.
• Jesus will return from heaven to rescue His believers from the wrath to come.

Did you learn anything from the Thessalonians’ lives that you could imitate?
Do you live in such a way that others could imitate you?

It is such an encouragement to understand that the Lord Himself in the Person of the Holy Spirit specifically directs the proclamation of the gospel to certain areas at points in time. The gospel is not just spread randomly. As the Spirit forbade Paul to go to Asia and Bithynia and directed him to go instead to Macedonia, He still directs His Word to people in this age.

? Read page 22 Thought for the Week

? Comments: Are you without blame at the coming of Christ
o In 1 Thess 2 Exhortation is used 3X’s 2:3,11; 4:1
o Exhort in the Greek – the first part of the Greek word is Para means beside or at the side of; the second part of the Greek word is kaleo means to call; therefore it means to call to the side of
• Keep in mind as you read this letter the responsibility PST felt to their disciples
o They cared, taught, urged, warned, encouraged
• We have so much sin and believers falling away because there is not someone along their side to love and care for them.
• Paul kept up with those who were his. The Thess believers were not alone in their afflictions.

? Page 25-27 Day one through Day four
o We added marking the author
o We made a list of what we learned about the author and recipients
o We drew Paul’s journey on the map p42
? Below is the process of questions we discussed as we followed Paul’s journey
How does this journey begin in 15:40-41?
• Paul chose Silas to go with him strengthening the churches already established on his first journey through Syria and Cilicia, modern Turkey.
• Silas is the Greek name for Silvanus (Latin), used in 1 Thessalonians and other letters.
• The two of them were sent out by the church of Antioch in Syria.
16:1-5
Acts 16:1 And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra
Who did Paul and Silas find when they went through Derbe and Lystra?
• When Paul and Silas went through Derbe and Lystra they found Timothy.
Who was Timothy?
• He was the son of a believing Jewish mother and probably an unsaved Greek father.
• Being well spoken of by the Christians there, he was selected by Paul to go with Silas and him.
What did Timothy submit to? being circumcised Why?so that there he would not cause any Jews to stumble because of uncircumcision.
o This showed his character and love of the gospel.
o What are you willing to submit to for the sake of the gospel?
What were they doing as they passed through the cities? Acts 16:4 they were delivering the decrees from the apostles and elders. refer to Acts 15:22-29.
What happened as they strengthened the churches? the number of believers increased daily.
16:6-10
Acts 16:6 And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;
What happened as they passed through Phrygian and Galatian region?
• The Holy Spirit forbade them to speak the Word in Asia,
• and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them to go into Bithynia.
So where did they end up at? Troas
What happened there?where Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia appealing for help.
Did you notice the pronoun change?Since the pronouns change from “they” to “we,” evidently Luke, the author of Acts, joined them at this place.
• Paul concluded that the vision was God’s call regarding where He wanted them to go speak the Word of truth, the gospel.
Verses 11-40
So where do they head next?
11 Therefore putting out to sea from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the day following to Neapolis;
12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia
• Paul, Silas, and Timothy went to Philippi, a leading city of the district of Macedonia.
What did they find there? a place of prayer on the Sabbath and spoke to the women there.
What does that tell us about this city? There was no synagogue and Paul went to the synagogues first
What happens?
• Lydia was saved along with her household.
• Paul cast a demon out of a slave-girl, and her masters brought them before the authorities at the market place. They had been making a profit from her divination, fortune-telling.
What were the accusations? V20-21The accusations were that Jews were proclaiming customs not acceptable to the Romans.
• Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison.
What happens while they were there?
o they were praying and singing praises to God.
o An earthquake opened all of the doors, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.
o The jailer, in charge of the prisoners, was the one accountable to his authorities for those in his charge. He was about to commit suicide rather than face his humiliation and punishment, when Paul cried out that they were still there.
o As a result, the jailer was saved and his household.
What do we learn about God with this one? God uses suffering for His glory.
Then Paul and Silas pull out their trump card? Paul and Silas revealed in public that they were Roman citizens who had been beaten and jailed without a trial.
o Therefore, they were begged to leave the city.
Acts 17:1-9
Where do we go next?
1 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica,
Let’s relate these verses to I Thess 1…
It is approximately 100 miles from Philippi to Thessalonica
What had just happened in Philippi?
• Consider what that journey would have been like after the beating in Philippi.
• In Thessalonica they were willing to speak the gospel among much opposition, even after having suffered and been mistreated in Philippi (1 Thessalonians 2:2).
What does Paul go to first? a Jewish synagogue there.
o Paul followed Jesus’ pattern, the gospel to the Jews first.
How long did he stay there and what did he do?
o For three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, the Old Testament at that time.
Commentary: He continued to do this three sabbath days successively. If he could not convince them the first sabbath, he would try the second and the third; for precept must be upon precept, and line upon line. God waits for sinners’ conversion, and so must his ministers; all the labourers come not into the vineyard at the first hour, nor at the first call, nor are wrought upon so suddenly as the jailer. 5. The drift and scope of his preaching and arguing was to prove that Jesus is the Christ; this was that which he opened and alleged,
How long was his stay up to that point? 3 weeks…they stayed in the city for quite some time as also indicated in 1 Thessalonians 1–3.
Who was believing?Some of them believed, along with a number of Greeks.
What did the nonbelieving do?
? Jews who did not believe formed a mob and caused an uproar in the city.
? Some of the brethren were taken before the city authorities.
Relate this opposition to chapter 1? They received the gospel in much tribulation 1:6
17:10-15
10 And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea;
So we leave Thessalonica and what happens?
• Paul and Silas were sent away by night to Berea,
Who are we missing in this group? there is no mention of Timothy.
Where did they go first? As usual, the synagogue was the first place they visited.
How are the Jews described?
o The Jews there were noble minded because they searched the Scriptures to check out what they were being taught.
What a challenge for us…how can we be noble minded? examine by the Word of God all that you are taught. How noble minded are you?
Who do we have show up?The unbelieving Jews of Thessalonica followed to Berea stirring up trouble there for Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
So what do they do?
? Paul was sent out as far as the Aegean Sea,
? and then taken to Athens.
? Silas and Timothy remained in Macedonia.
Let’s go to 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2.
• It seems that Timothy was sent to the Thessalonians at that point. Perhaps Silas visited another church then.
Acts 18:1-11
1 After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth.
What happens here?
How do these events relate to 1 Thessalonians 1?
• Paul went to Corinth, met Aquila and Priscilla, and worked with them to earn his living.
o Relate this to 1 Thessalonians 2:9. He also reasoned every Sabbath in the synagogue.
o Silas and Timothy came to Corinth from Macedonia.
o This was probably when Timothy gave the good report of the Thessalonians’ faith to Paul.
Once again what does Paul do and what happens?
• Paul taught the Word of God, some believed and some did not.
• Opposition arose again because of the gospel but Paul stayed there for a year and a half.
• That was probably where he wrote the letter to the Thessalonians prompted by Timothy’s report of his visit to them. Your commentaries probably support this.

