Have you ever observed how hourly employees use their extra time when they finish their work but still have time left in the workday? Waiting for the end of the workday when the main work has been completed can be a productive time, or it can be one of the most abused times for a business. Consider how this might apply to what believers should be doing as they wait for Christ to return. The Explore the Bible study: Waiting focuses on Paul's encouragement to continue to be a productive believer as one waits for Christ's return.

Previously, Paul told the church at Thessalonica that Christ had not returned but would return one day. While they were waiting for Christ to return, they were to be productive as believers.  They were to actively live in obedience to God’s commands and grow in their faith. Sadly, there were some who were abusing this period of waiting. In the final verses of 2 Thessalonians, Paul gives instructions as to how they should live as they wait. He contrasts this with those who were abusing the time they had been given before Christ's return.

Contrasting Productive Believers Versus UnProductive Believers - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Paul used the word "command" in this passage to emphasize the importance of what he was about to say. He also referred to the believers as his brothers and sisters to emphasize their relationship with him and with Christ. Considering the context of previous chapters regarding Paul’s emphasis on the return of Christ, it could be assumed that some believers had quit growing in their faith, resulting in problems.

UNPRODUCTIVE ACTIONS

• Verse 6, Idle. – This Greek word for idle indicates a habit or lifestyle. In addition to laziness, it also includes the idea of creating chaos or disorder.

• Verse 6, Does not live according to Paul’s teachings (God’s Word). – These idle and lazy individuals had professed Christ but were not willing to invest in their faith by learning and living the teachings of Paul (God’s Word).

• Verse 10, Not willing to work. – These idle believers had become so satisfied with where they were in their growth and were so convinced that Christ would return soon, that it led them to become lazy Christians.

We often use this verse to describe those who aren’t willing to work in our society, which is certainly an application. Believers should be the best workers possible in the workforce because their work habits should be a gospel witness. Why are work habits of Christians a gospel witness?

This passage could also apply to how people work or serve in the church as well. What are some ways in which you have observed believers not coming to church to serve (work) but only coming to get something? 

• Verse 11, Not busy but busybodies. – Not only would idle people drain resources that could be used for effective ministry, but they also could create tensions that would threaten the congregation’s unity and the impact of the gospel in the community.

Have you ever heard the term “arm-chair quarterback”? What does it mean? Being a busybody is like being an arm-chair quarterback. You share your opinions and complaints and stir up trouble, but aren’t in the “game.” Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: When you are serving, working, and involved with the church, you are less likely to be a busybody? How do busybodies hurt the church's witness?

How does working hard to provide for yourself financially help you demonstrate a growing faith in Christ? How does it communicate your faith to a lost world? How does it help encourage other believers? 

Is your work-ethic in the workplace and serving-ethic in the church something you would encourage others to imitate?

Do you ever wonder if all you are doing to work hard, grow in your faith, serve the church, share Christ, and make a difference in this world is worth it? Why is it important to remember that we are doing good?

How do you feel about Paul’s instruction? Does this sound rude or cold? Why is this wise instruction?

• Verse 15, Treat rebellious, idle, unproductive believers as family and not enemies. – Since the connection with Christ is never lost, the eternal bond between Christians is never lost. Paul underscored that these were not heretics trying to destroy the church. They were family members who needed restoration, love, and healing. Paul’s goal was restoration. He pointed out that such an action should make the idlers feel ashamed. 

How does treating someone as a family member and not an enemy, change how we view them when we observe ungodly behavior?

Am I Productive or Unproductive?

As you wait for Christ’s return you might be tempted to give up or to idle your faith since you already have the promise of eternal life. But you should never quit growing in your faith and in your service unto the Lord. You are here for a purpose and Christ expects your best work all the way until the day you breath your last breath this side of Heaven or until the day He returns. You have a job to do and your work day is not yet complete!

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

Praying for another person changes our perspective and theirs. Yet, prayer is much more than a meditative experience that calms the soul. It is a powerful tool for the believer that taps into the very throne room of God. LifeWay's Explore the Bible Study: Praying, focuses on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5. This study can help you learn how prayer can impact the lives of believers as you examine the powerful elements of Paul’s continued prayer for the believers in Thessalonica. 

