II Thessalonians - Week 4

Sunday, June 27, 2021

  1. At the beginning of the sermon, Jason mentioned a couple phobias that people have and showed a video of people who were terrified to cross a glass bridge. Even though it was built strong enough to hold them, they struggled to believe it. What are some of the phobias/fears that you have? (The more ridiculous the better 😉)

  2. Jason’s big point on Sunday was that believing the truth about your salvation allows you to stand firm and be comforted until Christ’s return. Read II Thessalonians 2:13-17 and see how Paul speaks to the Thessalonian church in the midst of their fears. 

  3. The first truth that Paul points out in II Thessalonians 2:13 is that we are chosen by God. Jason explained that there are many passages that show us God’s sovereignty in our salvation while also showing our responsibility. (Ephesians 1:3-5, I Peter 1:3, II Peter 3:9, Romans 10:13, John 6:37, etc.) How would you explain this in your own words (the relationship between God’s choice and our choice)? 

    • How does that make you feel when you hear that you’ve been chosen by God? (Encouraged? Uncomfortable? etc.)

  4. Why do you think Paul uses the language of adoption so many times in his letters? (Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:4-7, Ephesians 1:5-6, etc) Why is it significant to our understanding of the Gospel?

  5. The second truth that Paul points out in II Thessalonians 2:13 is that we are sanctified by the Spirit. What does sanctification mean and how does the Spirit do it? 

    • How do “sanctification by the Spirit” and “belief in the truth” work together?

  6. Think back to when you were saved - what really pushed you to believe and surrender? How do you see the Holy Spirit at work in that process of bringing you to salvation? 

  7. The third truth that Paul shares in II Thessalonians 2:14 is that we will be glorified with Christ. When will this happen? (See II Thessalonians 1:10-12)

    • Jason shared the example of a sports champion sharing his victory with his family, fans, etc. They didn’t earn it, but the champion chooses to share it with them. Do you see any other examples of people sharing their “glory” with others? 

    • Why would Christ choose to share His glory with us?

  8. How do these 3 truths (chosen by God, sanctified by the Spirit, glorified with Christ) bring comfort to struggling Christians? 

    • Is there a specific way that they comfort you?

Phil Wing