Leader Lesson
TEXT: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
DATE: Oct. 4, 2015
The “Context” and “Explanation” sections are for the leader’s preparation for the lesson. The material in these
sections may certainly be used throughout the course of leading your group through discussion, but is not intended
to be read aloud. As a leader, you are to lead and promote discussion. You don’t have to feel the pressure to lecture
or recite this background information verbatim.
Context: Paul had spent a short amount of time with the church in Thessalonica (today
known as Thessaloniki, a coastal city in the center of modern day Greece). He had to
leave quickly, unfortunately, and he left behind a growing church, but a young and
immature church. In the midst of this growth and immaturity, the church is struggling
with doctrinal instability. Some false teachers have come in and are teaching in ways
that were not consistent with God and his word. Paul writes First Thessalonians to
contradict that teaching. He then writes Second Thessalonians, shortly thereafter, as the
first letter was evidently not enough and some of the errors evidently persisted. In spite
of their immaturity, they were striving to live for Christ and they were being seriously
persecuted for their faith. It is in the midst of this persecution that Paul writes Second
Thessalonians, and where our lesson picks up today.
In Thessalonica we find a beaten church. Not a destroyed church - in fact they are a
triumphant church - but they have been beaten physically and spiritually. In spite of this,
though, they are thriving. They are growing in love for God and each other, and their
faith is increasing. They have learned to love Jesus and his bride, and they found great
joy in their partnership with the church. How is this joy present?
Explanation:
- Paul is writing to this church in Thessalonica, a church who is being persecuted
and marginalized. In the face of that, Paul indicates that their “faith is
flourishing” and their “love for one another is increasing”. This progress, in the
face of great opposition, is a beautiful picture of what the church is intended for.
The church is an organism, not an organization. It is a family, not a civic club. As
such, we relate to and for each other, pushing and praying for growth in grace.
-
Taking the previous point a step further, not only can faith and love flourish
inside of the church in a way that cannot happen outside of the church, but the
church is designed by God to specifically flourish in the face of persecution. In
this passage Paul speaks of how often he brags about this church, namely
Leader Lesson
because in the face of tremendous persecution, they continue to flourish and
prosper. This is a resounding theme that continues throughout much of
scripture. Not only does pain & persecution shape us, but it is also a reflection of
our relationship with God. When we are adopted by God, we are aligned with sin
& against righteousness. It should not surprise us, then, when we are attacked by
the forces of evil because we have been joined with God. The temptation in these
experiences is to run from God; to blame God, and yet God has designed the
church to be a place where we can thrive in the face of it.
-
A day is coming when God will be recognized as King by all people. There will no
longer be any challengers to his throne. In that day he will judge those who have
assaulted his kingdom, and his children, and he will be raised up, to be glorified
above all people and all things. In that day his church will join him in his
triumph, and she will be, for the first time, spotless and without compare. This
passage, particularly verse 10, describes a picture of majesty and beauty that
cannot be comprehended or explained by our limited vocabulary. The majesty of
the eternal kingdom, and our joy in that kingdom, are sufficient to justify any
experience we may face in this life. We find joy in the church because she is
Jesus’ deeply loved bride who will eventually be perfectly spotless, and
triumphant.
-
While we are waiting for the final consummation of all things, we are joined with
the church because the church is God’s vehicle for taking the gospel to the
nations; his only plan for advancing his glory among all people. This is a very
important piece of theology. If your theology of the end times leads you to
evangelistic paralysis, it is a failed theology. Our understanding of the triumph of
the church should motivate us to be on mission.
As your group time begins we want to give the group one main point or “Big Question.” It boils down the lesson into
one key, foundational thought that is focused on life application that gives the group an easy-to-remember take
home to frame this lesson and think about during the week.
“Are you trusting in Jesus, and finding joy in him, particularly in the hard times?”
Use this section to help break the ice and to get everyone involved in conversation. We want to provide nonintimidating questions at the beginning to prime the conversation pump so that everyone will be comfortable when
we transition into talking about God’s word together. As the leader, you can shepherd the group by directing the
more chatty group members and inviting the less talkative to join in.
- Do you remember a specific birthday or Christmas gift that completely surprised you?
Or brought you a lot of happiness? Share about that with the group.
- Have you ever experienced a challenging time, and experienced surprising joy because
of your church family?
Leader Lesson
READ: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Pray: Pray that God would speak to us from His Word and that through it He would
ultimately point us to His son, Jesus Christ, who has won the victory.
The questions below are designed to engage the group in discussion about the Bible. As the leader, encourage every
group member to be involved. This may involve lovingly guiding the more talkative and inviting the less talkative to
join in. Leader, you may have to answer to get the conversation going. If you answer, set the tone. If you are shallow
or vague, your group will be as well. Lead your group to be transparent, vulnerable, and specific.
vv. 1-3
The church is facing persecution. They are also a very young & immature church. In
light of that, why is verse 3 so surprising? In spite of their youth and immaturity, their
faith is flourishing and their love for each other is growing.
If a young, immature & persecuted church can experience flourishing faith and
increasing love for each other, what does that say to us about the nature of faith?
Christian faith & community is designed to thrive in challenging situations.
Tertullian (3rd Century Church Father), The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the faith.
Knowing that faith has historically flourished and love has historically increased during
times of challenge and difficulty, should we be fearful about the future days in America,
or should we be encouraged? Even though we are never encouraged about the growth of
sin, we should still have great confidence in God and great hope for the future of the
church.
vv. 4-5
Why would Paul say that they boast about the church at Thessalonica? They were
excited because the Thessalonian church was showing great perseverance in the midst of
persecution.
How should we respond when we are persecuted, or when tragedy occurs in our lives.
We should display supreme faith and even joy in Christ. Producing joy in hard times should
be a hallmark of Christianity. If it doesn’t produce that, our faith is no different from any
other faith.
Verse 5 seems to indicate that persecution is a good thing. How could this be so? It can
be good because it validates your faith, and shows you as deemed “worthy” by God.
Leader Lesson
vv. 6-10
Verses 6-8 offer a compelling reason for us to be faithful in the midst of persecution.
What is the reason? Because Christ will return, and make all things right, including
provide justice for those who would attack his church.
vv. 11-12
These verses offer the most compelling reason in all of scripture for the church to be
faithful. What is that reason? When we are faithful in the midst of persecution, we bring
God glory. This is the highest aim of all of human existence. The Westminster Chatecism
says it this way, The chief end of man is to glorify god and enjoy him forever.
As you close your group time we want to reiterate the one main point or “Big Question” that gives the group an
easy-to-remember take home to frame this lesson and think about during the week.
“Are you trusting in Jesus, and finding joy in him, particularly in the hard times?”