IDLENESS – Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

1. The question was submitted, “What is the best way to not remain idle as Paul very much warns us about? Any tips on how we can stay away from idleness in our faith?” After reading the text, Pastor Mike took this first question and focused on those practices and rhythms that Christian formation is based upon. As followers of Jesus, He calls on us to ‘make disciples’ and this involves helping folks (and ourselves) grow in our faith – what we call ‘sanctification’ through discipleship. And this, in turn, is probably the single most effective way to avoid idleness in our lives. Does this make sense to you?

2. And then the question becomes, ‘How?’ Pastor Mike suggested finding a regular time for prayer, being in God’s Word (either reading or studying), using your God-given gifts for others, and learning more deeply with others in a class or study environment. A few key aspects – (1) find dedicated time; literally schedule time with God, and guard that appointment from other tasks or meetings; (2) be very intentional about your growth and that of others – plan for it and do it – don’t make it the last thing that happens if you get around to it; and (3) at least some of the time, do it in community, even if it’s just one other person – we grow from the knowledge God has given others, and we can also use this as a way to be accountable. Do you have other practices that are helpful for your formation or that of others?

THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS – Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5; Matthew 24:3-21; 1 John 2:18

3. The question was submitted, “Regarding the man of lawlessness mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5: Is this the same person as the Antichrist mentioned in other parts of the Bible? Is this a literal person, a system, or a historical figure who already lived?” After reading the initial text, Pastor Jeff took this question. What we need to remember is that the Bible references, and Jesus Himself references, those who oppose Him as anti-Christs with a small ‘a’, and there is also reference to a singular figure who plays a role in the ‘end times.’, known as the Anti-Christ with a capital ‘A’. Important references are also made in the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation, where the singular figure is also called, ‘the beast’, and may denote both a figure and the powers of deceit, darkness, and death that, led by Satan, will fall upon the world. So as Jeff said, it is both ‘a guy’ and ‘guys’ – a singular figure as well as all those who Paul references both here in the 2 Thessalonians passage, as does Jesus in the Matthew 24 teaching to His disciples on the Mount of Olives prior to His crucifixion. What does He say?

4. The Apostle John also uses this reference in 1 John 2:18. Pastor Jeff shared a quote from scholar Karen Jobes that helps here: “Many people who have heard the term “antichrist” are probably surprised to learn that this term occurs in the NT only in John’s letters (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). The antichrist in popular religious culture has strong connections with the book of Revelation, based on identifying with the apocalyptic image of the beast with the antichrist, who is often portrayed by modern preachers as a future world ruler who will set himself against Christ and his people in hostile and violent acts […]”

BELIEVERS WHO HAVE DIED – Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Genesis 15:6; Hebrews 11:8-16

5. The question was submitted, “What about the believers who died before Christ returns and the Thessalonians concern that they have missed out on eternal life? How was that answered?” Pastor Mike read the 1 Thessalonians passage, and helped us see that what Paul told this congregation is not to worry – that those who have died will see Jesus again and have eternal life with Him. It’s important to note that the word ‘sleep’ here is a Jewish idiom for ‘death’, not sleep in the sense we think. And the key is that they have faith, or trust, in Jesus, even as the Genesis verse indicates that Abram’s faith was counted, by God, to him as righteousness. And the Hebrews 11 passage helps us see this too. Does this make sense to you?

THE RAPTURE – Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 24:30-31; 40-41

6. The question was submitted, “Could you speak more specifically about the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18?” Jeff read the passage and helped us see that the ‘main event’ in the end times is Jesus’ second coming, known in Greek as the Parousia. And in the New Testament days, the idea and practice was that when a king has been away for battle or to a foreign land, upon his return, the citizens would go out of the city to meet the king and escort him back to the city, welcoming him back, and celebrating his return. This image can help us see this time of ‘reconnecting’ with the Lord upon His return. There are varying views of the timing and nature of this, but the key to remember is that Jesus is coming again to His sovereign reign and rule, and that His followers will join Him. And as the Matthew 24 passage tells us, Jeff said that we can assured that He will gather all of His followers up – we won’t have to go to Him – “He will make sure we get to the right destination.” Does this make sense to you? Is this assuring? How so?

JESUS’ RETURN – Read: Matthew 24:42-46; Luke 12:35-40; 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

7. The question was submitted, “Since Jesus’ return is supposed to encourage us, why does end times teaching create so much fear and division instead of hope?” Pastor Mike and Jeff both offered thoughts here…the key for us is to read the entirety of the Bible with respect to the end times, and not become hyper-focused on one end of the spectrum or the other – one end says, ‘I’m not interested, so I’m not paying attention, and I don’t want to know’. The other end says, ‘All I really care about is the end times, and I’m going to do all I can to figure out every last detail.’ As Mike said, “Run towards a solid understanding, but don’t obsess only on the end times.” Pastor Jeff urged us to trust in the Lord, and to be ready, and to encourage one another with hope – to live our lives in faith and preparation for His return, whenever that may be, knowing that we will live our lives with Him forever. As Jesus said in the Matthew and Luke passages, “Keep watch…be ready.” And as Paul said at the end of Chapter 4, “…encourage one another with these words.” Are you trusting Him? Are you ready? Are you encouraging? Amen!

Prayer: In prayer this week, consider further these submitted questions, and also consider other questions you might have at this time. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, pray for illumination, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom…He is the purveyor of all of the Truth, and we can know it through Him. Also pray for Him to reveal new and fresh ways for you to connect with the Word, and pray for wisdom in seeking other people and resources that can help you answer questions. And as you get some of your questions answered, pray that He will place in your path other folks who will benefit from knowing what you know, and pray for the strength to share that with others. 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, feet and heart in this world, seeking further discernment, wisdom, and understanding, all for His Glory! Amen.

Sermon Discussion Questions August 23, 2026