For Sunday, February 22nd

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, February 22nd, 2009.

1) 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
What prayer requests did Paul have? Why were these requests so vital to his ministry?
Do you make the rapid spread of the message of the Lord a priority in your life? What is the evidence of this? If not, what steps can you take to change it?
Do you make support of missionaries in praying and giving of your resources a priority in your life? For more information, or to make a more intentional habit of it, check out these web sites: www.namb.net (North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention) or www.imb.org (International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention).

2) 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
What problem in the church in Thessalonica did Paul confront in this passage? What circumstances may have been contributing to this behavior? Besides words, how did Paul teach them about a proper work ethic for Christians?
1 Thessalonians 5:14; Galatians 6:1; Romans 16:17; Ephesians 4:28
Do you think Paul’s recommendation of shunning believers who act irresponsibly should be practiced in churches today? Why or why not?

3) 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10
How did Paul’s teaching about supporting church leaders and his own actions differ? Why?
1 Corinthians 9:4-14
What kind of problem do you think Paul was addressing for the church in Corinth? What were his arguments about support of church leaders? What Old Testament examples does he rely on to prove his point?

4) 2 Thessalonians 3:11-18
Galatians 6:9; Colossians 3:23
What makes you tried or weary when doing what is right? What encouragement did Paul give for those who were struggling with perseverance?
2 Thessalonians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 16:21
After considering all we have learned about the Thessalonians and other early Christian congregations, why do you think Paul included these verses?