Paul Prayed They Would Stand Firm in Their Faith and Truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

Paul begins by giving thanks for them. Just as he had done in the past, Paul used the word “ought” to emphasize that he had a heartfelt desire that was as strong as an obligation. The obligation was not just a one-time prayer of thanksgiving but an ongoing discipline to “always” (continually) give thanks for them.

Paul was grateful that God had chosen them, indicating that his gratitude was not just for their friendship but for God’s salvation which they received through believing the truth regarding Jesus Christ and through the powerful sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. While Paul points out that it was God who saved them, he was continuously grateful that God allowed him personally to watch this unfold as he faithfully shared the gospel when in Thessalonica.

Then, in verse 15, Paul offers a challenge in his prayer of thanksgiving. Typically, we think of traditions in a negative light, but the Greek word Paul used describes the foundational truths that had been passed down from Jesus through the apostles. Remember, earlier Paul had referenced the incident related to the false teachers and the second coming indicating that the Christians in Thessalonica still had some growing to do. Heretics had upset them and left them unstable (2 Thessalonians 2:2). Paul urged them to regain their spiritual footing and to persevere or to stand firm. But standing firm was much more than holding ground. It also involved holding onto what they had been taught, both verbally and through the letters Paul had written to them.

What does standing firm in faith look like for you?

If you aren’t continuing to grow in your knowledge of God’s Word, then it will be difficult for you to stand firm because you don’t know what teachings you should hold onto. We should all pray for one another that we can stand firm because of what we know to be truth, that is only found in God’s Word!

Paul Prayed for Them to be Encouraged - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Consider this: why didn’t Paul simply say, “I’m praying that your hearts will be encouraged and strengthened"? Paul was focusing beyond his words of encouragement and directed them to a source of encouragement that was much greater - God's and Jesus Christ's encouragement. They love us like no one else can love us. Their encouragement is eternal. They have given us hope because of their grace. 

While other religions teach a “wait and see if you’re good enough” theology, the gospel emphasizes the finished work of Christ. Because of what Jesus did in their lives, the Thessalonians could rest assured their future was secure. While the world may pretend to offer security and help, its offerings pale in comparison to the true hope God provides. Hope is a gift from God.

Who could you pray for in this manner? In what ways might this encourage them?

Paul Asked That They Pray for Him and His Companions – 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

In the Greek wording, pray for us indicates an ongoing habit rather than a one-time action. Prayer was a way the Thessalonians could participate in Paul’s work from a distance.

Paul’s prayer request might be unusual to us because, many times, our prayers for one another are focused on physical needs, family matters, or circumstances we are facing. Yet, Paul didn’t mention any of this in his prayer request. His prayer was that God would continue to give them opportunities to spread the gospel and for protection from those who reject Christ and might desire to hurt them. Paul’s request reflected humility and dependence on the Lord.

What are some ways in which you could develop or have developed a habit of ongoing prayer for others?

Paul Prayed They Would be Strengthened and Protected – 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Humans consistently let one another down and betray each other. Paul described a God who stands in stark contrast to human frailty. The Lord can be trusted when everyone else disappoints. God’s faithfulness would demonstrate itself in two ways: He would strengthen the Thessalonians and would guard them from the evil one.

In what ways has the Lord strengthened you and guarded you from evil? How does this give you strength for what you are experiencing today? In what ways do you need to be protected from the evil one?

The Christian life is filled with obstacles, and the battles in Thessalonica would only grow more intense. Whether beset by unreliable people or the evil works of Satan and his representatives, God would equip His people to complete His work. While hardships will come, believers never face anything bigger than the God who watches over them.

Paul Prayed They Would Experience God’s Love and Christ’s Endurance – 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5

Paul’s prayer expressed his confidence in the Thessalonian believers because they had remained faithful even though they had experienced struggles from false teachers and persecution. Hearing this from Paul would certainly embolden them to continue to remain faithful. If his words weren’t enough, Paul prayed that God would remind them of His eternal love and Christ’s endurance. God loved us so much that Christ endured the cross for our salvation. We should pray that all believers, especially those we know personally, can be reminded of this so that we can continue to do what God commands.

