1 & 2 Thessalonians (Life Lessons) - Softcover

Lucado, Max

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1418509744 ISBN 13: 9781418509743

Publisher: Thomas Nelson, 2007

Synopsis

The Lucado Life Lessons series continues to be one of the best-selling study guide series on the market today. These brand-new releases will join the ranks of the previously released and repackaged study guides, offering readers a complete selection of New Testament Bible studies by best-selling inspirational author Max Lucado. For small group or individual use, intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections take the participant deeper into God's Word.

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

BOOKS OF 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS

TRANSCENDENT LIVING IN A TRANSIENT WORLDBy MAX LUCADO

Nelson Impact

Copyright © 2007Thomas Nelson
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4185-0974-3

Contents

How to Study the Bible..........................................ivIntroduction to the Book of 1 Thessalonians.....................viiLesson 1 True Transformation....................................1Lesson 2 The Question of Motives................................11Lesson 3 When Hell Breaks Loose.................................21Lesson 4 Encouragement..........................................31Lesson 5 Personal Purity........................................41Lesson 6 The King Is Coming!....................................51Lesson 7 The Christian's Survival Kit...........................61Introduction to the Book of 2 Thessalonians.....................70Lesson 8 The Upside of Trouble..................................71Lesson 9 The Great Deceiver.....................................81Lesson 10 Standing Strong.......................................91Lesson 11 The Importance of Intercession........................101Lesson 12 Work..................................................111

Chapter One

LESSON ONE

TRUE TRANSFORMATION

REFLECTION

It's been said that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes. But we could add another item to that list-change. Think about it. Nothing in this world stays the same. Emotions vacillate. Relationships fluctuate. Material things deteriorate. Look at your own life and record some of the primary things that are different from ten years ago.

SITUATION

Paul and Silas were led by God to proclaim the good news of Christ's love in Thessalonica (see Acts 17:1-9). Many responded enthusiastically. However, when persecution forced these missionaries to depart abruptly, Paul wrote at the first opportunity. His intent? To commend the Thessalonians for their faith and to encourage them to continue to show and tell the gospel.

OBSERVATION

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 from the NCV or the NKJV.

NCV

1 From Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

To the church in Thessalonica, the church in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you.

2 We always thank God for all of you and mention you when we pray. 3 We continually recall before God our Father the things you have done because of your faith and the work you have done because of your love. And we thank him that you continue to be strong because of your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 Brothers and sisters, God loves you, and we know he has chosen you, 5 because the Good News we brought to you came not only with words, but with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with sure knowledge that it is true. Also you know how we lived when we were with you in order to help you. 6 And you became like us and like the Lord. You suffered much, but still you accepted the teaching with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. 7 So you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Southern Greece. 8 And the Lord's teaching spread from you not only into Macedonia and Southern Greece, but now your faith in God has become known everywhere. So we do not need to say anything about it. 9 People everywhere are telling about the way you accepted us when we were there with you. They tell how you stopped worshiping idols and began serving the living and true God. 10 And you wait for God's Son, whom God raised from the dead, to come from heaven. He is Jesus, who saves us from God's angry judgment that is sure to come.

NKJV

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

EXPLORATION

1. Take three minutes to reread the history of the "founding" of the church at Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9). How does their beginning compare with the history of your church?

2. What do Christians mean when they speak of "repenting" and "being converted"?

3. New Testament Christians seemed to face much more suffering and persecution than modern-day North American believers. Why?

4. What does it mean to present the good news "with power, with the Holy Spirit" (v. 5 NCV)?

5. Which is more important and why: a transformed character or a rock-solid reputation?

INSPIRATION

Here is (dare I say it?) the greatest miracle of God. It is astounding when God heals the body. It is extraordinary when God hears the prayer. It is incredible when God provides the new job, the new car, the new child. But none of these compares to when God creates new life.

At our new birth God remakes our souls and gives us what we need, again. New eyes so we can see by faith. A new mind so we can have the mind of Christ. New strength so we won't grow tired. A new vision so we won't lose heart. A new voice for praise and new hands for service. And most of all, a new heart. A heart that has been cleansed by Christ.

