We've been through a lot in this study. We've seen a lot. Paul's letters have reminded us of the lawlessness that is to come, and is already at work; already staking its claim in the world even before the "lawless one" (the antichrist) has arrived or been identified.
But even in the midst of a crazy world spiraling into the abyss, we have these letters from God (and by the hand of Paul) to correct misinformation and misunderstandings, and to encourage and exhort us to right thinking, right living, and right expectations about future events, such as the Rapture. With these letters, and through our study together, we're being exhorted to apply those truths to our own lives, while we also share them with each other!
Our assignment is simple, as stated in Question11 of Chapter 13 of the "BE READY" book by Wiersbe:
- "What are the chief insights you will take away from your study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians?"
Listen for the insights that the Lord has been impressing upon you throughout both letters to the Thessalonian Church (and to us today). Make this personal. What is the Lord Jesus Christ saying to you? How is He leading you to make changes in your life? Is there anything He's leading you to begin, or to give up?
Summary of Assignment:
- Prayerfully read both 1 & 2 Thessalonians in their entirety.
- Make additional quiet time with the Lord and prayerfully listen for Him to speak to your heart.
- List some of the more urgent insights / takeaways from the Thessalonian texts that the Holy Spirit has spoken to you about.
- These will not be handed in, but we will go around the table and we will share as much or little as each of us would like. No pressure!
Some Notes of Encouragement:
- This assignment is meant to encourage and exhort us to hear from God afresh, and then to apply what we hear Him say to each of our lives.
- The Lord will undoubtedly stress and prioritize different things to each of us, based on each of our calling and based on where we are in our walk with Him right now.
A final word: God never intends to make hearing from Him be a stressful task. I don't know what He will say to each of us, but I know one thing for sure - He definitely wants to speak to us, and He desires (and is pleased) when we hear Him and obey His desires.
"Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4).
"He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches..." (Revelation 2:7a,ff).