帖撒罗尼迦后书 · 第 2 课
Patience and Faith in Persecutions
背景
Paul gives thanks to God first of all for the growing faith and love of the Thessalonians in the midst of persecutions. He comforts them by assuring them of the righteous judgment of God. He also mentions the continual prayers of him and his co-workers on their behalf.
你知道吗？
1. “Flaming fire” (): “In biblical times, fire was often the symbol of divine presence, such as at Mt. Sinai and on the day of Pentecost. Compare these related references: ; ; ; ” 2/80 1
2. “Vengeance” () literally means ‘out of justice.’
大纲
- Salutation
- Thanksgiving
- God’s Righteous Judgment
- Prayer
问题
· Thanksgiving
1a. For what does Paul give thanks to God?
1b. Relate Paul’s thanksgiving to his earlier prayer and exhortation in , and 4:1
2. “We are bound to thank God always for you…” What attitude can you learn from this?
3. Is your faith growing exceedingly? How do you know?
· God’s Righteous Judgment
Record what this paragraph teaches about The persecutors: a. The persecutors; b. The persecuted:
What is evidence of the righteous judgment of God? Why?
What does it mean that the believers be counted worthy of the kingdom of God? Does it mean that they deserve to enter God’s kingdom by virtue of their endurance?
To whom will God take vengeance?
· Prayer
8. How does this prayer encourage believers who are suffering persecutions?
9. What is “the good pleasure of His goodness” (11)?
10. What does it mean that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in us and we in Him (12)?
11. What is the basis of Paul’s prayer?
数据源
- Jenson, Irving L., 1 & 2 Thessalonians: A Self-Study Guide. Chicago: Moody Press, 1974, pp. 80.