Study Questions 6: 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Questions and Answers

Define 'sanctification'. What is a person's 'vessel' that must be kept in 'sanctification and honor' (1 Thessalonians 4:4)?

Sanctification is the process of growing in Christlikeness, being set apart for Him. Your vessel is your body that must be kept in sanctification and honor.

Define 'Gentiles' as used in 1 Thessalonians 4:5 and 'saints' as used in 1 Thessalonians 3:13.

Gentiles refers to heathens, while saints refers to holy ones.

Who are the ones Paul referred to who were 'asleep' according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18? Why were the Christians at Thessalonica worried about them? What was Paul's answer to them?

The 'ones asleep' are Christians who have already died. They were worried they would miss out. Paul's answer was that Jesus will bring them with Him when He returns to earth.

How is it that 'the dead in Christ shall rise first' (1 Thessalonians 4:16)? How does this event fit with 2 Corinthians 5:8 saying that to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord?

Christians who have already died will return with Jesus when He returns to earth. Signup and view all the answers

What word do Historical Premillennialists use for the event when Christians are 'snatched up' to meet Jesus Christ in the air at His return (1 Thessalonians 4:17)?

Raptured Signup and view all the answers

The epistles of 1-2 Thessalonians discuss eschatology. What is eschatology?

Eschatology is the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Day of the Lord,' and how will it 'come like a thief in the night' (1 Thessalonians 5:2)?

The 'Day of the Lord' is an OT term for the end time events that will come unexpectedly for unbelievers. Signup and view all the answers

In 1 Thessalonians 5:5, to whom do the terms 'sons of light' and 'sons of darkness' refer?

'Sons of light' refers to Christians while 'sons of darkness' refers to unbelievers. Signup and view all the answers

In how many things should a Christian give thanks? What is the difference in giving thanks 'in' and giving thanks 'for' something (1 Thessalonians 5:18)?

In everything; 'give thanks in' refers to the situation (even if bad) being used to bring God glory, while 'for' refers to the situation itself. Signup and view all the answers

When and from where did Paul write 2 Thessalonians?

He wrote it from Corinth around AD 50/51. Signup and view all the answers

List Paul's three major themes in 2 Thessalonians.

<ol> <li>Encouragement during their persecution, 2. Straightening out their misunderstanding concerning the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ, 3. Explaining how to deal with unruly and undisciplined people.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What was the problem in the church at Thessalonica that Paul tried to correct in 2 Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 2:2-3; 3:10-11)?

The problem was the false teaching that the day of the Lord had already come. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the 'man of lawlessness'? What are two other names for him?

The 'man of lawlessness' is also known as the son of destruction and the Antichrist. Signup and view all the answers

Explain six possibilities for identifying the 'restrainer' in 2 Thessalonians 2.

<ol> <li>The Roman Government & Caesar, 2. The missionary preaching of Paul, 3. The Bible, 4. An angel (such as Michael), 5. The pretribulation church, 6. The Holy Spirit.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'apostasy' in 2 Thessalonians 2:3?

The apostasy is the great falling away. Signup and view all the answers

Paul gave a simple work ethic for Christians in 2 Thessalonians: if a person does not work, he does not _________ (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

EAT Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sanctification and Vessels

Sanctification is the process of spiritual growth towards Christlikeness, setting oneself apart for God.
The "vessel" refers to the body, which should be kept in sanctification and honor.

Definitions of 'Gentiles' and 'Saints'

In 1 Thessalonians 4:5, 'Gentiles' refers to heathens or non-believers.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 'saints' denotes holy ones or believers.

Christians "Asleep"

"Asleep" refers to Christians who have died.
Thessalonian Christians feared missing out on Christ’s return.
Paul reassured them that Jesus would bring the deceased believers with Him upon His return.

The Dead in Christ

The phrase "the dead in Christ shall rise first" indicates that deceased Christians will rise with Jesus at His return.
This aligns with 2 Corinthians 5:8, affirming that absent from the body means present with the Lord.

Rapture Concept

Historical Premillennialists refer to the event of Christians being "snatched up" to meet Jesus as the Rapture.

Understanding Eschatology

Eschatology is the theological study of death, judgment, and the ultimate fate of humanity.

The Day of the Lord

The "Day of the Lord" signifies end times and will arrive unexpectedly, like a thief, primarily affecting unbelievers.

Sons of Light vs. Sons of Darkness

"Sons of light" refers to Christians who walk in faith.
"Sons of darkness" pertains to unbelievers who live in ignorance of spiritual truths.

Giving Thanks

Christians should give thanks in everything, whether situations are good or bad.
"Giving thanks in" suggests gratitude for God's presence in situations, while "giving thanks for" acknowledges the specific circumstance.

Paul’s Writing of 2 Thessalonians

Paul authored 2 Thessalonians from Corinth around AD 50/51.

Themes in 2 Thessalonians

Key themes include encouragement during persecution, clarification about the Second Coming of Jesus, and guidance on addressing unruly behavior.

Church Issues in Thessalonica

Paul addressed the concern of false teachings suggesting that the Day of the Lord had already occurred.

Man of Lawlessness

The "man of lawlessness" can also be identified as the son of destruction and the Antichrist.

Identifying the 'Restrainer'

Possible identities for the "restrainer" include:
- The Roman Government & Caesar
- Paul’s missionary efforts
- The Bible
- An angel, such as Michael
- The pretribulation church
- The Holy Spirit (most widely accepted).

Apostasy

The term "apostasy" in 2 Thessalonians refers to a significant falling away from faith.

Christian Work Ethic

Paul emphasized that a person who does not work should not expect to eat, promoting a strong work ethic among Christians.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from 1 Thessalonians chapters 4-5 and 2 Thessalonians. It includes definitions and interpretations of important terms such as 'sanctification', 'Gentiles', and 'saints'. Test your understanding of these biblical passages and enhance your study of the New Testament.