Week #6: Week of February 14th

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1st Thessalonians

-Thessalonica was a bustling seaport city and an important trade center. The background of the church in Thessalonica can be found in Acts 17:1-9. The church was largely Gentile.
-Paul had left the city abruptly (Acts 17:5-10) after a brief stay. Recent converts from paganism were then left with little support in the midst of persecution. Paul's purpose in writing was to encourage them in their trails and to give them instruction for godly living. He also wrote to give them assurances concerning the future of believers.l
-The second coming of Christ is a major theme within the letter.

2nd Thessalonians

-It is thought that this letter was written about six months after the first.
-Because little had changed in such a short time the purpose and theme is very similar for the first letter (encouragement for persecuted believers, exhortations to live godly lives and discussion of the second coming of Christ).

1st Timothy

-Timothy was a young man who was probably converted during Paul’s first missionary journey.
-When Paul returned to the area a year or two later, Timothy was recommended to him as a faithful disciple of Christ who would make a good traveling companion.
-Timothy is always associated with Paul in a mentor/apprentice relationship.
-Paul addresses the false teachers who were characterized as proud, arrogant, contentious and greedy. These teachers were more involved in speculating about obscure matters rather than exposition about Christ and the Christian lifestyle of love.

2nd Timothy

-Although similar to 1st Timothy, 2nd Timothy is far more personal in tone. Paul wishes to pass on the commitment of a life lived for the cause of Christ to a younger man who will carry the torch further.
-Paul writes this letter waiting for his full trial but he did not expect to be released.
-Whether he ever saw Timothy again is unknown. According to tradition, Paul was beheaded shortly after this letter was written.

Discussion Questions

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15)

1. Of the two brothers, which reminds you of your own story?
2. Why do you think the Father did not take time to get an explanation from his son?
3. Have there been seasons of your life where you were in the pig pen? If so, how did you feel God received you when you returned?

The Lord’s Grace to Paul (1 Timothy 1: 12-20)

1. What was your life like before you knew Christ?
2. According to verse 15, why did Jesus come into the world? How does this make you feel?
3. How do you feel about talking about your past life when you share your faith?
4. Why is someone like a Paul such a good witness to unbelievers?
5. How can you incorporate Paul’s story into your habit of witnessing?

Leadership in the Church and for Each Believer (1 Timothy 3)

1. Although applied specifically to leaders here, why are these qualities important for all Christians?
2. Of these qualities, what are two or three you have made progress with in this past year?
3. In which area do you want to grow now? How can this group help you?

Love of Money (1 Timothy 6)

1. What is the “great gain” in “godliness with contentment” (v. 6)?
2. Why you think we struggle with our finances?
3. Is there a difference between enjoying money and being a lover of money?

A Workman Approved by God (2 Timothy 2:14-26)

1. According to verses 15-16 and 22-24, what should you pursue and what should you flee?
2. How do you know if you are “quarreling about words” or standing up against false teachings? Which do most Christians spend more time doing?
3. What action steps can you take to produce the following in your life this week? Righteousness? Faith? Love? Peace?