How is this chapter divided, and what are the subjects of the paragraphs?

* Verses 1-12 are about the events surrounding the day of the Lord.
* Verses 13-15 are doctrinal statements concerning the believers.
* Verses 16-17 are a benediction or prayer for them.

Verses 1-2

What is Paul’s request about?

* Paul made a request of the Thessalonian believers concerning the “coming” of the Lord and the “gathering together” of believers to Him.

What do these words mean? What do verses 1-2 teach concerning them?

* “coming,” parousia—emphasizes both being “the arrival” and “the presence with”; being near; literally, a presence with (para-with, ousia-being)5
* “gathering together,” episunagoge—means a complete collection6; a gathering together, suggesting stress upon the place at which the gathering is made7

Did anyone’s thoughts go back to I Thess and how this relates?I Thess 4/5, the day of the Lord, the falling asleep and how we all gather with Him when He returns. Study in depth next week!

Using just observation, are these two events or two descriptions the same event? just observation of this text alone doesn’t answer that. Next week!!

How does verse 2 relates to the coming and gathering? What does it tell you about these words?

* Evidently they are closely related to the day of the Lord since the message that the day had come could have caused some of the believers to be shaken and disturbed.
* Paul said in verse 1 that the request was regarding the coming and gathering, then proceeded to talk about the day of the Lord.
* So whatever the connection, there was potential for the believers to be concerned about the coming and gathering if the day of the Lord had already come.

