2 Thessalonians 1: Evidence of Faith
CAN I KNOW for sure that I will go to heaven?
This is a question that plagued the Thessalonians to such an extent that even after the comfort of his first letter, Paul has to write again and give further encouragement. It was difficult for these young Christians to believe that the suffering of their present life would really be followed by the eternal joy of heaven. Perhaps you also wonder if heaven really exists and if you can be sure of going there. If so, you will find Paul writing this passage directly to you.
Warming Up to God
Have you ever met a person and gone away thinking, "They must be a Christian." What gave you that impression?
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Discovering the Word
- What good things does Paul notice about the lives of the Thessalonians (vv. 3-4)?
- Why do you think that in times of persecution, some people's faith and love grow while others' fail (v. 4)?
- Paul proclaims that "God is just." How does he describe God's justice (vv. 5-10)?
- According to this passage, what makes a person "worthy of the kingdom" (v. 5) or "worthy of [God's] calling" (v. 11)?
- In light of his teaching about God's judgment, why does Paul pray as he does in verses 11-12?
Applying the Word
- How can God's justice encourage you when things are "just not fair"?
- If someone were to pray for you as Paul did in verses 11-12, what is one specific way in which you would want God to change your life?
Responding in Prayer
Pray that God's justice would be done in your life and throughout the world.
For Further Study
The Message of Salvation by Philip Graham Ryken