Off the Shelf Sunday School--2 Thessalonians

Assurance of Deliverance for Believers (2:13-17)

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.?

?1.????Paul reminds them that God chose them to be saved before they were born. (Jn 17:24; Eph 1:4-6) God gave them faith to believe the gospel and is working through the presence of the Holy Spirit to make them like Jesus. (Eph 2:8-9, 19-22) Paul gives them assurance and comfort in the knowledge that they are children of God. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Rom 8:35-39)

2.????What does Paul mean when he says that they were called to suffer so that they could share in the glory of Jesus? (Mt 5:11-12; 2 Tim 3:12)

3.????It is God who gives us the grace or strength to endure hardships. His presence is the source of our encouragement and hope. His love embraces us and comforts us. His peace gives us joy and assurance that we are his and nothing can separate us from him. (Jn 10:27-28)

4.????What are some examples of good deeds that you have seen others do or that you have done because of the love of Jesus??