Weekly Wednesdays: CALLED Men’s Group | Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Meeting# 8 of 8 | This Week’s Leader: David Goodno
Introduction: Welcome everyone, this is the eighth and last meeting of the Men’s “Called” Growth Group. Please monitor https://fv.church/events for information about next semester
Everyone is welcome; everyone has value; everyone has a voice. We need to remember that we all come from various backgrounds, we have different life experiences, have different points of view and are all in different places in our faith journey.
The purpose of our meeting tonight is to read and study God’s word; have a friendly discussion and if there are different points of view, we should not feel attacked or be hostile to one another; it’s our differences that add to the meeting and discussion. We came together tonight as friends and brothers in Christ; we should leave the same (as friends and brothers in Christ). Often there is no right or wrong answer; just interpretation of scripture – and ultimately, JESUS IS THE ANSWER.
Tonight, we finish out our SOAP(Q) study (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer and Questions) of Second Thessalonians. (Phase 1 = First Thessalonians. Phase 2 = Second Thessalonians)
History of Thessalonica, and First and Second Thessalonians:
Thessalonica was the capital and largest city of the Roman province of Macedonia.
The most important Roman highway extending from Rome to the Orient went through Thessalonica. This highway along with the city’s thriving seaport made Thessalonica one of the wealthiest and most flourishing trade centers of the Roman Empire.
Recognized as a free-city, Thessalonica was allowed self-rule and was exempt from most of the restrictions placed by Rome on other cities. And because of this open climate the city had many pagan religions and cultural influences that challenged the Christians’ faith.
Paul had been persecuted during his first visit to Thessalonica (see Acts 17: 5-9). Many of the Thessalonians had become Christians after Paul’s first visit and were persecuted by both Jews, Gentiles and Pagans. Paul wrote his first letter to encourage the Church and had said that Christ’s return would bring deliverance from persecution for the believers. But this caused the people to expect Christ’s return right away to bring justice and revenge upon their persecutors. Many become idle; quitting their jobs, turning away from work. Paul wrote the second letter to continue to encourage the believers and correct them. While waiting on Christ’s return believers should grow in their faithfulness through the hardships they were suffering.
Effective communication can often be difficult. Frequently the message sent is not the message received. How we write; how we speak; the words and tones we use, can influence how our message is received and understood. Even when our message is clearly written and communicated the message can be misinterpreted and misunderstood.
Paul faced this problem with the Thessalonians. Paul had written the Thessalonian Church earlier to help them grown in their faith and provide them with comfort to endure through persecution and encourage them about Christ’s return.
After a few months Paul learned that some had misunderstood Paul’s teaching about the second coming of Christ. Paul’s message that Christ could return at any moment had caused some believers in Thessalonica to stop working with the understanding of Christ’s immediate return. With the added persecution many thought that the “day of the Lord” was near.
Responding quickly, Paul sent a second letter to the Thessalonian Church. In the letter Paul gave further instruction concerning the Second Coming of Christ. Second Thessalonians continues the subject of First Thessalonians and the letter’s encouragement for continued courage through the persecution and consistent Christian living.
Almost 2,000 years later we are much closer to the time of Christ’s return; but we too would also be wrong if we saw Christ’s return as an excuse to be lazy and idle. Our responsibility is to be prepared for Christ’s return and to also be spreading the gospel. We are to be reaching out to those in need and building the church. As we read Second Thessalonians, we should see the reality of Christ’s return and our responsibility to live for Him.
The Bible reminds us, time and time again, the key to surviving persecution, hardships and difficult times is faithfulness and endurance. We are not to waiver or stray from our faith. We are to remain focused on Christ; keeping Christ as our center –As we live for Christ, we will experience troubles because we are trying to be God’s people making our way to reach others in a fallen world. Many people believe that troubles are only the result of sinful behavior. Suffering is not always a result of sin or correction from God. Troubles can be used as a means to help us grow or an attack from the enemy to discourage believers from pursuing and remaining in the faith. Paul and the disciples delighted in their suffering. When we experience times of trouble or setbacks, we should use those challenges to lean into our faith in Jesus and rely on Him for guidance and understanding.
This Week’s Prayer: Father God, we thank you for allowing us to come together and study your word tonight. Father, we look to you for Truth, help us not to become idle and lazy anticipating Jesus’ return. May you guide us to understand your message. Continue to give us strength and encouragement to live a disciplined life so that we may always please you. - In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Previously we learned in First Thessalonians that Paul encouraged the Thessalonian Church’s faithful work, despite the intense persecution they were receiving. Paul longed to return to the Church but couldn’t – so he sent Timmothy to encourage them to continue in their faith and encourage the believers to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord avoid evil and be spiritually on guard and prepared for Jesus to return at any moment. In Second Thessalonians we learned that Paul was troubled by his learning that many believers had become idle and lazy quitting work believing that Christ’s return was immediate.
Tonight, we will learn more about Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian Church.
