Living In Light of Christ’s Return – 2 Thessalonians

Part 9: A Church To Be Thankful For

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice

November 14, 2024

November 17, 2024 

The Passage

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, ESV

A Church To Be Thankful For 

5 Reasons The Apostle Paul Gave Thanks for the Church 

I Thessalonians 1:2-3, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:4

• People of Prayer  (vs.1-2)

I Thessalonians 5:17, I Thessalonians 1:2

• Enthusiasm for Evangelism (vs.1)

I Thessalonians 1:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:4

• Honor for God’s Word (vs.1)

I Thessalonians 1:6-7, I Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 

• Trust in the Lord (vs.3)

Proverbs 3:5-6, I Thessalonians 1:3 

• Faithful Obedience (vs.4)

I Thessalonians 1:6, I Thessalonians 4:1, I Thessalonians 4:9-10 

Paul’s Closing Prayer Points 

Two Things Paul Prayed for the Church 

I Thessalonians 1:2-3, I Thessalonians 4:9-10

1. God’s Love (vs.5)
2. Steadfastness (vs.5)

Talk It Over 

Ice Breaker – What’s one or two things you are thankful about our Church? 

1. Take a minute to review the passage in sermon outline. What's it out to you and why?

2. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Why do you think Paul encourages believers to "pray without ceasing"? How does continual prayer strengthen a church? In 2 Thessalonians 3: 1-2, he asks for prayer in the present tense, implying that they are already praying. How can we incorporate more prayer and thanksgiving for each other in our church community?

3. In 1 Thessalonians 1:8 it says the Thessalonians' faith "sounded forth" everywhere. What does this teach us about the impact of sharing our faith?  Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1. How do you think “that the word of the Lord” sped ahead and rapidly spread in Thessalonica? What can we do better share our faith?  

4. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, Paul notes the Thessalonians imitated him and the Lord. How does honoring God’s Word shape our actions and example to others? In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 He encourages believers to "stand firm and hold to the traditions." What are some ways we can hold fast to God’s Word  and show honor to God’s word as mentioned in n 2 Thessalonians 3:1?

5. Proverbs 3:5-6 is classic verse that teaches us to trust in the Lord rather than our own understanding. How can this mindset impact our daily decisions and actions? In 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Paul prays for them trust God in two areas what are they? Then in vs. 4 He shares how he knows they are already doing these things! How can you continue to trust God in your life? What areas are you needing to trust God in more? 

6. Faithful Obedience (vs.4) is essential to grow in your faith. Look up a few of the verses below. I Thessalonians 1:6, I Thessalonians 4:1, I Thessalonians 4:9-10 to see how they were faithful. What are practical ways we can show faithful obedience by loving others in our church and community?

7. In vs. 5, Paul prays for the church to continue to love God! Look up 1 Thessalonians 4:9, What does Paul say? Look up and read, 1 John 4:19. How does knowing that God loved us first inspire us to love Him and others?

8. In vs. 5, Paul prays for the church to be steadfast.  In James 1:12 it says that those who remain steadfast under trial are blessed. How can we develop endurance and steadfastness in our walk with God?

9. In Hebrews 12:1-2, believers are encouraged to run the race with perseverance, fixing their eyes on Jesus. How does focusing on Jesus help us remain steadfast?

Close in prayer by giving thanks for the church, and it’s Staff and Elders, and the congregation. Pray for the church’s witness in the world and the community group as a whole too!