AIM: Encourage one another with the truths of our experience and Christ soon return
1 Thessalonians 1-5
1 Thessalonians 1-5
A) Paul, Silas and Timothy commend Church in Thessalonica for far reaching, faithful reputation (1 Thes 1:1-10)
1 Thessalonians 1
(1) Paul, Silas, Timothy write church in Thessalonica who belong to God the father and the Lord Jesus Christ, grace and peace (gentile greeting, Jewish greeting)
(2-3) We always thank God & pray for you, thinking of your faithful work, loving deeds, enduring hope because of Jesus
(4-5) We know God loves, chose you, we brought Good News, power Holy Spirit gave full assurance truth
(6-7) Received w/ joy from Holy Spirit in spite of suffering imitated us and Lord, became examples all in Greece, Macedonia, Achaia
(8) Now word of the Lord, out from you to people everywhere, beyond Macedonia, Achaia everywhere people tell us about your faith in God – we don’t tell them
(9-10) Reputation: talking about wonderful welcome, turning away from idols, serving the living, true God, how you look forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven – Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, rescued us from coming judgment
B) Declare the Gospel as God’s messengers, at great personal price (1 Thes 2:1-16)
(2:1-3) You know, brothers/sisters our visit wasn’t a failure, treated badly at Philippi, yet God gave courage declare Good News boldly in spite of opposition, not preaching deceit/impure motive/trickery
(4-6) We speak messengers approved by God, entrusted Good News. Please God, not people – He examines our heart motive. Didn’t flatter you or pretend friendship for money or human praise
(7-8) Apostles of Christ had rights but were like children among you, of mother feeding/caring for children. Loved you, shared God’s Good News and our lives
(9-12) We worked hard earning a living, not a burden, preached God’s Good News, treated you honorably like father to children,pleaded, encouraged, urged to live in a way that God would consider worthy – For he called you to share in Kingdom and glory
(13) We never stop thanking God – you received our words as God’s word which it is, continues to work in believers
(14-16) you suffered from countrymen, imitated believers in Jesus – persecutors fail to please God/work against all humanity trying to stop our preaching Good News of salvation – pile ups sins/anger God
Application: We must boldly declare the good news of God to all. How am I helping those around me to understand the good news that brings hope, builds faith and shows the love of God for people? How am I praying for opportunity and following through when it comes up?
C) Satanic opposition can’t stop God’s love from producing holiness and encouragement
(2:17-19) Physically separated, but hearts never left – tried many times but Satan prevented us – you give us hope and joy and are our crown, pride and joy
(3:1-5) Stayed in Athens, sent Timothy our brother, God’s co-worker. To strengthen you, encourage your faith/not shaken by trouble/destined for by the Tempter (who tries to make our work useless)
(6-8) Timothy brought news of your faith/love – encourages our faith because you remain strong in your faith, gives new life knowing you stand firm in the Lord
(9-10) Thank God for you in His presence, night day praying earnestly we can fill in the gaps of your faith
· (11) May God our Father, Lord Jesus bring us to you
· (12) May Lord make your love for one another, all people grow and overflow – like ours does
· (13) May he, make your heart strong, blameless and holy as you stand before God our Father when Christ comes again
D) God wants us to be gracious, expecting Christ imminent return
(4:1-2) In Jesus name, live in a way that please God, as we’ve taught in Lord’s authority – already and even more
(3-5) God’s will: be holy, away from sexual sin, bodily control, holiness/honor not lustful passion like those who don’t know God
(6-8) Never cheat fellow believer’s wife Lord avenges all these sins. Anyone who refuses these rules rejects God who gave his Holy Spirit to you
(9-10) God taught you to love one another, you show this by love throughout Macedonia – love them even more!
(11-12) Goal: quiet life, mind your own business, work so non-believers respect way you live not dependent on others
(13-14) Don’t grieve like people without hope, believers who die will be brought back when Jesus returns, because Jesus died and rose again
(15-18) Lord: we who are living will not meet the Lord ahead of those who died, Lord himself will come for us and we’ll meet him in the air with the Lord forever (Rev 14:14-16;Daniel 7:13)– be encouraged with this word
(5:1-3) How and when is not needed (Jesus spoke about this already), it will be unexpected – people will say all is peaceful and secure, then disaster will fall suddenly, like a woman in labor pains – no escape
(4-7) Your not in the dark, you won’t be surprised at the day of Lord, children of the light, guard, stay alert/clear minded – not drunk
(8) armor of faith, love, helmet (confidence of salvation)
(9-11) God chose to save us through Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour His anger on us. Christ died for us, so whether we are dead or alive at the return, we can live with him forever – encourage each other, build each other up all the more
(12-13) Honor leaders in the Lord’s work, work hard, spiritual guidance – show respect, love, live at peace
(14-15) Warn the lazy, Encourage timid, care for weak, be patient with everyone. Don’t pay back wrong for wrong, but always try to do good to each other and everyone else
Application: Living God's will is living as Christ lived knowing that we will die and be resurected as he was.