How would would your faith be impacted if someone said to you, through a prayer or letter, that they have confidence in you?

How would you describe God’s love and Christ’s endurance? 

Why should we pray that other believers will direct their hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance?

 How Should You Pray?

Prayer is more than a meditative experience that fills some void in our lives or brings about calming emotions. As I mentioned earlier, the prayer of believers is Holy Spirit initiated and taps into the very throne room of God where Jesus is interceding on our behalf. Authentic prayer is only possible through the work of the Holy Spirit in one’s life as that individual is prompted, instructed, and empowered to pray what only God can accomplish.

Consider the things included in Paul’s prayer:

• Paul Prayed They Would Stand Firm in Their Faith and Truth
• Paul Prayed for Them to be Encouraged
• Paul Asked That They Pray for Him and His Companions
• Paul Prayed They Would be Strengthened and Protected
• Paul Prayed They Would Experience God’s Love and Christ’s Endurance

Can you think of individuals who need prayers centered on one or more of these specific items? Develop a plan for praying for them and let them know you are praying for them in this manner.

Develop a plan or tweak your prayers to include intentional prayer for one another, your church leaders, missionaries, and Christian workers across the globe throughout the week. Pray that they will be encouraged, that the gospel message will spread through their efforts, and for God’s protection and covering over their lives. If possible, let them know you are praying for them and offer them words of encouragement.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

How difficult is it for you to notice mistakes or errors? How do distractions cause you to miss something you might otherwise notice? How does a lack of knowledge cause you to miss something you might otherwise notice? In the Explore the Bible Study: Observing, Paul turns his attention to some specific truths regarding the return of Christ in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, because the Thessalonian believers were being distracted by false teachings and misinformation about the second coming. 

It was always Paul’s desire to help believers so they would no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit (Ephesians 4:14). The words God gave Paul for the Thessalonians are equally relevant today considering everything we are currently facing in our world. We need to be able to identify “distractions” so that we are not tossed around by every wind of teaching.

Don’t be Distracted by Speculators – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5

Paul reminds them that they should not be easily upset or troubled, nor should they let anyone deceive them. Apparently, someone was disrupting the Thessalonians’ peace by twisting the truth of the Lord’s return. Paul’s wording challenges them to keep their heads about them and to avoid giving in to fear or worry. Paul reminds them that he had already told them the truth regarding Christ’s return. 

• He had assured the Thessalonians that the return of Jesus would be accompanied with an angelic shout and the blast of a heavenly trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). It would be impossible to miss, and the Thessalonians could rest in the knowledge that they would recognize it when He came back. 
• Paul reminded his readers of what he said in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17.  When Jesus came back, He would gather His people to Himself. The promise of this “gathering” was as sure as the promise of His return.

Paul specifically states that the heretics had alleged the day of the Lord has come, leading to confusion and doubts regarding their faith. They could have been trying to lead them to believe Jesus had returned, and that they had missed it. Or, they could have been teaching that Jesus didn’t return as He promised. These heretics’ deceptions may have included claiming personal inspiration and the authority of the Spirit for their teaching. Or, they may have composed a fraudulent epistle in Paul’s name to deceive the people. Either way, their motive was clear: to create chaos and confusion, and cast doubt on the validity of one’s faith in Christ.

(NOTE: The downloadable teaching plan provides a list of false views and predictions regarding the return of Christ that could be used to guide a discussion or for further study)

(See PSG, p. 103; DDG, p. 97): What are some tactics false teachers might use today to stir up or upset believers? 

How can we avoid being drawn into false predictions regarding Jesus’ return?

Paul challenged his readers to not let anyone deceive them with lies or misinformation. He reminded them that two events had to take place before Jesus came back. 

