Living in Light of Christ's Return-Part 2

Part 8: Unshakable Faith

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

Sunday, November 10th, 2024

The Context 

What’s Going On? 

• Persecution 

• Perplexity 

• Paul’s Teaching 

The Passage

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17,ESV

We Ought to Always Give Thanks! (vs.13)

Paul Gives Them 3 Reasons to Give Thanks 

1. God chose you to be saved. (vs.13a)

2. God sanctifies you. (vs.13b)

3. God calls you to glory. (vs14)

So What?

How to Live with an Unshakable Faith 

1. Stand Firm (vs.15)

2. Hold to the traditions. (vs.15)

3. Be comforted. (vs.16-17)

Talk It Over 

• Ice Breaker: If you could thank someone from your past for one impactful lesson, who would it be, and what did they teach you?
• Take a minute to read the passage and review the sermon outline. 

1. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13. What reasons does Paul give for being thankful in this passage? How might this kind of thanksgiving change the way we face challenges in our lives? Cross-reference: Psalm 100:4-5; Philippians 4:6-7.
2. God Chose You to Be Saved (v. 13a) What does it mean to you personally that God chose you? How does this shape your view of your identity and purpose? Cross-reference: Ephesians 1:4-5; John 15:16
3. God Sanctifies You (v. 13b): Sanctification is a lifelong process. How have you seen evidence of God’s work in your life over time? What does it look like for God to make us holy? Cross-reference: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4; Philippians 1:6.
4. God Calls You to Glory (v. 14):What does Paul mean by being called to share in Christ’s glory? How can this hope help us in difficult times? Cross-reference: Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:10.
5. Stand Firm (v. 15): Why is it important to “stand firm” in our faith, especially when facing persecution or confusion? How can we help each other stand firm? Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:10-13.
6. Hold to the Traditions (v. 15): What do you think Paul means by “traditions”? How can we discern which teachings or practices are worth holding onto today? Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Timothy 1:13-14.
7. Be Comforted (v. 16-17): How do we experience God’s comfort in challenging times? What are practical ways to rely on His peace? Cross-reference: John 14:27; Psalm 94:19.
8. Persecution and Perplexity: In what ways do persecution and confusion (perplexity) impact our faith today? How can the principles in this passage strengthen us? Cross-reference: James 1:2-4; 2 Timothy 3:12.
9. Application: How can we show gratitude, pursue holiness, and find comfort daily? What steps can you take this week to focus on these areas?