In this passage, Paul has two primary concerns. That the Thessalonians be not “shaken in mind” or “deceived by anyone.” But, ironically, this passage tends to leave many feeling very shaken. When we come to a difficult passage in the Bible there can be a temptation to either ignore it or obsessively try to understand it. This tendency makes sense, especially if we have a high view of the sufficiency of the scripture. However, we must remember that our trust should not be in our ability to understand confusing concepts. As Christians, our trust is in Jesus. That means we can press into difficult passages, with our brothers and sisters in Christ, trusting that God has preserved it for us for a reason. And though there are endless useful things we can learn from the scripture the main reason we have it is to help us learn how to love and trust our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
READ:
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 • Matthew 24:1-3,29,34 • Isaiah 13:10 • Proverbs 3:5-6
• What does Paul say he wants the Thessalonians not to do in 2 Thess. 2:2
• In 2 Thess. 2:9, who does Paul say brings about this “lawless one”? Why do you think Paul thought that was important to mention?
• How does Jesus kill the lawless one in verse 8 of 2 These 2? Do you take that literally or symbolically? Why?
• Talk about the two perspectives you can read prophesy from (Futurist + Preterist). Are those new ideas for you? What do you think about them?
• In 2 These 2:9-10 it says God sends a strong delusion. Why does verse 9 say he does that? What do you think that means?
• What are ways we can learn to love the truth?
• How do you think loving the truth saves us?
DISCUSS:
• How comfortable do you feel discussing Bible prophecy?
• What do you do when you encounter a scripture that you don’t understand? How does that make you feel?
• Does the idea of symbolic language in the Bible make you feel uncomfortable? Is it hard for you to tell when things are symbolic and when they aren’t?
• Compare Luke 1:1-4 with Psalm 18:6-9. Can you identify which one is symbolic and which one isn’t? Why?
• How can Proverbs 3:5-6 help us know what to do with hard-to-understand concepts?
PRAY:
Thank God for his love for us and ask him to guide us into the understanding he wants us to have. Ask him to draw us closer to Himself as we seek to learn how to love the truth and become more like Him
RESPOND:
Consider doing some research on a few different interpretations of this passage you