Anchored in Eternity: Chosen and Called

Sermon Discussion Questions: February 1, 2026 Anchored in Eternity: Chosen and Called Call to Worship: Psalm 33:13-19 1. What might we infer from this passage regarding the role of statecraft and military strategy in the fate of a nation? (Also read verse 10) 2. How does this passage apply to the sermon? Sermon: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 I. Thank God for the Church – Verse 13 1. What point of this sermon might you still remember a couple of weeks from now? 2. In this verse, Paul makes a “pastoral shift” from teaching/edification to encouraging/affirming. Discuss a time during a conversation when either you: 1. Did the same thing, or 2. Had someone, while advising you, make that shift. 3. Paul writes that “...we ought always to give thanks...”. The “ought” implies either a duty or an obvious natural response. What is the doctrine being discussed that should elicit thanksgiving? 4. Pastor Paul said that “...salvation is rooted in eternity past.” Restate that in your own words. 5. Our sanctification is evidence that God is __________________. 6. Pastor Paul said that election originates in God's decree and necessarily produces fruit. Share another verse that establishes a connection between salvation and obedience. II. Called Through the Gospel of Glory – Verse 14 7. Worldly glory involves trophies and public adulation. What does spiritual glory entail? 8. Our hope in the gospel includes escape from the punishment of hell. What else does it include? 9. How does Romans 8:30 give Christians comfort? III. Standing Firm in and Through Christ – Verse 15 10. This verse makes it clear that there is a “spoken word” tradition as well as a written tradition. Some denominations defend major elements of their doctrines (e.g., The bodily assumption of Mary into heaven.) as being passed down from the Apostles as spoken word traditions. State whether you agree and defend your position with scripture. 11. Read Hebrews 6:20a. a. Where has Jesus gone as a forerunner on our behalf? b. How does this benefit us? IV. Strength for Our Journey: Everlasting Comfort – Verses 16-17 12. What modification does Pastor Paul make to the phrase: “Perseverance of the Saints”, and why does he believe that modification is more biblically aligned? 13. AI Question 🤖: What do you think Paul means when he says that God chose the Thessalonians as the firstfruits to be saved? Prayer Points: • Assurance: Thank God that your salvation is anchored in His eternal choice, asking the Holy Spirit to give you deep peace in the security of His “holy calling”. • Sanctification: Ask the Lord to continue the “sanctifying work of the Spirit” in your life, praying that you would “stand firm” and “hold to the truth”. a. Share one way the Lord has, since your conversion, enabled you to overcome sin. • The Gospel’s Reach: Pray that the “word of the Lord” would spread through your witness, so others might be called to “obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ”. a. Discuss a time you shared either your testimony or the gospel.