The day of the Lord

verses 3-12. So what did you learn about the day of the Lord from this chapter?Let’s take it verse by verse

verse 3-4

* the day of the Lord had not come.v3
* command in verse 3 – It is the individual believer’s responsibility not to be deceived.
o It comes by knowing the Word of truth.
* He gave a list of some events which have to happen before the day of the Lord.

The apostasy comes first.

What did you learn apostasy meant?

* apostasia—means a defection or revolt, departure, a falling away
o the word apostasía does not refer to genuine Christians who depart from the faith, but mere professors who, without divine grace, succumb to the Satanic deception of the Antichrist. If those who are truly Christ’s and through the Holy Spirit have become members of His body (1Co_12:13) could be detached, then the assurances Jesus gave that His own will not perish would be made null and void (Joh_10:28-29).
* this word’s root meaning, aphistemi (apo-from and histemi-to stand). Some teach that this is a reference to the “rapture” of the church since the root word can mean “remove” or “put away.”
* The man of lawlessness must also be revealed before the day of the Lord.

The man of lawlessness

How is he described?

* The son of destruction

What does destruction mean?apoleia—ruin or loss; waste; indicating loss of well-being, not of being

* “The Semitic construction means ‘he who is destined to be destroyed.’”

* He exalts himself above all gods and objects of worship. V3,4

What would be the revealing of this man.

* When he takes his seat in the temple of God, and says that he is God.v4
o Therefore a temple must exist at the time of the man of lawlessness.

NOTE: some good discussion concerning the abomination of desolation or the events of Daniel 9:24-27.

verse 6

What does “revealed,”mean? apokalupto-to take off the cover; uncover or unveil

Verse 7

Before the man of lawlessness can be revealed, what has to happen? V 7 But the one who restrains has to be taken out of the way before the man of lawlessness is revealed.

What is already happening according to this chapter?

* Revelation of the man of lawlessness is being restrained now according to verse 6-7,
* and the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.v7

What did“mystery,” mean? musterion—a secret

What does “lawlessness” mean?

* anomia—means a violation of Law1; (a-without, nomos-law)
* “In most cases in the NT it means not the absence of the Law, but the violation of Law”

* The mystery of lawlessness, violation of God’s law, is already at work.
* And the revealing of the man of lawlessness is being restrained now.

The one who restrains

What does restrains mean? katecho—to hold down hold firmly, hold back, detain

* In verse 7 it is literally “the restrainer.” Verse 6 speaks of a principle, and verse 7 of the principle as embodied in a person or series of persons.
* Many teach that he is the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers, and when He is taken away at the “rapture,” then there is no more restraint and the man of lawlessness will be revealed.

When will the end of the man of lawlessness take place

* Verse 8 says that it will be by the 2nd coming of the Lord.
* The breath of His mouth will slay that lawless one.

Verse 9

Add to The man of lawlessness

How is he described?and when is it happening?

* His coming, parousia—presence, is connected with the v9 activity of Satan. (same coming as 2:8)
* At his time there will be power, signs, and false wonders to deceive with wickedness those who are unsaved, those who perish.v9
* KJV that uses the word “after” instead of accord

Verse 10-11

Those who perish

Describe those who perish in verses 10-12.

* They are people living at the time when the man of lawlessness is revealed.
* They are not saved because they will not receive the love of the truth.v10
* They are deceived by wickedness, by the deluding influence of that time.v11
* They believe what is false because of not believing the truth and being deceived and deluded by the wickedness in which they took pleasure. They succumb to the activity of Satan, the false wonders and signs of that time.v11

Verse 12

What will happen to them?

* According to verses 10 and 12, they will perish and be judged.

What did judge mean? krino—to distinguish or decide; “to separate, select, choose; hence, to determine and so to judge, pronounce judgment”

Relate to chapter 1. What will happen when Jesus is “revealed” from heaven at His 2nd coming?

* Those who afflict believers now will receive repayment and retribution from the Lord.1:7-9
* They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord.1:9
* This takes place while believers are in His presence and marvel at His coming.1:10
* His righteous judgment, decision, is for believers now—allowing them to be refined by the affliction, persecutions, and sufferings they endure.1:5

Verses 13-15

What is the contrast between the previous verses and these. Who are these verses about?

* Paul draws a stark contrast between those who perish and the believers.
* The brethren
* Beloved by the Lord
* Chosen by God for salvation
* Sanctified by the Spirit
* Have faith in the truth
* Called through the gospel
* Gain the glory of the Lord

Verses 16-17

How does he close his teaching in this chapter?