And, oh, how we need it. We have soiled what he gave us the first time. We have used our eyes to see impurity, our hands to give pain, our feet to walk the wrong path, our minds to think evil thoughts. All of us need to be made new again.

The first birth was for earthly life; the second one is for eternal life. The first time we received a physical heart; the second time we receive a spiritual heart. The first birth enabled us to have life on earth. The second birth enables us to have life eternal. (From A Gentle Thunder by Max Lucado)

REACTION

6. What were the circumstances surrounding your own conversion?

7. What prompted you to listen to the messengers who first explained the gospel to you?

8. What are the unmistakable signs that Christ has made you a new creature-that the Spirit of God lives in you?

9. In what specific ways do you feel that you are an example to other believers?

10. When others discuss your faith, what do you suspect they say about you, about God, about the church?

11. What areas of your life do you sense God's Spirit prompting you to look at?

LIFE LESSONS

Here's an arresting truth: You have a reputation. Good or bad, everyone who is acquainted with you has an opinion about you. If your name comes up in conversation, people think certain things. Good or bad, they remember specific interactions; they recall past incidents. If you are not around, they may say things about you. Do you know what they say? Good things? "She is one of the kindest people I know." Or bad things? "Oh, yeah, him ... he's a self-absorbed jerk." The fact is, if we claim to be followers of Jesus, our reputation is enormously important. How do we go about making ours better? By working on our image? No. By focusing on our character. When we let God do his transforming work in our hearts, the difference Christ makes will slowly become evident on the surface of our lives.

DEVOTION

Father, thank you for the great hope of the gospel-that I don't have to stay like I am. I can change, by the power of your Spirit. Work in me. Show me the inconsistencies in my life. Help me to be a better example to those around me today.

For more Bible passages on our need to live transformed lives, see Daniel 1:8; Matthew 5:13-16; Acts 5:20; 1 Timothy 6:18; and 1 Peter 2:12; 3:15.

To complete the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians during this twelve-part study, read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.

JOURNALING

We speak a lot about being changed by God. Yet how exactly does this transformation happen? What is God's part and what is our role?

Chapter Two

LESSON TWO

THE QUESTION OF MOTIVES

REFLECTION

It isn't enough to merely do the right things. The Bible makes it clear that God cares not only about what we do, but why we do what we do. Take a few moments to honestly ponder your own heart in each of these areas:

Why do you go to church?

Why do you hang out with the friends you have chosen?

What are your motives for working where you do and the way you do?

SITUATION

After he left Thessalonica, the apostle Paul became the target of multiple false accusations-probably at the hands of pagan Gentiles who lived in the area, as well as the relentless band of hostile Jews who shadowed his movements. Here he writes to reveal his real motives for ministry.

OBSERVATION

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 from the NCV or the NKJV.

NCV

1 Brothers and sisters, you know our visit to you was not a failure. 2 Before we came to you, we suffered in Philippi. People there insulted us, as you know, and many people were against us. But our God helped us to be brave and to tell you his Good News. 3 Our appeal does not come from lies or wrong reasons, nor were we trying to trick you. 4 But we speak the Good News because God tested us and trusted us to do it. When we speak, we are not trying to please people, but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know that we never tried to influence you by saying nice things about you. We were not trying to get your money; we had no selfishness to hide from you. God knows that this is true. 6 We were not looking for human praise, from you or anyone else, 7 even though as apostles of Christ we could have used our authority over you.

But we were very gentle with you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 Because we loved you, we were happy to share not only God's Good News with you, but even our own lives. You had become so dear to us! 9 Brothers and sisters, I know you remember our hard work and difficulties. We worked night and day so we would not burden any of you while we preached God's Good News to you.

10 When we were with you, we lived in a holy and honest way, without fault. You know this is true, and so does God. 11 You know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. 12 We encouraged you, we urged you, and we insisted that you live good lives for God, who calls you to his glorious kingdom.

NKJV

1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness-God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

EXPLORATION

1. What is it like to have someone call your hard efforts a "failure" (see verse 1 NCV)?

2. Have you ever had the experience of having someone questioning your motives?

3. What is the advantage of being motivated by the one goal of trying to please God (v. 4 NCV)?

4. Look at Paul's various statements defending his motives and ministry. Can you echo those sentiments as you think back over your interactions with people from the last week?

