WHAT IS THE TRUTH? – Read: Acts 17:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:17; 2 Peter 3:14-18

1. Pastor Jeff opened today by reflecting on this letter of Paul, and that the theme that runs through the letter is one of caution about false teaching. In Chapter 1, the false teaching was tied to persecution, and we see more detail in the Acts 17 account of this early church that Pastor Jeff shared – what does that passage convey? Jeff said it this way: “This letter was probably written shortly after sending the first letter – possibly even a few months later – and was based on a report Paul received that compelled him to quickly write a letter to address it. And the report indicated that the problems addressed in the first letter had gotten worse, likely through more persecutions…Greek, Roman, and Jewish neighbors have upped the persecution – and the suffering was happening because of being associated with Jesus, and being a part of God’s Kingdom.” Do you see this in the Acts passage? Appears significant, yes?

2. And now, in Chapter 2, Paul is hearing of “fear and confusion”, as Jeff put it, about the second coming of Jesus, His day of return (in the Greek, Parousia), based on false teaching. Do you see this in these first four verses? And note, importantly, where Paul says the false teaching is ascribed…to him! (verse 2). And naturally, his reaction is strong…as Jeff said, “Paul gets fired up!” To emphasize his knowledge of the truth of Jesus, note what he says at the close of the letter in 3:17…he wants them to know that this letter is genuine, and the words are of him, and that he is carrying a truthful teaching to them about Jesus’ return. Do you see this? Why is this so important? Where does truth come from? And what is truth, by the way?

3. Can you recall hearing or reading of false teaching about Jesus’ return? What have you heard? What makes it false? And again, why is this important? And as Jeff shared, in Peter’s second letter, in Chapter 3, Peter nails the problem directly, even referencing Paul’s teaching…what does Peter say? And in verse 16, what does he say is behind the false teaching? And in verses 17-18, what does Peter say they must do? Is this a lesson for us today? How so? Does this ring true for you in your experience? How so?

DON’T YOU REMEMBER? – Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:5-12

4. So, now in verses 5-12, Paul addresses the false teaching head on, and provides the truth of Jesus’ return. As Jeff said, “The return of Jesus was to inspire hope and confidence (not fear!). But maybe Paul had earlier shared too short a summary.” So, as Jeff said, the key is “In-person teaching and discipleship with a trusted person of God, placing great importance on sound teaching and living, and the confidence that God enables us to give each other.” Does this make sense to you? Does it ring true? How so?

5. Jeff shared a quote from Tim Mackie, Christian scholar and founder of The Bible Project that helps in this portion of the passage: “Paul gives a short summary. It’s actually too short. This paragraph has lots of puzzles and problems of interpretation. What is clear is that he cites the well-known themes from the prophets Daniel and Isaiah: that the kingdoms of this world will continue to produce rulers who rebel against God (like Nebuchadnezzar or the king of the north). For Paul these ancient kings and prophecies give us images and set out a pattern. Paul saw this fulfilled in his own day with the Roman emperors Caligula and Nero. He expects that this will repeat itself and culminate with a rebellious ruler, empowered by evil itself, who would wreak never before seen violence and havoc in God’s world for a short time. When Jesus returns He will confront the Rebel (and all who perpetrate evil) and will deliver his people.” This gives us a more complete picture, yes? And knowing this, now we can go back and re-read 5-12 with fresh eyes.

6. And as Jeff shared, one more quote in conclusion, from Tim Mackie: “Paul’s point here is not to give later readers [that’s us] fuel for apocalyptic speculation. Rather he’s comforting the Thessalonians. He’s recalling the teaching of Jesus from Mark 13 where Jesus says the events leading up to His return will be very public and obvious. No need to be fearful or worried about being left behind. Rather, they need to stay faithful until Jesus returns to deliver them.” And so, are these comforting words seen in this perspective? They should be, and must be, because they are true, yes?

STANDING FIRM – Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17; Mark 13:32-37

7. And in these final five verses, Pastor Jeff said it this way: “Which leads us to how Paul leans in to wrap this portion up – what are the Thessalonians supposed to remember as they face persecution before the return of Jesus?” What do you see Paul saying in these final five verses? Jeff summarized it this way: “Remember that God has chosen you, saved you, and sanctified you with the truth. Stand firm in the midst of persecution; Stand firm against false teaching – test every spirit/vision against scripture and sound teaching; Trust those that have been empowered by God to instruct and teach; Ultimately, live with hope for the return of Jesus.” Does this ring true for you? In what ways do you do this?

8. Jeff concluded by reminding us that, “Jesus’ instructions in Mark 13 (and elsewhere) were always about being ready!” Read the Mark 13 passage…what does Jesus say to His closest disciples? Again, is this for us today? How so? Are you getting ready? How so?

9. Jeff closed with these words for us today at the takeaway from this passage, as Paul would have said to EAC this morning: “Be comforted and established in your good works and words. You’re becoming like Jesus – which includes suffering, navigating false teaching, and choosing to stay faithful.” Let us stand firm! Let us stay faithful! Amen!

Prayer: In prayer this week, ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind to the teaching of truth you receive from Him through your own study, and from those trusted teachers of the Word who bring the Truth. Pray that He will continue to give you knowledge, wisdom, and discernment in what you hear and receive, and also what you pass on to others. Pray that He would guide your path this week for the sharing of the Gospel with others, and the building up of the body of Christ in discipleship. And as always, pray that the Holy Spirit would give you ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to respond to His call to you, in order to be His hands and feet in this world, standing firm in the truth, all for God’s Glory! Amen.

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