* Paul’s benediction or prayer for the Thessalonian believers relates to believers now.
* It is a request for the Lord to comfort and strengthen them.
* There was the potential for them to be led astray by the false teaching which had come to them.
* The teachings of the end times should give eternal comfort and good hope because they come from God, the Father of believers.
* They were to continue in their good works and their good words.

2 THESSALONIANS 1

What was this chapter about?

• Verses 1-2 are the common introduction to most of the epistles.
• Verses 3-4 give the description of the Thessalonian church.
  • Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were thankful for their faith and love growing.
  • They used the Thessalonians as an example of enduring persecutions.
• Verses 5-10 state the facts about their situation and the coming of the Lord.
• Verses 11-12 are the prayer for the Thessalonians in the midst of afflictions.
  • The facts about God and Jesus in this chapter are related to the subject of persecution and the second coming of the Lord.

What did you discover from your wordstudies on persecution and affliction?

• “persecutions”—diogmos, a specific term, special term for external persecutions inflicted by the enemies of the gospel

Who were the Thess being persecuted by?v8

• The Thessalonian believers were being persecuted by their enemies.
• “afflictions”—thlipsis, a more general term primarily means a pressing, pressure; anything which burdens the spirit, distress refers almost invariably to that which comes upon them from without

Can we say that the persecutions could have been the cause of the afflictions?

• Yes, the persecutions could have been the cause of the afflictions.

If we begin with verse 4, what is the therefore, therefore?What has happened because of the persecutions?

• V4 faith greatly enlarged and love of each other grows greater

How do verses 4 and 5 relate?

• Verse 5 seems to be explaining more of the thought begun in verse 4.
• The reason for the persecutions and afflictions is stated in verse 5. It is God’s righteous judgment for believers to be considered worthy of His kingdom.
  • So is God judging us?
    • The word “judgment,” which could also be translated “decision,”
    • This is not a reference to unbelievers.
    • Just as the word “tradition(s)” in 2:15 and 3:6 has a different context, so does this word “judgment.”
• God Himself is the One Who is in charge of believers’ refining, even though it might come in the form of persecutions and afflictions.
• The fact that the Thessalonian believers have perseverance and faith in the midst of their persecutions and afflictions is a plain indication, proves clearly, God’s righteous judgment (decision) to allow them to encounter the suffering, the result being that they may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God.

Do you want to be worthy of the kingdom of God?

Are you willing, desiring that refinement which comes as a result of God’s righteous judgment(decision)?

• “suffering”—pascho, means to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
  • The persecutions and afflictions were suffering. But it was all for being made worthy of God’s kingdom.

WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?

So, what does this mean that suffering prepares believers for the kingdom of God.

In other words, why do Christians suffer persecutions; what are the end results, the benefits?

2 Thess 1:3 we saw faith enlarged and love for brother increased

What did you learn in your cross references p24-26?

James 1:2-4

The trials, pressures, are a test of faith which should produce endurance.

1 Peter 1:6-9

• Trials or pressures again are tests, tests by fire for believers whose faith is proven as a result of those trials.
• The outcome of faith is salvation.
• Endurance is the proof of true salvation.

1 Peter 4:12-19

• The word “testing” is used again in this passage.
• Sharing in the sufferings of Christ means that believers suffer as a result of being identified with Him, for His name.
• The tests of suffering are only for those things which glorify the Lord, not for sins on the part of a believer.
• Do you see a familiar word here that relates back to chpt 1?Verse 17 relates to 2 Thessalonians 1:5.
  • “Judgment” in this context is the suffering of those of the household of God, believers.
  • The contrast is those who don’t obey the gospel which is also mentioned in 2 Thessalonians
    • 1:8. Both are references to the unbelievers, the godless man and the sinner.
• If you are undergoing suffering, do you find encouragement here? Verse 19 is encouraging to those undergoing sufferings; do what is right while entrusting one’s soul to the faithful Creator.

(page 28 a)1 Peter 5:10

• This also states how the persecutions and sufferings make one worthy of the kingdom.
• God will perfect, strengthen, and establish those who suffer.

(page 29 #5)Psalm 119:67-71

• The psalmist said that before he was afflicted he went astray.
• The affliction was good for him because it taught him the statutes of the Lord, and as a result he kept God’s Word after being afflicted.

(p29 #6)Matthew 5:10-12

• There is a great reward in heaven for those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Do we see this reward in 2 Thessalonians? 1:10.

How do verses 6-7 relate to verse 5?

• He will repay with pressure those who bring the pressure on Christians.

What do we learn about God that gives us comfort?

• He is the One in charge at all times.
• He judges how believers are refined to be worthy, but He will also repay those who bring the persecutions on believers.
• He will give relief to those under the pressure of persecutions, but not until the Lord
• Jesus is revealed from heaven. Therefore, that affliction and persecution, that suffering of believers will be until that time.
• Perseverance, faith, and endurance are what the Thessalonians did well. How are you doing?

WHO SUFFERS PERSECUTIONS AND AFFLICTIONS? And Why?

Were the Thessalonians the only ones enduring affliction?

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were also enduring afflictions, verse 7.

Is suffering the lot of every Christian? (Cross ref p22-23) Why?

Philippians 1:29-30

• Suffering for the Lord’s sake is granted to those who believe.
• Believers have the same conflict that Paul did, persecution from those opposing the gospel.

John 16:33

• Jesus said that believers would have tribulation in the world.
• Since He overcame the world,
  • the Thessalonians endured with perseverance and faith when they suffered tribulation from the world.

2 Timothy 3:12

All believers, those who desire to live godly, will be persecuted.

1 Peter 5:9 (p28)

This speaks of the brethren in the world experiencing the same sufferings.

Hebrews 5:7-9 (p30)

• Even Jesus suffered while on the earth.
• As He learned obedience through what He suffered, so do those who follow Him.
• And those who obey Him receive eternal life.

Are you ready for the persecutions and afflictions?

Do you think it is just for the weak in faith?It doesn’t just happen to those who are weak in faith.

How do we know that?The Thessalonians were strong in faith and growing in their faith, but were still afflicted.

THOSE WHO PERSECUTE

where do persecutions or afflictions come from?  and

What is going to happen to those who persecute and afflict believers?

Matthew 10:16-25 (p23a)

• Jesus said that there are those who are like wolves.
• They attack believers because of Jesus’ name.
• Those who endure to the end will be saved.

John 15:16-25

• Jesus also said that the world would hate believers because it hated Him.

We saw two commands here?

• He commanded for believers to love one another, even when being hated by the world.
• Another command was to ask for whatever is needed from the Father.
• A slave is not greater than His Master; the world persecuted Jesus and will do the same to His followers, disciples.
• Those who persecute are the ones who don’t know the Father, verse 21. have we seen this before?
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:8. These are the people of “the world,” unbelievers.

John 17:14-18

• In Jesus’ prayer He mentioned that the world hates His disciples.
• He asked the Father to keep them from the evil one, even though He sent them into the world.

Matthew 10:34-40; Luke 12:51-53

• Jesus said here that even those in one’s own family might be his enemies.
  • Households, families, are divided between those who believe in Jesus’ name and those who don’t.
  • Those who don’t believe persecute those who are believers.

1 Peter 5:8-10 (p28)

• The adversary, the devil, is the one who is behind the enemies of Jesus.
• Therefore, he is the one behind the persecution of Christians.
• He is like a lion seeking to devour unsuspecting believers.
• His followers are like wolves seeking the unsuspecting sheep. Who are his followers?
• Believers can resist him in their faith, like the Thessalonians had done.
• All believers all over the world are suffering the persecutions and afflictions of those who don’t obey the gospel, those who don’t know God, those who are under the dominion of the devil.

Matthew 5:10-12 (p29 #6)

What kind of persecution are we seeing here? verbal persecution is also suffering afflictions.

• • Insults, false accusations are also persecutions.
  • Just because some believers are not being put in prisons or being beaten or killed does not mean that they are not being persecuted.

• “In the same way” the prophets were persecuted.
• Those who do what is right are often spoken against by the ungodly.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 makes clear what the end will be for those who persecute believers, what is it?

• They are the unbelievers used by the devil to afflict suffering on those who believe in Jesus’ name.
• They are also referred to as “the world” and those who don’t know God or obey the gospel.
• They will receive repayment for their afflicting of believers.
• They will be pressured when the Lord comes, dealing out retribution to them.
• They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from His presence.