1. He pointed to what he called the apostasy. This term generally refers to a rebellion or a turning away from something previously believed. Those who are authentically saved can’t lose their salvation but those who have the appearance of faith without a true relationship with Jesus—along with those who openly deny Christ will turn away. It was also clear that it had not happened yet.
2. Paul mentioned that the man of lawlessness that was doomed to destruction had not been identified. This individual’s violation of God’s statutes set him up for God’s eternal judgment. Some scholars equate him with the antichrist in 1 John 2:18. This man would be arrogant. He would exalt himself above every deity or religious ritual. He would demand worship by proclaiming that he himself is God. 

According to Scripture as stated by Paul, this evildoer would be revealed before the return of Christ. This would have reminded the Thessalonians that this man’s appearance would be hard to miss, proving again that the second coming had not yet occurred.

How would you summarize Paul’s advice regarding how we should respond to current speculations regarding Christ’s return? (In PSG, p. 104; DDG, p. 97) How does the promise of Christ’s return help relieve the stress of living in a fallen world?

Don’t be Distracted by Lawlessness – 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8

Paul knew that a mystery of lawlessness was already at work in his day. Since the garden of Eden, Satan and his demonic force have been at work attempting to thwart God’s plan for the world. Humanity has chosen to rebel against God and His ways. All of this is leading up to the days of the false messiah’s appearing. The work of the man of lawlessness already is taking place behind the scenes—staying a mystery or a hidden secret for now. But the stage is being set for the day he appears. 

Paul reminds the Thessalonians of God’s restraint. Satan and his followers are powerful, and the man of lawlessness will feed off that power. But evil can never overcome the power of God. The One who lives in believers is still stronger than anything the world can offer as a substitute (1 John 4:1-6). 

However, Paul also noted that things are not as bad as they could be—or even will be. When God, the one now restraining evil, lifts His hand, the results will be devastating. At some point, the man of lawlessness will be revealed. This evil counterfeit will appear in God’s timing.

Read verse 8 again. How should this promise help us as we observe the lawlessness taking place in this world?

Once God removes His hand, the lawless one will be revealed. This individual will have a season of free reign to create chaos and turn people away from God’s salvation. But his time of control will be short. Just as the lawless man’s “revealing” is sure, His destruction is guaranteed. Paul noted that Jesus will destroy him with a single breath. The battle will be short and result in an overwhelming victory for Christ. 

In addition to wiping out the man of lawlessness, Christ will also do away with the trouble he had caused. Jesus will bring him to nothing at the appearance of his coming. Once Jesus comes back, He will restore order. He will take His rightful place, and He will be the only King left standing.

Don’t be Distracted by Delusions – 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

The lawless one’s mission was based on Satan’s working. While this individual was not the devil, the Greek wording (energo) suggests that the lawless one will get his energy and power from Satan. He will carry out wicked schemes to deceive people and lead them astray.

In addition to satanic support, the lawless one will also have a wide variety of supernatural demonstrations at his disposal. He will be able to perform every kind of miracle, along with accompanying signs and wonders.

On the surface, these delusions might convince some that He really is God in flesh, but his incredible acts would be a lie. All his work will place spiritual obstacles between Christ and those who need to embrace His offer of salvation. But Paul also underscored the personal responsibility of those who reject God. While deception would be powerful, ultimately these individuals will be judged because they did not accept the love of the truth and so be saved. 

Paul’s words serve as a reminder that Jesus is the only way to a true relationship with God. While others may preach alternatives, Jesus remains “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

How Should You Respond?

It was Paul’s desire to help the believers in Thessalonica to be so observant that they could differentiate truth from error in what they were reading, hearing, observing, or experiencing, especially concerning the return of Christ.

(PSG, p. 107; DDG, p. 99) How should the coming of Christ and the coming of the lawless one influence our approach to sharing the gospel today? 

How should the coming of Christ and the coming of the lawless one impact our attitude, faith, hope, and outlook on life today?

What are some actions you can take to avoid being deceived?

Speculations, lawlessness, and delusions can cause believers to be distracted to the point that they miss the mistakes and errors in what they are being enticed to believe, especially regarding the return of Jesus. Or believers might spend so much time trying to figure out when Jesus is returning that they miss the point of what we should be doing as we wait for His return.

Additionally, and sadly, those who don’t know Christ will miss the true message of the gospel if we are distracted because we are the light and voice of the gospel to this lost world. We need to continue to share and show the good news of Jesus to a world that is continually being deceived and distracted.

Take time this week to identify the things that are causing you to be distracted from the promise of Christ’s return and the mission we are on as we wait for His return. Consider ways in which you can embrace the truth of God’s Word over the speculations and delusions of those who embrace lawlessness.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

It is believed that Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians not long after his first epistle. He expresses his ongoing concern for the Thessalonian believers, assuring them that he was praying for them and expressing gratitude for their love, spiritual growth, and endurance.  When they were tempted to give up, Paul admonished them to stay the course. Here are some things we can learn from Paul regarding spiritual endurance.

Encouragement and Affirmation Builds Endurance – 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

When we see the word ought, we might not completely understand what Paul is communicating. The King James translation expresses more fully what Paul is saying: We are bound to thank God always for you (v. 3, KJV). It implies a debt to be paid or a moral obligation. Because of his relationship with Christ and his relationship to those believers, he felt he must, or was bound to, thank God always for their unfailing faithfulness. Paul loved what God was doing and he wanted the Thessalonians to know how grateful he was for their progress and faithfulness.

Imagine Paul is writing verses 3-4 to you. How would you respond? How would this help you endure?

Whose faithfulness and love have you observed? What is one action you can take to encourage and affirm believers?

Remembering God’s Judgment Helps Build Endurance – 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Notice, Paul stated that the Thessalonians’ endurance in persecution was clear evidence of God’s work and their worth. Their perseverance demonstrated the validity of the gospel and highlighted the supernatural strength that kept them moving forward. It also revealed the depth of their faith in God’s justice. Then he reminds them that God will judge those who reject the gospel and are persecuting them.

Imagine you are a Thessalonian believer. You are facing increased persecution because of your faith, and Paul writes to you, reminding you of God’s judgment on those who are persecuting you. How would this help build your endurance?

Should this promise of God’s judgment prompt us to have an attitude of vengeance, pity, or mercy upon those who persecute us or reject God? How should we respond to unbelievers based upon this promise of judgment?

Because the Thessalonians accepted Paul’s testimony, they could trust God to avenge their suffering, and they could rest in the fact that their future was secure in Christ. They had believed what he had shared, and that faith made all the difference when it came to endurance. This brings us to Paul’s prayer regarding the outcome of endurance.

The Outcome of Endurance - 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

The phrase, worthy of his calling does not suggest that they could earn salvation. Their salvation was already secure through the finished work of Christ. Instead, it reminded them of their responsibility to provide evidence of their relationship with Christ. 

What do you think it means when someone says they have been “called” to do something? Have you ever considered salvation as a “calling”? How can viewing your salvation as a calling from God change the way you live your life?

Notice the final portion of Paul’s prayer in verse 12, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. In today’s culture people approach life from a self-centered perspective. They might consider Paul’s prayer an unworthy outcome because it doesn’t emphasize how it is going to make them feel better about themselves or receive some type of personal recognition.

Paul’s message is clear; we endure and, yes, that endurance gives us strength, but the endurance is for the purpose of pointing people to Jesus. Our endurance glorifies God, not ourselves.

Yet the apostle also reminded his readers that honor was a two-way street. Your faithful endurance brings glory to Jesus, and this brings joy to Jesus. He in turn glorifies and honors you because of the grace and love He has for you.

Review your walk with Christ and consider the areas in which you feel you are living worthy of the calling of Salvation? Then, consider the areas in which you aren’t living a life worthy of the calling of salvation. 

One-Off Event or an Endurance Race?

Do you view salvation as a quick walk around the block (a one-off event) or as an endurance race? How would viewing salvation as an endurance race help you? What words from this passage could help you build endurance?

Spiritual endurance requires complete dependence on God’s strength working in us. Ultimately, the mission of believers is to point others to the Savior. If we consider salvation a one-off event, then it will be very difficult to build the endurance one needs in order to live a life worthy of the calling of salvation.  This was the emphasis of Paul’s prayers for the Thessalonians and for you!

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.