2 Thessalonians: Discussion Questions:

Prior Sections:

I was saved at the age of 15 from being an atheist in a broken home when my friend invited me to a youth group. The youth pastor shared the gospel, and taught the word with authority and the Holy Spirit worked on my heart. He also loved on me, discipled me and got me involved in ministry right away. He stressed , as a foundation and this has been a huge key to my relationship with Christ. Recently, I have been growing in ministry by growing as a pastor in a small church. I am a youth pastor, and the Lord is sharpening me and challenging me to find new ways to reach and minister to this dark next generation.(1 Timothy 4:12)

What happened not long after Paul sent out the first letter to the Thessalonians?

Paul received a report that things have gotten worse.

Their persecution has gotten much worse, and they were scared and confused about the day of the Lord.

Why do you think they were scared about the Day of the Lord?

Would you be scared about this Day that is coming?

Section 1: Hope Despite Persecution:

Brief description of my ministry background.

Verses 1:1-3:

What was Paul worried about for the Thessalonian Christians?

That they might fall away from Jesus, if the persecution gets worse.

What did Paul remind them from the first letter about persecution?

That suffering is a way of participating in God’s kingdom.

Jesus was inaugurated as King by suffering on the cross.

How will Jesus’ followers show their victory over the world?

By imitating Jesus’ non-violence and patient endurance.

What else did Paul remind them?

That this won’t last forever.

When Jesus comes back, He will bring final justice on those that have oppressed them and shed the blood of the innocent.

Do you think that heavy persecution would tempt you to turn away from Jesus?Why or why not?

Describe what you think you would have to do to not let the persecution drive you away?

W

Verses 1:4-12:

What is the ultimate tragedy to Paul?

I was blessed relatively early in my walk to get involved in ministry, where I was trained to be a youth helper and children’s ministry teacher. I felt the Lord calling me to teach His word, where He opened the door to go to Bible college and then seminary. I have always been involved as much as possible to be involved in youth ministry as a youth leader to a few youth groups. I have been a counselor at a few of the Calvary Chapel Youth Camps, as well as recruiting and leading games and security. I have also been a counselor for a youth program called On the Edge which was also a camp and associated with a youth group, where I s

That those who live to reject Jesus will ultimately get that, separation from the love of Jesus who is the source of life and love.

Section 2: The Day of the Lord:

Verses 2:

What did someone do in the name of Paul?

Spreading false information that the Day of the Lord was upon them.

What did this cause in the church?

Panic and people to start predicting dates of the return of Jesus.

This caused them to think they were left behind.

What should the return of Jesus inspire and not inspire in Christians?

Not fear and panic.

Hope and confidence.

When is Jesus returning?

No one knows the day or the hour.

Jesus said He will return like a thief in the night.

What will happen when He returns?

How would you feel and what would you do if you found out you were left behind?

When Jesus returns, what kind of event will it be?

Not private.

But public.

My previous experience with organized camps?

Section 3: Challenge to the Idle:

What does idle mean?

Lazy, irresponsible, and refusing to work.

What is patronage and why was it a problem for believers?

In cities, poor people would become clients or personal assistants to wealthy people.

They would live off their occasional generosity, but there were often strings attached.

They would have to give in to the master’s sinful living.

It was also unpredictable income

How did Paul differ from Roman Patronage?

He never asked for money, worked a manual labor job.

I am blessed to have been able to go to youth camps since my first year being saved in youth group. I realized how powerful and impactful they are, leading me to be involved in them as much as possible. I have been a counselor and speaker at a few of the Calvary Chapel Youth Camps in Southern California , as well as a leader and recruiter for games and security from 2008-2014. I have also been a counselor and support staff for a youth program called On the Edge from 2012- 2016.

What has led to my desire to be on the board at Shiloh?