1. Why is belief in the 2nd coming a core Christian teaching? How does Paul describe things prior to this event? As cross references see Matthew 24:3, 2 Peter 3:10. What do these verses add?

2. If the Lord’s coming is sudden, and no one knows when, how are we to prepare for it? Paul says in v4 that we shouldn’t be surprised by it. Why not? How?

3. What does Paul mean that we shouldn’t sleep but keep awake? See v6. What should we do besides keep awake?

4. What is Paul implying throughout the metaphor of putting on armor? See v8.

5. How can we encourage one another? In the context of this teaching what does that look like?