Sermon Schedule: 2 Thessalonians — Standing Firm
For 4 weeks in November to December, we will be reading the book of 2 Thessalonians together. This letter by Paul encourages the original hearers, and also us, to continue standing firm in the face of opposition.
Paul gives thanks to God for the spiritual growth of the Thessalonian Christians and the love they showed one another amidst great affliction. He encourages them to press on, knowing that God is just and will punish the wicked and grant relief to his people. He also addresses false teachings concerning the return of Jesus. He reminds the Thessalonians of what he had taught concerning the end times and exhorts them to stand firm in the faith. He invites them to pray for his team and the spread of the gospel. Finally, he warns the Thessalonians not to be idle but to imitate his godly example of not growing weary in doing good.
Major Themes
As we read through this book, let us pay attention to how Paul speaks of the character and attributes of God. God is a righteous judge (2 Thess 1:5-10), a God of grace (2 Thess 1:12) and peace (2 Thess 3:16) who is faithful (2 Thess 3:3) and comforts His people (2 Thess 2:16-17).
Paul’s letter to the church also speaks of the reality of judgement for sin (2 Thess 1:5-10) and a warning against lawlessness (2 Thess 2:1-12). He encourages the church to stand firm (2 Thess 2:13-17, 3:3-5) with dependence on the Spirit (2 Thess 2:13). They are to also pray for one another and the mission (2 Thess 3:1), and press on in doing good (2 Thess 3:6-15).
Aims
Why is this book important for us? As we read it, we pray that it will help us to:
Give thanks
Find comfort and relief in God’s judgement of the wicked
Stand firm amidst lawlessness
Be dependant on the Holy Spirit
Not grow weary in doing good
Pray more
Schedule
Here is the preaching schedule for this series. We encourage you to spend some time reading and preparing for the series:
The songs that we have been singing at our services can be found at this Spotify playlist: