Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, February 8th, 2009.
1) 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 (Read it twice)
Paul wrote this second letter soon after his first. Why do you think he wrote it? What were the needs of the church in Thessalonica?
This lesson addresses the question: Is God Always Fair? What do you think about this question? Can you think of times it seems like God is not fair? How does Paul address the answer to that question in this passage?
2) 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9
What do these verses say about God’s justice? What is the evidence Paul is referring to? Compare/contrast the experience of Jesus’ return for those who do and do not know God. Colossians 3:25, Romans 2:8, Revelation 6:9-11
How do these verses add to your knowledge about God’s justice?
3) 2 Thessalonians 1:11
What does it mean to be counted worthy of God’s calling? How does that happen? What does a life that has been counted worthy look like?
Philippians 3:17-21; Galatians 4:8-9
What difference does it make in life to know God, to accept His offer to be His child instead of His enemy? How do these verses remind you of your life before Christ?
4) 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10
What is going to happen to those who don’t know God? For whom in your life is this a reality? Pray for them. (What does God want you to do about it?)
2 Thessalonians 1:3
Who matches this description in your life? Pray, thanking God for them.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Pray these verses, filling in the blanks with your own name. Then, pray them for someone else.
“With Jesus’ return in mind, I pray for _____________, that God may count __________ worthy of His calling, and that by God’s power God may fulfill every good purpose of __________ and every act prompted by _________’s faith. I pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in ________, and _________ in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
While studying this lesson this week, I was thinking about some of the things in my life and the world that I label as "Life is not fair." And yet, if I believe God is in charge of it all and uses it all for the purposes of His kingdom, that means I'm really saying, "God is not fair." I'm wrestling with finding the truth about my attitudes toward fairness in our fallen world. Am I the only one struggling with this?
ReplyDeleteNot likely. I've been reading Oswald Chambers "My Utmost For His Highest" in the morning and quite often he make comment along the lines of unless we are blatantly disobeying we can have cofidence God is guiding our decision making process and in control of our circumstances/situations. Or something like that.
ReplyDeleteIs God fair? Wow. As hard as it may seem at times I figure I need to beleive yes and believe His love and justice are working together.
ReplyDeleteDecker, you are an huge encouragement to me! Thanks. This year I'm using a Chronological Bible for my daily devotions, but I may need to do "My Utmost For His Highest" again next year. Sounds like you are getting a lot out of it!
ReplyDelete