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These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Strengthened for life - 2Thessalonians2
Introduction
Life is often tough. There can be tragic circumstances; there can be challenges that seem to great for us to endure. It is only through such times that we can learn to understand and depend upon God’s love and grace. We would rather not experience such times, but if we are able to discover God’s comfort and strength in them, then we will become far richer both in our own lives and the way we are able to support others through theirs.
Bible Zone
- Strengthened for life - A life where God’s power is evident
- Our Lord Jesus Christ - Jesus too has been through hard times. He helps us.
- Loved and comforted - The Lord knows our needs. We are in good hands.
- Good things - The Lord strengthens not so we feel better, but in order to show love.
It is one thing to say that God is our strength, but we only know this is true when we have depended on Him through times requiring strength.
- What have Jesus and the Father given previously?
- What does the prayer ask for in the current situation?
- Why do we need comfort and strength to do good?
- If we have previously been given comfort, why would it be needed again?
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
The prayer begins with Jesus, the one who is God and man. The one who has the power to bring change into our lives from a perspective of having been through life himself.
- In what ways did Jesus experience life?
- What role does Jesus have in our lives now?
- How is Jesus able to help us through our fears?
- What right does Jesus have to speak into our sufferings?
Hebrews 2:14-18 14 Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had* the power of death.15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham.17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters,* so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
Explore Our Lord Jesus Christ (Jesus - opens in separate tab)
The Father is concerned for our welfare. He is not remote but is aware of our need. He knows how to ensure that we have all we need for developing in life His way.
- How is God’s care for His creation illustrated?
- How are we assured of God’s care for us?
- How could fear for our well being take us away from believing in God?
- What does it mean to seek the Kingdom of God?
Matthew 6:28-34 28 "And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing,29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?'32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.33 Seek the Kingdom of God* above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
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The testing ground for the Lord’s comfort and strength is in the good things He sets before us to do. His comfort and strength are tested into reality as we walk with Him serving in this broken world. As we walk with Him in His purposes, we experience joy at seeing the fruit of His labour through us.
- How does the Lord wish us to act towards the world around us?
- What is the outcome for us when we join Him in this mission?
- What is the outcome for our world when God strengthens us in this process?
Isaiah 58:9-12 "Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! 10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. 11 The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. 12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.
Explore Good things (Godly attitude - opens in separate tab)
