2 Thessalonians 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Thessalonians 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul addresses concerns about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the gathering of believers to him, asking them not to be troubled by false claims that the day of Christ has already come (vv. 1-2). He warns against deception, stating that the day will not come unless the rebellion occurs first and the man of lawlessness is revealed (vv.

Key verse

“Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction,”
2 Thessalonians 2:3 (WEB)

Outline

2 Thessalonians 2:1–2 Clarifying Concerns About the Day
2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 Warning Against Deception
2 Thessalonians 2:5–7 The Man of Lawlessness Revealed
2 Thessalonians 2:8–10 Defeat of the Lawless One
2 Thessalonians 2:11–12 Judgment for Rejecting Truth
2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 Thankfulness for the Believers
2 Thessalonians 2:15–17 Encouragement to Stand Firm

Discussion questions

In v1, what does Paul mention about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ?
What does Paul say should not trouble the Thessalonians in v2?
The term 'man of sin' in v3: how does this figure oppose God?
In v11, what does Paul mean when he refers to a 'working of error'?
When have you felt shaken in your faith like the Thessalonians in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Thessalonians 2: John 3, Matthew 24, Romans 15.

Before next time: read 2 Thessalonians 3.