11: Closing Appeals (2Thess 3:1-18)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

In the first two chapters, Paul wrote extensively about the coming judgment and the Lord’s return in order to reassure the believers and to discredit any false claims that might have shaken them. Now he turns his attention to practical Christian living. He teaches them how they ought to conduct themselves in their daily lives and in the church, stressing the importance of order and responsibility.

B.     Key Verse

            “And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you” (3:4).

C.     Did You Know…?

1. “Bread” (3:8): “A Hebraism for “make a living” (see, e.g., Gen 3:19; Am 7:12).”

2. “Own hand” (3:17): “Paul had probably dictated this letter to his secretary, as was his custom. He adds his name and a closing sentence in his own handwriting to confirm that this letter is unquestionably from him (see 2:2).”

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(3:1-2)

(3:3-5)

(3:6-15)

(3:16-18)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. General Analysis

1. What word indicates that this passage is a new section?

IV.  Segment Analysis

A.     3:1-2

1. What are Paul’s prayer requests? Explain what these requests mean.

2. Why does Paul add the words “for not all have faith” in verse 2?

B.     3:3-5

3. How does verse 3 stand in contrast with verse 2?

4. What is the basis of Paul’s confidence that the believers will obey what he commands them?

5. In view of the context, why are the love of God and the patience of Christ in our hearts so essential?

3:6-15

6a. What problem does Paul address here?

6b. What is Paul commanding the believers to do concerning the disorderly?

6c. What is the purpose of this command?

7. What examples did Paul and his companions leave with the Thessalonians?

8. How does the command in verse 13 relate to the context?

9. In verse 15, Paul places a restraint on the extent of the disciplinary action against the disorderly. Under what circumstances should we cast someone out of the fellowship completely? And when should we apply restraint in disciplinary action?

10. What lessons can we learn from this passage regarding our personal responsibilities in the fellowship of believers?

C.     3:16-17

11. What do you see in the words “always,” “every,” and “all” in Paul’s benediction?

12. Why does Paul call attention to the fact that He wrote the salutation with his own hand?