The Integrated Christian
February 12, 2006 - The lesson this morning is Matthew 24.9-14. There are two important thoughts in the lesson. One is perseverance the other is integration which is one result of perseverance. This study guide emphasizes perseverance and is taken from 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.
Open It
What causes many people to give up their plans for self-improvement (diet, exercise, etc.)?
What causes some people to lose their religious faith?
If God could give you an audible word of encouragement, what would help you most?
Explore It
For what reasons did Paul encourage people to thank God? (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
How did Paul describe God's role in our salvation? (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
When the Thessalonian Christians achieve salvation? (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
What forces work for our salvation? (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
Who calls people to salvation? (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
For what reason did God call us to salvation? (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
What encouragement did Paul give to the church? (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
What media did Paul use to send instruction to the church at Thessalonica? (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
What impact did Paul want God to have on every believer in the church? (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
What did Paul want God to encourage and strengthen in the Thessalonian believers? (2 Thessalonians 2:17)
Get It
How does God work in our lives even before we put our trust in Him?
How does God inspire other people to help bring us to him?
How has God changed you since you became a Christian?
What does it mean to stand firm as a Christian?
What teachings should a Christian hold on to as he or she lives for Christ?
How does God encourage us?
What does God do to strengthen us?
What weakens a person's relationship with God?
What strengthens a person's relationship with God?
Apply It
What can you do this week to remind yourself every day what God has done for you?
In what area of your life would taking a firm stand for Christ benefit you this week?
When can you make time in your schedule this week to encourage another believer?
Notes
2 Thessalonians 2:13: Paul consistently taught that salvation begins and ends with God. We can do nothing to be saved on our own merit-we must accept God's gift of salvation. There is no other way to receive forgiveness from sin. Paul is encouraging the Thessalonian believers by reminding them that they had accepted the Apostle's teaching and had received Jesus Christ through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is the process of Christian growth through which the Holy Spirit assists us to become like Christ (Romans 8:29).
2 Thessalonians 2:14: God worked with Paul and his companions to tell the Good News so that people could share in Christ's glory. It may seem strange that God works with us-fallible, unfaithful, untrustworthy human creatures. But he has given us the fantastic privilege of accomplishing his great mission-telling the world how to find salvation.
2 Thessalonians 2:15: Paul knew that the Thessalonians would face pressure from persecutions, false teachers, worldliness, and apathy to waver from the truth and to leave the faith. So he urged them to "stand firm" and hold on to the truth they had been taught both through his letters and in person. We also may face persecution, false teachings, worldliness, and apathy. We should hold on to the truth of Christ's teachings because our lives depend on it. Never forget the reality of Christ's life and love!