The Italian Memorandum

“…This is what their father said to them as he blessed

them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him…”

(Genesis 49:28)

Introduction: “Why, that’s not at all like a socialistic agenda of ‘share and share alike'”! 49:28 certainly grounds the lesson. But, can this be how God operates?

1.            Consider from whom the blessing comes (49:1-2)

2.            Consider the beauty of a blessing (49:13,21)

3.            Consider consequential nature of blessing (49:3-4)

4.            Consider the Lord in the blessing (49:22-26)

5.            Consider Judah (49:8-12)!

Conclusion: The message of suitable blessing holds relevance to all who are able to identify with the biblical people of God.

Rachel’s Chance for Happiness

(Genesis 30-31)

“Then Rachel said,’ Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes'”

(Genesis 30:14)

Introduction: “Love is Blue” (l’amour Est Bleu, Pierre Cour) for Rachel, the wife of Jacob.

I. Genesis 30 – Understanding Rachel is like understanding ourselves

A. _____________________________________

B. _____________________________________

C. _____________________________________

II. Genesis 31 – Rachel’s Chance for Happiness Continues (applications for us)

A. ______________________________________

B. ______________________________________

C. ______________________________________

Conclusion: The mandrakes of our own times are always out there as options to promote human happiness. But, there is another way. “O Love that will not let me go…”

ce I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives do I give to you”

(John 14:27)

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace

at all times in every way.   The Lord be with you all”

(2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Introduction: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 contains a prayer of benediction for the Thessalonians specifically and the people of God generally.  This benediction will point out three avenues of closeness with God-

1. 3:16 – Peace (perfect peace)

2. 3:17 – Apostolic assurance (of genuineness)

3.          3:18 – Grace (as ultimate greeting)

Conclusion: Peace for the people of God is a large theme in the Bible.  The prophets foretold it; Jesus fortified it; and, Paul focused upon it.  There is peace at the end of the letter.  Is there peace in your life, such as within the Scriptures speak?

“…keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness…”

(2 Thessalonians 3:6)

Introduction: Paul will address idleness in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; and indicate why such a lifestyle is against the tone of the Christian faith.

I. Three critical definitions –

A. Command

B. Tradition

C. Example

II. What’s the problem?

A. Supporting what God _______ _____ support.

B. This lifestyle leads to ____________________.

III. Summarizing the Christian work ethic

Conclusion: The Bible praises hard work (Prov. 14:23; 31:27) and ridicules laziness (Prov. 6:6-11; 21:25). The model of Jesus working for his living and living for his work of redemption forever remains the model for all true Christians. The slouch and the leech are Christian counterfeits.

(2 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

“…that the gospel may speed ahead”

(2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Introduction: We think that when we encounter obstacles to doing church work, today, that these problems are unique to us. False. They are not unique to us. We think that when someone shows aversion to the gospel that they are just going through a little phase of sorts. False.

I. The Text (3:1-5) –

3:1 – _______________________________________

3:2 – _______________________________________

3:3 – _______________________________________

3:4 – _______________________________________

3:5 – _______________________________________

II. What we may take away from the text –

A.

B.

C.

Conclusion: Whatever else is said, strong aversion to the gospel is ultimately a giving in to “the evil one.” It is more than spiritual emptiness, but it is spiritual emptiness.

(2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)

Introduction: Paul’s thanksgiving is highly theological (vv. 13-15). The well-wish expresses warmth and acceptance (vv. 16-17).

I. The Text

A. 2:13 – “because God chose you…to be saved”

1. “through ___________________”

2. “and _______________________”

B. 2:14 – “To this he called you…that you may obtain the glory”

1. “through our _________________”

C. 2:15 – “So then, brothers…”

1. “___________________”

2. “and ________________________”

II. Applications for Today

(1) ________________________________________

(2) ________________________________________

(3) ________________________________________

Conclusion: The German theologian, Dietrich Bonheoffer wrote, Make up your mind and come out into the tempest of living”. People who know that they are acceptable to God through Christ are freed up to do great things for him.

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan”

(2 Thessalonians 2:9)

Introduction: The second coming was misunderstood by a segment of the first-century church. This is Paul’s attempt to clarify and elaborate on this matter.

I. The Text (2:1-12)

2:1 The subject: _____________________________

2:2 The concern: _____________________________

2:3 Two conditions: _____________, ____________

2:4 Five characteristics of the man of lawlessness:

_____________, ____________, ____________

_____________, ____________

2:5 Interpretation: ___________________________

2:6-8 Interpretation: ___________________________

2:9-12 Interpretation: ___________________________

II. Applications for Today –

A. _______________________________________

B. _______________________________________

C. _______________________________________

Conclusion: The second coming of Jesus in history should figure prominently into your world view. This steady linear approach to history will give structure to your own individual progress in the kingdom of God.

A Preview of the Coming Judgment)

“…in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do

not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel

of our Lord Jesus”

(2 Thessalonians 1:8)

Introduction: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 is a section of Scripture about “the righteous judgment of God” (1:5).

I. This Judgment is Righteous for 6 reasons –

A. 1:5 – ________________________

B. 1:6 – ________________________

C. 1:7 – ________________________

D. 1:8 – ________________________

E. 1:9 – ________________________

F. 1:10 – _______________________

II. “To this end…” (What you can do, you should do) –

A. 1:11 – “every __________ /every __________”

B. 1:12 – “glorified in ______ and you in ______”

Conclusion: In our times, what is righteous is often determined by a popular polling of the people. What is “fair” by today’s standards may suggest that this scripture is wrong and unfair. Nevertheless, when Jesus returns, there will be no polls taken; only the righteous judgment of God (2 Tim. 2:19). Those who have suffered for Christ will understand; for they alone are worthy of his calling, [by God and for God] (1:11).

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you brothers, as

is right, because…”

(2 Thessalonians 1:3)

Introduction: This lesson will focus on 2 Thessalonians 1:3-7. The thanksgiving will define what’s right (operational definition).

I. Reasons for giving thanks to God

A. “as is right” (axion, v. 3) –

1. because…____________________________ v. 3

2. because…____________________________ v. 3

3. because…______________ and _________ v. 4

B. Note the two environmental descriptions in which the Thessalonians lived out their beliefs (v. 4)

1. “in” ____________________ ,and

2. “in” _______________________.

II. What is this “righteous judgment” (vv. 5-7)?

A. v. 5 – your part: _________________________

B. v. 6 – God’s part: ________________________

C. v. 7 – the Lord Jesus’ part: _________________

Conclusion: While the creeps creep on in our own world, rest assured, this will be dealt with one day. Our business, as was theirs, is to show steadfastness and faith. How are you doing?

“Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father

And the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from

God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”

(2 Thessalonians 1:1-2)

Introduction: We never get tired of the Christian Greeting– because the greeting concerns the renewal of acquaintance.

I. Review of the Greeting

II. Somewhere called Thessalonica (2)

A. Have you ever re-read a passage from a saved letter or a scripture and said to yourself, I don’t remember seeing this before?

B. Exploring Life Passages (Secularism creates a dependence upon the surface and the superficial; but, the Christian life is about a depth beyond these. Secularism has its own “Life Passages,” but these are not the same as Christian Life passages).

Secular or Christian

1. Re: Authority ___________ ____________

2. Re: Involvement _________ _________

3. Re: Relationship _________ _________

4. Re: Benefits _________ _________

Conclusion: Gain through depth. What Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae cannot provide.