I & II Thessalonians
Preparing for the Second Coming
Introduction to II Thessalonians
Estrategia pedagógica
The focus of this lesson is an introduction to Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians.
Of special note in this lesson is Paul’s continuous praise and encouragement for the young Christians in Thessalonica. He also begins to provide some additional information concerning the second coming of Jesus.
Resultados del aprendizaje de los estudiantes
- Know: The major ideas concerning the return of Jesus at the end of the world.
- Feel: Recognize the importance of encouraging each other to remain faithful and prepared.
- Do: Live faithfully according to the teachings of Christ.
Cuerpo de la lección
Preguntas de discusión
A continuación se sugieren preguntas para utilizar durante la parte de debate guiado de la lección. También se sugieren respuestas a las preguntas para ayudar a los alumnos a comprender los distintos conceptos. Se proporcionan para ayudar al debate y no se consideran respuestas "correctas o incorrectas".
Thessalonica was a port city and a cross section of political, religious and non-religious groups of the time. Paul established a congregation there but not long after was forced to leave. Because of this, the young Christians did not receive the deep foundational knowledge they may have gained from a longer stay. Yet in spite of this, these Christians remained faithful. They had several questions that Paul addressed concerning the return of our Lord and how to be ready for it.
This information is important to us as we, too, await the return of Jesus.
The words of encouragement and instruction from Paul teach us to be faithful and prepared because our Lord will return suddenly to gather those who have remained faithful.
He is equating Jesus with the Father. This validates the divine power and grace of Jesus as being on an equal level with God the Father.
Paul praises the Thessalonians and thanks God because of their faithfulness and continued desire to grow spiritually. It is easier to live faithfully when we have the presence of someone like Paul with us but in his absence, they continued as the Lord and Paul would have wanted them to. This is a true measure of their faithfulness.
We experience the challenges to our faith from internal (self) and external pressures. These pressures can be tremendous and cause us to lose heart. Paul's words of comfort and encouragement apply to us as well as he tells us:
- There is a cost to establishing God's Kingdom beginning with the suffering of Christ and continuing through each generation as Satan attacks Jesus' disciples and seeks to destroy their souls.
- God permits suffering as a way of creating a sense of endurance. In our suffering we see God's power at work and our dependence on Him.
- God will punish the unfaithful and reward the faithful.
The timing and form of the return of Jesus is a major question for Christians as it was for the apostles while Jesus was with them and part of the reason for writing these letters. They, like us, had questions about when it would occur. They, like us, needed encouragement to stay faithful under internal and external pressures.
Our world has not changed much regarding those who reject or misunderstand our Lord, and those that submit to Him. Those that reject Christ seek to pressure those who submit to Him. Those who misunderstand Him seek to teach their error and thus draw faithful seekers away from God. These two categories of people are agents of Satan whether they know it or not. Our role is to seek and acquire the truth from God's word, to live it and teach others. In doing this we demonstrate our faithfulness and love for God. These are the ones who our Lord will gather to Him upon His return.
We must continue to teach others the gospel and encourage fellow believers, whether young Christians or senior saints. When we do this we grow and help others grow into faithful disciples who are ready for the return of Jesus at any time.