Psalm 73 (p32 4)

• They are the wicked who might prosper in the world.
• It might seem like there is no justice for them.
• Verses 17 and 18 say that their end is destruction.
• Verse 27, those far from God will perish. He destroys the unfaithful.
• The nearness of God is good for the faithful, those who believe.
• He is a wonderful refuge.

2 THESSALONIANS 1:11-12

How does the prayer at the end of 2 Thessalonians 1, verses 11-12, relate to the afflictions of the believers?

• Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy did not pray for the Thessalonians to be removed from their suffering. They prayed that the Lord would count them worthy in the midst of it. Relate this to verse 5.
• Faith is mentioned again in the prayer.
• Their faith was greatly enlarged.
• They had faith in the midst of persecutions and afflictions.
• The prayer is that God would fulfill their desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.
  • That work of faith related to their persecutions, that power for faithful endurance and perseverance.
• The end result of the prayer was that the Lord’s name would be glorified.

Do you pray for those afflicted?  How do you pray? What do you learn about how you should pray for those afflicted?

• Do Days 3-6 p19-20
• Take out your I Thessalonians at a Glance Chart and answer the first three questions with a leaf in front of the question on page 21 Day 7
• Fill in the chart when you answer the questions. Don’t forget to write the verses down to indicate where you got your answers.
• Page 22 answer the first set of a-e and then the second set of a-d
• Last of all decided on what your themes of chapters 3-5 would be.

The following information is questions and answers that you can refer to after you have done your study.
How does the flow of thought continue from 1 and 2 into 3?
• Paul was still relating what had happened before the writing of this letter.

• The Thessalonians were aware of some of the events, so he was reminding them.

• But they might not have been aware of his great desire and concern about their welfare after he left them. V1

What key word did you see in chapter 3?

“affliction(s)”, “Suffering” was mentioned in chapter 2 and “tribulation” in chapter 1, and faith

• Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had suffered affliction, but also the Thessalonians had suffered tribulation (1:6; 2:14).
• Paul stated that he sent Timothy to find out about their faith because of their afflictions. He wanted to know about their “faith,” another key word in this chapter.
• He wanted to strengthen and encourage them in their faith.

As we go into chapter 4, what do we see happening? How does the intent change?
• In the first segment, chapters 1–2, they were reminded of their salvation and the examples they had seen in the lives of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.
How do these last two chapters relate to the first three.
• The first three chapters are reminding and encouraging, and the last two are requesting (4:1 and 5:12) and instructing (4:1 and 13).
• This whole letter is one of exhortation. It was written to exhort believers, and it should have that effect on your class as well.

What is this chapter’s “end times” focus? it is focused on the “day of the Lord” and “wrath” through verse 11.

Chapter themes:

chapter 3 Timothy’s report about Thessalonians’ faith brought comfort in affliction

chapter 4 Excel still more in sanctification and love, those asleep in Christ

chapter 5 Day of the Lord and final requests

Book Theme:  excel still more, without blame at the Lord’s coming

è Read pages 5-12 if you have never done inductive study

è Read pages 15-16

è Do Day 1 and Day 2 page 17-19

• o “Gospel” is also a key word

CONTEXT / SETTING

What type of literature is this? A letter

Who wrote the letter and how do you know?

• · 1:1 introduces Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy as who it is from.

o Plural pronouns are used frequently throughout the letter, referring to these three men.

• · But 2:18 uses the singular pronoun for only Paul as the author.

o NOTE: This is a common element in Paul’s letters; he wrote them as not only from himself, but also from whoever was with him at the time of his writing.

• · No doubt Silvanus and Timothy were in full agreement with everything said in the letter, so in a sense it was from them as well.

Who was the letter to?

• · 1:1 also introduces the church of the Thessalonians as the recipients of this letter.

1 THESSALONIANS 2

What is the flow of thought from chapter 1 into chapter 2.

• Verse 1 continues the subject of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy having been to Thessalonica.
• “Gospel” is also a key word in this chapter
• While chapter 1 primarily gave information about the Thessalonians’ response to the gospel when it came to them, this chapter tells about Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy while they were there.

Possible Chapter Theme for chapter 1

Gospel came, was received, and sounded forth

Possible Chapter Theme for chapter 2

Paul imparted the Gospel and his own life to the Thess