As promised, here is this coming Sunday’s study guide.

A Call to Spiritual Reformation – Study Guide #3
Chapter Two – The Frame Work of Prayer (2 Thessalonians 1:3-12) 

1. What key question does Carson raise concerning v. 11 of the Thessalonians passage in the first paragraph of this chapter? Why does it matter that we ask this question and understand the answer?
2. What is the first dominant feature of this framework in vv. 3-4? To what extent would you say that this component is a feature of your praying?
3. How do you respond to the statement, The unvarnished truth is that what we most frequently give thanks for betrays what we most highly value (p. 41)?
4. What signs of grace does Paul give thanks for in these verses? What practical implication does Carson suggest for imitating Paul’s example on p. 44?
5. What is the second dominant feature of Paul’s framework for praying in vv. 5-10? To what extent would you say that this component is a feature of your praying?
6. How does Carson connect the notion of the Thessalonians’ perseverance in v. 4 with the evidence of God’s judgment in v. 5?
7. What does the prospect of a new heaven and new earth mean for both believers and those who oppose them?
8. To what extent do you live with a sense of expectancy about the Lord’s return?
9. How do you react to the notion of ultimate retribution for those who oppose the gospel? How does Carson answer the objection that retribution is a throwback to the more primitive stance of the Old Testament on p. 48?
10. Why is it important that we adopt Paul’s framework of a fundamental orientation to the end of the age?
11. Where else in the New Testament are we exhorted to live (and pray!) with eternity’s values in view?

God is at work in our midst! Will you join me in praying for a spiritual reformation in our prayer lives as individuals and a community of believers?