Living in Light of Christ's Return-2 Thessalonians

Part 6- Navigating the Nonsense: Anchored in God's Word

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice

Thursday, October 17th, 2024

Sunday, October 20th, 2024

The Passage

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, ESV 

1. The Confusion (vs.1-2,5)

Zephaniah 1:14-15, Matthew 7:15-16, 2 Peter 2:1

• The Commands 
• The Cause 
• The Concern 

2. The Clarification (vs.1-4)

I Thessalonians 4:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:9, I John 2:22

• The Rapture (vs. 1)
• The Rebellion (vs. 3a)
• The Revealing (vs,3b-4)

3. The Challenge (vs.2-3,5)

Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:5, 1 John 4:1

• Don’t Panic 
• Don’t be Deceived 
• Remember God’s Word 

Talk It Over

1. Ice Breaker: Have someone to volunteer to share a crazy chaotic experience and how the found calm in the midst of it or later.  

2. Take a minute to read the passage and review the sermon outline. 

3. What nonsense or chaos are you navigating right now in your life? How can anchoring yourself in God’s Word give you stability?

4. What  Commands does Paul give to help them stay calm in the midst of the confusion? (See 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2, 5)  What do you think Paul means by urging the Thessalonians "not to be quickly shaken in mind"? How does this apply to us today when we're overwhelmed or confused by what we hear? 

5. Why do you think people are easily misled by false teachings or messages? What are some causes of confusion today? How can we guard ourselves? (2 Peter 2:1)

6. Have you ever experienced a time when you were worried or confused about something spiritual? How did you find clarity, or what anchored you during that time?

7. The apostle Paul had previously written to the church in Thessalonica to encourage them that they would be raptured. (1 Thessalonians 4:17).  He repeatedly encourage them that they would not be suffering under God's wrath. I Thessalonians 1:10, and 5:9.Why is this an important promise to hold on to when faced with fear or uncertainty?

8. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, we discover there will be a rebellion, We learned that The word “rebellion” in the Greek is apostasia. It’s where we get the word apostasy! It denotes a departure or revolt from established beliefs. It’s also a "falling away," that signifies a significant rebellion against the truths found in Scripture, particularly within the professing church.  This rebellion that Paul is talking about is not merely a trend but will be marked by an extraordinary act led by the "man of lawlessness." AKA, the Antichrist. He’s got lots of other names, look some up. Revelation 13:1, Daniel 7:8, Revelation 12:9, and I John 2:22. 

9. In 2 Thessalonians 3-4, we see how this "man of lawlessness" will be revealed at some point. Further more what does Paul say what kind of power this man operates by? 1 Thessalonians 5:9. If you've ever been to Israel you know that there is no temple today. 

10. The Bible tells us that the Antichrist will take his seat in the temple, signifying his intention to occupy the place of Jesus Christ in the holy of holies. The term "Antichrist" itself means "against" or "in place of" Christ. This is a future event that we can count on happening. Because the temple is not even built yet. The Bible consistently tells us what we need to know about our past our present and our future. It's important to stay tuned into God's word. How do we stay anchored in God’s Word to discern truth from deception? 

11. In 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3, 5, Paul gives us three challenges. Don’t Panic, Don’t be Deceived, Remember God’s Word. Take a moment to look up the following verses and talk about how you can apply them. Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:5, 1 John 4:1

12. As we reflect on Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonians, how can you help others around you stay steady in their faith, even when things seem confusing or uncertain?