Scripture, Read: 2 Thessalonians Chapter 3:1 – 1
Learn More, research Paul’s Missionary Journeys:
Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)
Key verses for discussion:
(Chapter 3, verse 1-3) -
Beneath the surface of the routine of daily life, a fierce struggle among spiritual powers is being waged. Our main defense is prayer for God to strengthen and protect us from evil, and the evil one.
Read:
Matthew 4: 1-11; discuss.
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he wanted Jesus to show his power by turning stones into bread, to do miracles by jumping from a high place, and to gain political power by worshiping him.
Ephesians 6: 11-18; discuss.
What are things we can do to prepare for satanic attack?
The following guidelines can help us prepare for and survive satanic attack:
Take the possibility of satanic attack seriously.
Pray and pray often for strength and help from God.
Study the Bible to recognize Satan’s style of attack.
Memorize Scripture so it will be a source of help no matter where you are.
Associate with likeminded people and those who support you walking in truth.
Practice what you are taught by our spiritual leaders.
(Chapter 3, verse 6-15)
Paul explained that when he and his companions were in Thessalonica, they worked hard buying what they needed to rather than becoming a burden to any of the believers. The rule they followed was “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” – it is important to distinguish that there is a difference between leisure and laziness. Relaxation and recreation provide necessary rest and balance to our lives; when its time to work, Christians should jump right in. We should make the most of our talents and time; we should rest when we should be meant to be resting, and work when we are meant to be working.
Some people in the Thessalonian church were falsely teaching that Christ would return right away and should ignore their responsibilities, quit work, do no future planning and focus on Christ’s return. But their lack of activity only led them to sin and caused them to become a burden upon the church who had to support them.
These church members thought they were being more spiritual by not working, but Paul tells them to be responsible and get back to work. Being ready for Christ means obeying him in every area of life. Because we know that Christ is coming, we need to live in a way that our faith and daily practice will be pleasing to the Lord when he arrives.
Read:
Acts 18: 1-5; discuss.
Matthew 10: 5-15; discuss.
1 Timmothy 5: 13-25; discuss.
An idle person who doesn’t work ends up filling his or her time with less than helpful activities, like gossip, rumors, hearsay and speculation. But these activities tear people down and are not good for our soul.
Paul counseled the church to stop supporting financially and associating with those who persisted in idleness. Hunger and loneliness can be effective ways the Lord can use to make an idle person become productive. Paul was not advising coldness or cruelty, but tough love to help motivate idle believers to become productive members of the church.
(Chapter 3, verse 16-18)
Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church is especially meaningful to those who are being spiritually persecuted or attacked because of their faith. In the first part of Paul’s letter, we are told what suffering can do for us, then Paul assures us of Jesus’ final victory over evil and encourages us to continue living responsibility in spite of difficult circumstances.
Christ’s return is more than just Biblical doctrine, it is a promise from God and has a vital impact on how we live now. – discuss.
Read:
Galatians 6: 1-10; discuss.
Colossians 4: 2-6; discuss.
Other questions to explore:
What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?
What and where is this happening?
What makes what was happening meaningful?
Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?
Who is involved?
How do they respond to God?
What character traits do you notice about them?
What is the significance of their involvement?
What do you think is the key message?
Did anything surprise you? What was it?
Are there any key verses that stand out to you? Discuss among the group.
Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?
Is there anything that stood out to you? Share with the group and discuss.
Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss, and research.
Biggest takeaway?
Tonight is the last Men’s group for this Spring 2025 Semester.
Please monitor https://fv.church/events for more information.
References/Acknowledgements:
Elements of today’s Bible study were referenced from:
NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation
https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV); copyright 2001 by Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois.
NIV Study Bible, Revolution, copyright 2011. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV); copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.zondervan.com/p/niv-bibles-for-teens-true-images-revolution/
NLT Parallel Study Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2011 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House FoundationHCSB/CSB The Apologetics Study Bible, copyright 2007. The Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB/CSB); copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holmon Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.
NKJV The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (NKJV); copyright 2013 David Jeremiah, Inc.
Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. https://www.thomasnelson.com/biblesLife Application Bible Studies: 1 & 2 Thessalonians / Philemon; copyright 1999, 2010 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
Schedule: Month, Meeting Number, Date, Book/Chapters/Verse/ (Total Verses)
May 2025:
_x_ 001, 05/07 1 Thessalonians Introduction & 1:1 – 10. (10 Verses)
_x_ 002, 05/14 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20. (20 Verses) + Location Study
_x_ 003, 05/21 1 Thessalonians 3:1 – 13. (13 Verses) + Bible Facts (p. 1296 Student Apologists HCSB)
_x_ 004, 05/28 1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 18. (18 Verses) + Twisted Scripture Study
(Apologists HCSB/student HCSB)
June 2025:
_x_ 005, 06/04 1 Thessalonians 5:1 – 28. (28 Verses)
_x_ 006, 06/11 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12. (12 Verses) + Cross References
_x_ 007, 06/18 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17. (17 Verses) + Cross References
_x_ 008, 06/25 2 Thessalonians 3:1 – 18. (18 Verses) + Cross References *
*Last meeting, please monitor FV.church/events for more information about the next semester.