DOCSLIB.ORG

1 Thessalonians Chapter 3 (Pdf) Download

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
1 Thessalonians Chapter 3 (Pdf) Download Studies in the Book of 1 Thessalonians P a g e | 1 © Copyright 2018 Joel B. Curry 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3 Timothy’s Encouraging Report As chapter 3 begins, we find Paul in the midst of being in Corinth, apart from the Thessalonian church. Remember that he & Silas had been forced to leave Thessalonica just 3 weeks after beginning to plant the church there - They were forced to flee because of a rioting mob, led by local Jewish leaders upset at the acceptance of the Savior by so many in the city o That night, the believers spirited Paul & Silas out of the city (See Acts 17:5-10) o Paul regarded the forced separation as like a parent being forced to leave a child ▪ 2:17—…when we were orphaned by being separated from you… o He added in 2:18 that Satan had blocked his return to them ▪ He is referring to the continuing opposition to him in Thessalonica • The rioting had followed Paul to Berea o He was forced to leave there, too, arriving 1st in Athens & then continuing to Ephesus & finally to Corinth, where he was living when he wrote the letters to the Thessalonians Studies in the Book of 1 Thessalonians P a g e | 2 © Copyright 2018 Joel B. Curry ▪ But before leaving Athens, Paul had sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to help the church o As chapter 3 begins, we find Paul restless because he had not been able to return yet to Thessalonica & had not heard any news from the church there VV. 1-4— - V. 1— o “Paul was worried about (the Thessalonian) church because (1) it was born in persecution (cf. 1 Thess. 2:17-20) and (2) he (and Silas) had to leave so soon,”1 without having had enough time to teach for very long o Paul very much wanted to return to the church, but decided, probably on the advice of his companions, to remain in Athens, where he preached for a short time before continuing to Ephesus & Corinth ▪ He did not want his presence back in Thessalonica to stir up rioting again & make the persecution the church was facing worse - V. 2— o So instead of returning himself, he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica from Athens to shepherd the new church…to strengthen and encourage you in your faith… 1 http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL07/VOL07B_03.html Studies in the Book of 1 Thessalonians P a g e | 3 © Copyright 2018 Joel B. Curry o He calls Timothy …our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ… ▪ Reminding the Thessalonians that Timothy was 1 of God’s co-laborers was the highest commendation he could give to Timothy • Paul wanted to make sure that they knew that the leadership Timothy brought was every bit as Godly & true as the ministry of Paul himself - Vv. 3-4— o The biggest concern of Paul and his team was the impact the continuing opposition and persecution would have on the faith and determination of the new Christians in Thessalonica o He was worried because “Often new believers, and even older believers, interpret difficulty as a sign that they need to change something. (When he returned to the church) Timothy reminded them that persecution is a normal experience for the Christian (cf. Matthew 5:11- 12;Matthew 10:16-28; Matthew 20:22- 23; Matthew 24:9-10; et al.), just as Paul had previously instructed them.”2 ▪ Satan is the author of persecution and opposition to the faith, especially to cause new or immature Christians to doubt their decision to make Christ the Lord of their lives • And in fact, in the early centuries of the church, there are many who turned away from the faith because of the 2 Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/1-thessalonians- 3.html Studies in the Book of 1 Thessalonians P a g e | 4 © Copyright 2018 Joel B. Curry persecution & because of pressure from unsaved family ▪ In the case of the Thessalonian Christians, virtually the entire community, with the approval of local government, threatened & persecuted them ▪ Paul reminds them “…that he had continually warned the Thessalonians that tribulation was the Christian’s lot. And now they knew it for themselves”…because it was already happening.3 • Just as he himself was persecuted throughout the areas in which he preached ▪ Opposition and persecution of Christians continues to take place today & in some areas of the world it is even more violent than the persecution the 1st century Christians faced ▪ In the West, opposition to faithful Christians usually takes the form of social rejection, ridicule, & resentment • Regardless of the severity of its acts of persecution, secular society everywhere wants everyone to conform to its norms & moral values Vv. 5-10— - V. 5— 3 Peter Pett’s Commentary on the Bible, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/pet/1-thessalonians- 3.html Studies in the Book of 1 Thessalonians P a g e | 5 © Copyright 2018 Joel B. Curry o Paul explains that it was because of these concerns that he sent Timothy back not just to check on them, but also to help them ▪ Paul wanted to know that, being so young in the faith, had they abandoned it because of the cultural pressure ▪ Had they left the faith, Paul points out that his efforts would have been in vain • (“The change to the subjunctive (…that our labors might have been in vain…) indicates that this was…not something believed. It had been a possibility that (his) labor might have been in vain, but Paul had hoped for better things…)4 o However, he had enough doubt that he was anxious to receive Timothy’s report, because Satan “…is a tempter in the sense of trying/testing for the purpose of causing failure (cf. Matthew 4:3; 1 Corinthians 7:5; James 1:12-18).”5 - V. 6— o “Timothy had…rejoined Paul in Corinth (v. 16; cf. Acts 18:1). He brought good news that the Thessalonians were holding up well against the…persecution…They continued to trust in God and to love others as well as to remember Paul fondly and to desire to see him again (cf. Philemon 1:5). This news comforted Paul who felt distress because of his concern for all 4 Peter Pett’s Commentary on the Bible, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/pet/1-thessalonians- 3.html 5 MacArthur Study Bible, NIV, 1851 Studies in the Book of 1 Thessalonians P a g e | 6 © Copyright 2018 Joel B. Curry the churches…”6 but especially for the young church in Thessalonica - V. 7— o Paul continued to face opposition himself while in Corinth, as we discussed in our series in the books of 1 & 2 Corinthians7 ▪ Knowing of the Thessalonians’ persistence in their faithfulness was a great encouragement to Paul as he himself faced opposition at the time he wrote this letter • Literally …we were comforted… - V. 8— o For now we really live… “Paul is using metaphorical language to express his release from tension because of the good news about this church”8 that they continue to stand firm in the face of opposition to their faith o …since you are standing firm… ▪ Paul sometimes uses military terms in his letters & this is one of those times • …standing firm…is the picture of an army that refuses to retreat in the face of the enemy’s assault9 - V. 9— o How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 6 Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/1-thessalonians- 3.html 7 We find examples of his troubles in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 4:9-13; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12; 6:4-10 and 11:23-28 8 http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL07/VOL07B_03.html 9 Paul frequently uses this phrase in reference to believers’ faithfulness in the face of opposition (1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 6:11, 13-14; Philippians 1:27; 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:15) Studies in the Book of 1 Thessalonians P a g e | 7 © Copyright 2018 Joel B. Curry ▪ Similar sentiments that John expresses in 3 John 4: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. - V. 10— o Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. ▪ “The apostle and his companions kept praying…that God would give them the opportunity to return to Thessalonica. They desired to return so they could minister to the continuing needs of their spiritual children. These Christians were doing well, but they needed to grow more. They were only baby Christians at this time. They lacked maturity.”10 ▪ The prayers of Paul & his companions were constant & persistent • In chapter 5, he urges the same type of prayer life for the Thessalonians…pray continually…(KJV: pray without ceasing) • This is a lifestyle we can have, to—to be constantly aware of God’s presence & know Him as our constant companion o All that we are must be of God Vv. 11-13— - Paul concludes this section of his letter with a prayer on behalf of the Thessalonians 10 Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/1-thessalonians- 3.html Studies in the Book of 1 Thessalonians P a g e | 8 © Copyright 2018 Joel B.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 Thessalonians Back Story Adult SS | Jan 12, 2020
    1 Thessalonians Back Story Adult SS | Jan 12, 2020 Paul's second missionary journey is recorded in Acts 15:36—18:22. A year or two after completing their first missionary journey, Barnabas suggested that he and Paul revisit the churches they had planted. A disagreement arose over whether or not John Mark, who had left them on the first journey, should join them on this journey. Eventually Barnabas decided to take John Mark to Cyprus while Paul took Silas to modern-day Turkey. (Acts 15:36–41). Paul and Silas picked up Timothy, a young but well-spoken of believer in Lystra. Paul decided to have Timothy circumcised to gain the trust and respect of the Jews in that area. The three men then continued to strengthen the faith in those churches and the number of new believers increased daily. Paul, Silas, and Timothy desired to enter Asia to spread the gospel there, but the Holy Spirit prevented them. Finally in Troas, Paul received a vision of a man asking them to go into Macedonia (modern-day Greece). (Acts 16:1–10). Paul, Silas, and Timothy, now joined by Luke, sailed from Troas to Greece and made their way to Philippi. Lydia, a wealthy merchant, opened her heart to the gospel and her home to become the meeting place for the church in Philippi. Later, Paul cast demons out of a slave girl whose owner then brought Paul and Silas before the city magistrates for what they had done. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in prison, but they continued to praise God from their jail cell.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Thessalonians 3 Study Guide-1
