1 Thessalonians

Date Written: 50-52 AD

Author: Paul

Setting: The church at Thessalonica was very young. It had only been established 2-3 years before this letter was written. The Christians there needed to mature in their faith. There was a misunderstanding about the second coming of Jesus. Some thought He would return immediately. Paul answered their questions in this letter.  Also, believers were being persecuted at that time.

Key People: Paul, Timothy, and Silas

Purpose: To strengthen the Thessalonian Christians in their faith and give them the assurance of Christ’s return.

Key Verses: We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. 4:14

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil 5:16

Chapter Outline:

1-3 Faith and Example

4-5 Watching for The Return of Jesus

Importance of reading 1 Thessalonians:

What we read: Paul writes of their faith, hope and love. What we can learn: Faith, hope, and love are characteristics that should be the marks of all Christians. The great hope for the future is second coming of Christ. No matter how hard this life gets, it’s only a moment compared to eternity. There is a comfort that comes in knowing this isn’t our home. 

What we read: Paul and the new Christians at Thessalonica went through persecution because of their faith in Jesus. Yet they remained faithful to the Lord. What we can learn: We can expect trials and hardships, but we must be committed and have our mind made up that we will stand firm in our faith in the midst of it all.

What we read: No one knows the time or day that Jesus will return. What we can learn: We need to live as though we expect Jesus to return at any time. Don’t be caught unprepared.

What we read: Chapter 4:3,7-8, and 5:23-24, as God’s children, we are called to live holy lives. Paul’s letter makes it clear that every Christian should be growing in holiness over the course of our lives.  What we can learn: To be holy doesn’t mean we are perfect in every way and never sin. It means that we are fully dedicated to God; we have consecrated our lives and surrendered our will to Him; we have asked Him to purify our hearts so our devotion can be all His.

Things to think about as you read 1 Thessalonians:

• In this book Paul pours his life into other men who could carry on the work of the gospel. Are you spending time imparting the things God has done in your life to another person who can in turn minister to others? What can others imitate in you? Are you a Godly example?
• It’s sometimes hard to give thanks in all things, yet that is the will of God. Go back over the last few days and think of the things that have happened in your life for which you haven’t given thanks and thank Him now. 
• Are the circumstances in your life difficult? How are you responding? What will others say about your response? Can people imitate your walk with God?
• Do you pray without ceasing for those in your life who don’t know the Lord? Do you boldly approach the Lord for answers to your problems?

2 Thessalonians

Date Written: 50-52 AD

Author: Paul

Setting: Many in the church were confused about the timing of Christ’s return. Paul said in his first letter that Jesus could come at any moment and that caused some to stop working and just wait on Him. Hearing this, Paul writes this second letter to give them further teachings on the second coming of the Lord.

Key People: Paul, Silas, and Timothy

Purpose: To clear up the confusion about the second coming of Christ. In this letter he gives various events that will happened before the second coming of Jesus.

Key Verses: We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 3:4-6

Chapter Outline:

1 Praise and Encouragement

2 Return of Christ

3 Pray and Work

Importance of reading 2 Thessalonians:

What we read: The teaching about the second coming of Jesus had caused some to be idle and do nothing but watch for Him. What we can learn: Knowing that Jesus is coming and especially as we see the times pointing to it could be soon, we should be the exact opposite of being idle. We should be even busier working for His kingdom. We should be working harder to share the gospel and reach as many as we can.

What we read: Paul encouraged the church to persevere in spite of persecution because he knew God would give them strength to endure. What we can learn: God doesn’t always remove the hardships and trials, but He will always be there with you. He will give you the strength and the ability to stand if you remain faithful and trust Him.

What we read: Paul writes 3 important things to know about the second coming of Jesus: 1) Nobody knows when that will be except God, 2) the apostasy will happen before Jesus returns, and 3) the man of lawlessness will be revealed before Jesus returns.  What we can learn: 1) There are people who prophecy the date that Jesus will return, but from the Word of God we know that is a false prophecy. 2) The word apostasy means departure, revolt, or rebellion. It will be a willful falling away from the faith. It will be a departure of religious practices, a rejection of beliefs once agreed upon, and even mockery of religion. Many who were formerly Christians will decide not to follow Jesus anymore. 3) The man of lawlessness arrives. The man doomed to destruction; a completely evil man will arise. He will be Satan’s tool, equipped with Satan’s power. This lawless man will be the antichrist.

Things to think about as you read 2 Thessalonians:

• How do you react to trials? Are you willing to suffer persecution? What does your response tell you and others about God? Do people see your faith? Is His love evident in your life?
• Do you lead a disciplined life? Does your lifestyle show laziness? What are you doing to grow the kingdom? Are you just waiting for Jesus to come back? Should others follow your example?
• When the good you do doesn’t seem appreciated or even noticed, how do you feel? For whom are you doing it?
• Does what you believe about prophecy, or any other doctrine come from a careful personal study of God’s Word, or does it come from what others teach you and from books? Are you holding fast to what you know of the Word of God or are you easily persuaded by false teaching?

Video Link: https://youtu.be/i-wPTse80dA?si=Fq3mX5ijx8deQmvJ

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry