In the Meantime: Stand Firm

Introduction:

Three Things To Ask Yourself When You Have Doubts If You Are Really Saved (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17):

  1. Have I been Changed ? (2 Thes 2:13a)

    Four Amazing Aspects of Salvation:

    1. God Loves you.
    2. God Chose you.
    3. God Saved you.
    4. God is Changing you.

Change in:

  1. Affections
    1. Love God's Word

      1 Peter 2:2 - Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation

    2. Love other Believers

      1 John 3:14 - We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.

  2. Actions
    1. Repentance

      Matthew 3:8 - Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

    2. Growing into Christlikeness

      Romans 8:29 - For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son...

  3. Ambition
    1. Witnessing

      2 Corinthians 5:20 - Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.

    2. Money

      Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

  1. Do I Believe the Gospel ? (2 Thes 2:13b-14)
  2. Am I unwilling to Compromise ? (2 Thes 2:15-17)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

  1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message? What was the most helpful thing for you in regard to assurance?

  2. How would you respond to a friend opening up to you saying, “Sometimes I have doubts. How do I know if I am saved?”

  3. How would you explain “God chose you” (2 Thes 2:13)? Why do people struggle with the doctrine of election? How would you counsel someone really struggling with this?

  4. Look at (2 Thes 2:15) again. In what areas are you tempted to compromise, either in behavior (“stand firm”) or belief (“hold to the traditions”)?

Breakout
Pray for one another.