Day 63: 1 Thessalonians 5, 2 Thessalonians 1-2

The Coming of the Lord - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

Understand It

• What was the source of Paul’s teaching about what happens to those who die? (4:15)
• What sequence of events will signal the Lord’s return? (4:16-17)
• When will the Lord return? (5:1-2)

Apply It

• What hope can you share with someone who is convinced that death is the end of our existence?

Final Instructions - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Understand It

• How does God want us to treat each other? (5:13-15)
• What attitudes represent God’s will for us? (5:16-18)
• What kind of affection did Paul have for the Thessalonian Christians? (5:26)

Apply It

• Which of Paul’s short, direct commands in this passage do you most need to remember this week?

Thanksgiving and Prayer - 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Understand It

• What difficulties was the church at Thessalonica experiencing? (1:4)
• What do persecution and trials prove about God’s work in the church and the world? (1:5)
• How did Paul describe the punishment of those who reject Christ? (1:9)

Apply It

• In what trials and difficulties do you need patience and perseverance this week to see God’s eventual good results?

The Man of Lawlessness - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Understand It

• What kind of person will the man of lawlessness be? (2:4)
• What will happen to allow the man of lawlessness to be revealed? (2:7)
• How will Satan’s power be evident during the time of the man of lawlessness? (2:9-10)

Apply It

• How can you strengthen your faith today so that you are ready to face any evil days that will come?

Stand Firm - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Understand It

• What forces work for our salvation? (2:13)
• What encouragement did Paul give to the church? (2:15)
• What did Paul want God to encourage and strengthen in the Thessalonian believers? (2:17)

Apply It

• When can you make time in your schedule this week to encourage another believer?

Tomorrow: 2 Thessalonians 3, 1 Timothy 1-2