Chapter Summary

Paul's encouragements and exhortations to the Thessalonians.

Discussion Questions for 2 Thessalonians, Chapter 3

1. Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray that the Word of God is honored. What is honor? How do we know if something is being honored when we see it? How was the Word of God honored by the Thessalonians? How we honor the Word of God in today's culture?
2. 2 Thess. 3:2 states, "and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith." It seems that Paul is defining wicked and evil people by those not having faith. If a person does not have faith in Christ, should they be considered wicked and evil? Why or why not?
3. 2 Thess. 3:3 states, "But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." To establish context, who is the evil one? Is the evil one in one being or could his influence be found in multiple beings at once? Why are we not able to guard against the evil one ourselves? How are we able to live knowing that the Lord is faithful and guarding us against the evil one?
4. Paul prays the Lord direct their hearts to the love of God and steadfastness of Christ. How does a person know the love of God? How is Christ steadfast?
5. Paul commands them to stay away from anyone that is walking in idleness in 2 Thes 3:6. Why shouldn't we be near someone that is lazy? Should we help or encourage someone that has been lazy to start working? Why or why not? Do you believe idle people are given too much aid in today's culture? Why or why not?
6. Paul encourages people to imitate his work habits. How is it helpful to follow someone's example as a person or a Christian? Why should we be willing to lose our individuality?
7. Paul gives the command in 2 Thes. 3:10, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." How is it Christ like not to give someone food if they are hungry? How are you able to reconcile this command by Paul to the idea many in society have about Christ?
8. Paul tells the believers in Thessalonica not to grow weary in well doing? Everyone grows physically tired while working but define growing weary in your own words. How do we prevent ourselves from growing weary in well doing? How do we prevent others from growing weary in well doing?
9. According to Paul in 2 Thess 3:14-15, if a believer does not follow directions in the letter, they are not to have anything to do with them. We are not to view them as an enemy but warn as a brother. Should we have church discipline among fellow believers? Why would it be beneficial to have church discipline even to the point of removal from the church?
10. Paul takes great detail stating he is the author of this letter in the last verse of 2 Thes. 3 because there were several false teachers trying to pose as Paul sending letters. How do we know counterfeit, or false, teaching of the Bible? Many people go to church without a Bible or even a Bible app on their phone to listen to preaching at church. Why do they trust the person preaching or teaching from the Bible? What is the best way to guard against false teaching in churches?

Key Words/Phrase

Apostolic commands, v. 6.

Characters

Christ, Paul.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 5, 6, 13.