5. What is Paul's point in using the analogies of motherhood (v. 7) and fatherhood (vv. 11-12)?

INSPIRATION

When I learned that [my Dad] had a terminal disease, I wrote him, volunteering to change my plans and stay near him. He immediately wrote back, saying, "Don't be concerned about me. I have no fear of death or eternity; just go ... please him."

My father's life is an example of a heart melted in the fire of God, formed on his anvil, and used in his vineyard. He knew, and knows, what his life was for. In a society of question and confusion, his was one life that had a definition.

Time on God's anvil should do that for us: It should clarify our mission and define our purpose. When a tool emerges from a blacksmith's anvil, there is no question as to what it is for. There is no question as to why it was made. One look at the tool and you instantly know its function. You pick up a hammer and you know that it was made to hit nails. You pick up a saw and you know that it was made to cut wood. You see a screwdriver and you know that it is for tightening screws.

As a human being emerges from the anvil of God, the same should be true. Being tested by God reminds us that our function and task is to be about his business, that our purpose is to be an extension of his nature, an ambassador of his throne room, and a proclaimer of his message. We should exit the shop with no question as to why God made us. We know our purpose. (From On the Anvil by Max Lucado)

REACTION

6. How does having a clear sense of purpose or divine calling help us keep our motives pure in the daily hubbub of life?

7. How motivated are you by success and/or the fear of failure?

8. The temptation to be a people pleaser is powerful. How can a Christian realistically break free from this constant pressure?

9. Are our motives ever really 100 percent pure and noble?

10. Is conscience reliable? Can we let it be our guide in matters of motive?

11. What from Paul's transparent discussion of his motives stands out to you and challenges you to be different?

LIFE LESSONS

Someone has observed that we can choose to fear God, and if so, then we will fear nothing else. Or we can refuse to fear God-in which case, we will fear everything else. It is a powerful thing, a life-changing moment, when we realize that God's opinion is the only thing that ultimately matters. When we get to that place, we find true freedom. No more enslavement to the agendas of parents or peers. No more wringing our hands over what others think. We swap all those competing, confusing, crazy-making motivations for one simplified, bottom-line purpose: living to please God. We live our lives for an audience of one. Aren't you ready for such a life of simplicity and freedom, peace and power?

DEVOTION

Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Paul. It is possible to be motivated purely by a love for you and a desire to honor you by serving others. That's what I want. Give me the grace to find that simple and free life.

For more Bible passages on motives, see Proverbs 16:7; John 8:29; 12:43; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; Colossians 3:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; and Hebrews 11:5; 13:16.

To complete the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians during this twelve-part study, read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12.

JOURNALING

List any questionable motives in your life, and then, after writing 1 John 1:9 over the list, thank God for his promise to forgive and cleanse your heart.

Chapter Three

LESSON THREE

WHEN HELL BREAKS LOOSE

REFLECTION

In his classic book The Screwtape Letters, the venerable C. S. Lewis warned of two possible errors in thinking about demons. On one extreme is the refusal to believe in their existence. The other equally dangerous mistake is to "feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them." Which of these tendencies do you most see in your own life?

SITUATION

In this sobering passage, Paul reminds his readers that the world is immersed in a cosmic conflict. The "devil who rules this world" (2 Cor. 4:4 NCV) does not take lightly the spread of Christ's message. And he does not stand idly by when Christians seek to live to God's glory.

OBSERVATION

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 from the NCV or the NKJV.

NCV

13 Also, we always thank God because when you heard his message from us, you accepted it as the word of God, not the words of humans. And it really is God's message which works in you who believe. 14 Brothers and sisters, your experiences have been like those of God's churches in Christ that are in Judea. You suffered from the people of your own country, as they suffered from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and forced us to leave that country. They do not please God and are against all people. 16 They try to stop us from teaching those who are not Jews so they may be saved. By doing this, they are increasing their sins to the limit. The anger of God has come to them at last.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from BOOKS OF 1 & 2 THESSALONIANSby MAX LUCADO Copyright © 2007 by Thomas Nelson . Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Edition details

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1418509744
• ISBN 13: 9781418509743
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128