"2 Thessalonians 1-3, 1 Corinthians 1-2"
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Chances are, you've heard the phrase "flattening the curve." For months we've taken preventative measures to avoid winding up in the hospital. But when you DO get sick, you need treatment fast! And when our local churches encounter problems, we need to deal with those issues quickly too. This week's readings diagnose five spiritual ailments and prescribe an effective treatment plan for each.
Persecution
On Monday (2 Thess. 1), we'll encounter the problem of persecution. While this church faced a constant barrage of affliction, Paul encourages them to treat it with perseverance (2 Thess. 1:4) and confidence (2 Thess. 1:5-12).
The persecution should give them even more confidence — it's "evidence" of God's coming judgment (2 Thess. 1:5), which will turn the tables on their wicked tormentors (2 Thess. 1:6) and bring relief to the afflicted believers (2 Thess. 1:7).
- What do you learn about the Lord's coming in this chapter (2 Thess. 1:7-10)?
- What encouragement do you find from Paul's closing prayer (2 Thess. 1:11-12)?
Deception
On Tuesday (2 Thess. 2), we find that someone has lied to the believers, teaching that the Lord has already come, even claiming that Paul said so (2 Thess. 2:1-3)!
Paul addresses their lies by reminding them of some coming events he already told them about (2 Thess. 2:5). Before the end comes, a man will sit in God's temple and exalt himself (2 Thess. 2:3-4).
- What can we do to inoculate ourselves against deception (2 Thess. 2:10-12)?
- What does Paul ask for in this chapter's closing prayer (2 Thess. 2:16-17)?
Idleness
On Wednesday (2 Thess. 3), we discover that some in the church aren't willing to work, rather spending all their time in other people's business (2 Thess. 3:11)!
Paul warns that if they don't want to work, they shouldn't get to eat (2 Thess. 3:10). And he holds up his example of hard work and sacrificial service for them to imitate (2 Thess. 3:7-8).
- What do you learn in this chapter about how the church disciplines members who refuse to repent (2 Thess. 3:6-12)?
- Where does true peace come from in his closing request for them (2 Thess. 3:16)?
Division
On Thursday, we'll start reading First Corinthians, where Paul addresses ailments of an immature church, like immorality and pride. The first six chapters address problems he's heard from reports about them (1 Cor. 1:11; 5:1). The rest of the book (1 Cor. 7-16), Paul answers the questions they had asked him (1 Cor. 7:1; 7:25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1). He wastes no time before diagnosing problem number 1: divisions in the church (1 Cor. 1:10-17)! Rather than following their favorite preachers, they need to follow the crucified Lord and stop thinking like the world!
- What was Paul's mission from Jesus (1 Cor. 1:17)?
- What are we permitted to boast about (1 Cor. 1:31)?
Earthly Wisdom
On Friday (1 Cor. 2), we'll continue with a problem introduced in 1 Cor. 1:18 — the wisdom of the world. Unlike the smooth-talking, pompous philosophers the Corinthians were familiar with, Paul came with simple speech, a humble appearance, and astounding acts of power (1 Cor. 2:3-4).
- How does Paul describe the wisdom of God, and who was unable to hear it (1 Cor. 2:7-8)?
- How can you know if you are a "spiritual" person or a "natural" person (1 Cor. 2:12-16)?