    1 Thessalonians 3 Study Guide This is a beautiful chapter revealing the love of Christian friends for one another. Paul again reminds Thessalonians how he longs to come to visit them again and see how they are doing. Please read the chapter at least twice before beginning your study guide questions. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. Ask God to speak to your heart so that after your time in His word you will be made over into His image. Reading Acts 17:1-18:5 will help us get a clearer picture of these events. 1. What are the cities Paul visited in Acts 17? 1. Thessalonica, 2. 3. 2. How does Paul feel while he is in Athens? Acts 17:16 3. Silas and Timothy were not with Paul in Athens, where had they remained? Acts 17:14 4. Notice 1 Thess. 3:1; what is the concern on the heart of the apostle Paul? Paul must have sent them word that he was concerned about the believers in Thessalonica and that he would like Timothy to go and check on them. He had instructed them earlier (Acts 17:15) to come to him quickly. But now his concern for these believers out weighs his own personal needs. 5. Timothy is reunited with Paul in Acts 18:5; this is the same time period as 1 Thess. 3:6. What does he tell Paul? Let’s look at the city of Athens for a few minutes. 6. What was predominant in this city? 7. What is an idol? 8.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Study Guide
    Men’s and Women’s Fellowship 2014: Discovering the theme 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Study Guide Where the theme is often found… Study by Pastor John Brackbill at The Bible Church of Port Washington It has been pointed out that often people keep their keys either near the Preparing to Discover God’s Revelation to His People: front or back door. If every text of Scripture is viewed as a house the key (the theme) to the house (the passage) is often found at the front door (beginning • Review Reading: Acts 17-18; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:16 (As you review of the text) or the back door (end of the text). previous passages, make use of the “Review of Past Discoveries” below.) With this in mind, what do you think this passage is about in one • Review of Past Discoveries • 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 : Paul gave thanks to God for the Thessalonian sentence? believers for three main reasons: ____________________________________________________ Their Christ-Centered Character (3) • If in fact this passage is in four sections, how do those four sections Their Election (4-7) develop that theme? o Their Known and Reported on Testimony (8-10) ________________________________________________ o 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 : Paul declared that the apostolic ministry ________________________________________________ o among the Thessalonians was not in vain as evidenced both through ________________________________________________ o the apostolic ministry and the reception of that apostolic ministry. ________________________________________________ Non-vain ministry is marked by bold gospel ministry in the Discovering the meaning middle of opposition • As you read this passage you will notice that “we” and “I” are used o Which is characterized by pleasing God rather than both referring to at least the author.
    [Show full text]
  • Group Leader's Guide
    SOUL SHIFT Group Leader’s Guide CONTENTS: About This Guide 1. Overview 2. Me to You 3. Slave to Child 4. Seen to Unseen 5. Consumer to Steward 6. Ask to Listen 7. Sheep to Shepherd 8. Me to We About This Guide This guide is to be used in conjunction with the SoulShift Church Resource Kit, based on best-selling SoulShift: The Measure of a Life Transformed by Steve DeNeff and David Drury. With these group discussion questions, you can help facilitate an all-church transformation focused on the seven shifts that God’s Spirit brings about in the hearts, minds, and behaviors of his people. Week one: Overview Think about and share what has changed since you were younger: • How has technology changed? • How have the ways people communicate changed? • How has travel changed? • How has church life changed? Discuss the following questions: • What makes a change good? • What causes people to change spiritually? Study Scripture: During this eight-week small group study, we will focus on the book of Philippians. If you break this book down, each section relates to one of the SoulShifts. Reading the book of Philippians this week will prepare us for the sermon series. In addition, studying the Scriptures listed below will help us understand the context. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. This passage speaks of the process of becoming a new creature and our old life passing away. In what ways are people afraid of new things and change? In what ways do they crave the new and want to be different? Read Romans 12:2.
