1 Thessalonians Part 2 & 2 Thessalonians
Continuity
In the last session we looked at the first part of Paul’s correspondence with the infant church at Salonica. In this session, we will look at the second part which we start at I Thessalonians chapter 4 verse 13 and go to II Thessalonians Chapter 3 verse 18. The main subject is their fascination about the Christian teaching of the second coming of Christ.
Promise
Jesus said he would come again:
John, Chapter 14 verses 1 to 3
Matthew, Chapter 26 verses 63 to 66
(See also Acts, Chapter 1 verses 9 to 11)
The second coming is thus an integral part of the whole gospel, but it is possible to get it out of proportion and think of nothing else. That was the problem among the new Christians at Salonica. Therefore, in his first letter, Paul deals with the issues they had raised.
Input
Their question was,”What about those believers who die before Jesus returns?
Chapter 4 verses 13 to 17
In his answer, Paul reveals that he expected to be living on earth when Jesus came again (verses 15 to 17).
It has been said that the gap between the first and second coming of Christ is the gap between the lightning flash and the thunder roll, but Christians have had to realise that God’s timing is not ours.
No-one knows when or how -Chapter 5 verses 1 to 28. Just be ready!
Question – Do you have any questions or comments about the second coming you could share?

2 Thessalonians begins with Paul’s personal concern and care about those Christians in Salonica suffering persecution for their faith. – 2 Thessalonians Chapter 1.
Paul’s further teaching on the second coming of Christ in 2 Thessalonians, Chapters 2 to 3.
He warns them about getting things out of proper perspective,-Chapter 2 verse 1. No, it had not already happened, verse 2.
There will be a cosmic battle between ‘the rulers of this world’ before they are finally dealt with-Chapter 2 verses 3 to 12.
In the meantime,stand firm as Christians-Chapter 2 verses 13 to 17
And pray-Chapter 3 verses 1 to 5
And live as down-to-earth Christians in the real world-Chapter 3 verses 6 to 18
Question – It is all too easy to treat one aspect of the Gospel as if it were the entire truth. Can you, in love, mention examples?
Pray about these things.
Optional Reading for Next Session Read I Timothy, Chapters 1 to 2.

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