Overview: This week’s readings focus on the struggles that some of the new churches had to deal with. Just because Paul visited a city, preached the gospel for weeks or even months, and founded a church by guiding converts to the faith, this did not protect the new church from scheming heretics. In fact, the immaturity of any new church presented a perfect target for those who meant to mislead and distort the truth. Paul, worried about his friends and their troubles with false teachers, wrote this second letter to the believers at Thessalonica in the hope of encouraging their young but burgeoning faith.
Day 1 – 2 Thessalonians 1
1. Why was Paul thankful for these people?
2. How do we encourage each other without getting arrogant?
3. Why were they counted worthy of God’s kingdom?
Day 2 – 2 Thessalonians 2
1. Why should we approach “End Times” teachings with humility?
2. How will the lawless one deceive people?
3. What areas in our world seem out of control? What are some ideas to help change that?
Day 3 – 2 Thessalonians 3
1. What are two of Paul’s prayer requests?
2. What effect does praying for someone else have?
3. Has someone ever prayed for you? How did it make you feel?
Day 4 – Acts 19
1. Why did these men get baptized again?
2. How long did Paul stay in this area?
3. Why exactly were the silversmiths upset?
Day 5 – 1 Corinthians 1
1. What did Paul say was wrong in the Corinthian church?
2. How did Paul compare God’s wisdom to man’s wisdom?
3. Why does God choose the weak and foolish?