    [Show full text]
  • Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians
    Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians Author(s): Calvin, John (1509-1564) (Alternative) (Translator) Publisher: Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library Description: Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians is another impressive commentary by Calvin on several Pauline epistles. Calvin is regarded as one of the Reforma- tion©s best interpreters of scripture. He frequently offers his own translations of a passage, explaining the subtleties and nuances of his translation. He has a penchant for incorporat- ing keen pastoral insight into the text as well. He always in- teracts with other theologians, commentators, and portions of the Bible when interpreting a particular passage. Further, this volume also contains informative notes from the editor. Calvin©s Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thes- salonians should not be ignored by anyone interested in those books or Calvin himself. Tim Perrine CCEL Staff Writer Subjects: The Bible Works about the Bible i Contents Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians 1 Translator's Preface 2 Dedication to the 1581 English Edition 11 Commentary on Philippians 12 The Argument 12 Chapter 1 14 Philippians 1:1-6 15 Philippians 1:7-11 20 Philippians 1:12-17 25 Philippians 1:18-21 30 Philippians 1:22-26 33 Philippians 1:27-30 36 Chapter 2 40 Philippians 1-4 41 Philippians 2:5-11 45 Philippians 2:12-16 53 Philippians 2:17-24 61 Philippians 2:25-30 66 Chapter 3 71 Philippians 3:1-6 72 Philippians 3:7-11 79 Philippians 3:12-17 85 Philippians 3:18-21
    [Show full text]
  • Schmidt 1 the CONTRIBUTION of 1 THESSALONIANS 3:11-13 to a PAULINE CHRISTOLOGY by Tom Schmidt Introduction When Approaching a St
    THE CONTRIBUTION OF 1 THESSALONIANS 3:11-13 TO A PAULINE CHRISTOLOGY By Tom Schmidt Introduction When approaching a study of the Apostle Paul’s Christology, a theologian will likely first turn to Phil 2:6-11, 1 Cor 8:6 and Col 1:15-17.1 These Pauline texts are celebrated for their rich and explicit descriptions of Christ’s person and thus provide excellent starting points for understanding Paul’s Christology. Yet there seems to be another valuable Pauline passage which is often left out of the conversation, that of 1 Thess 3:11-13. Such a text is important not only because of the significant christological freight it carries,2 but also because it is part of the oldest Pauline letter3 to which we have access.4 The aim of this paper is to address the question, “How does 1 Thess 3:11-13 contribute to our understanding of Pauline Christology?” This question will be addressed by exegetical analysis of the passage and an exploration of three christological deductions drawn from the text: (1) Jesus is understood to be a participant in the unique divine identity and prerogatives of YHWH; (2) Jesus is the assumed recipient of prayer, a ritual closely associated with a pattern of worship; (3) Jesus is understood to perform YHWH’s eschatological role in fulfilling Zech 14:5. An attempt will be made to understand how these three deductions contribute and cohere to the more prominent Pauline Christology passages (Phil 2:6-11, 1 Cor 8:6 and Col 1:15-17) while remembering the historical Jewish context from which nascent Christianity emerged.
    [Show full text]
  • THE LATIN NEW TESTAMENT OUP CORRECTED PROOF – FINAL, 1/12/2015, Spi OUP CORRECTED PROOF – FINAL, 1/12/2015, Spi
    OUP CORRECTED PROOF – FINAL, 1/12/2015, SPi THE LATIN NEW TESTAMENT OUP CORRECTED PROOF – FINAL, 1/12/2015, SPi OUP CORRECTED PROOF – FINAL, 1/12/2015, SPi The Latin New Testament A Guide to its Early History, Texts, and Manuscripts H.A.G. HOUGHTON 1 OUP CORRECTED PROOF – FINAL, 14/2/2017, SPi 3 Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, United Kingdom Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. Oxford is a registered trade mark of Oxford University Press in the UK and in certain other countries © H.A.G. Houghton 2016 The moral rights of the authors have been asserted First Edition published in 2016 Impression: 1 Some rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, for commercial purposes, without the prior permission in writing of Oxford University Press, or as expressly permitted by law, by licence or under terms agreed with the appropriate reprographics rights organization. This is an open access publication, available online and unless otherwise stated distributed under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution –Non Commercial –No Derivatives 4.0 International licence (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), a copy of which is available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside the scope of the above should be sent to the Rights Department, Oxford University Press, at the address above Published in the United States of America by Oxford University Press 198 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States of America British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Data available Library of Congress Control Number: 2015946703 ISBN 978–0–19–874473–3 Printed in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc Links to third party websites are provided by Oxford in good faith and for information only.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3
    1 Thessalonians Chapter 3 1 Thessalonians 3:1 "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;" “No longer forbear”: The agony of separation between spiritual parent, Paul, and his children in Thessalonica became unbearably painful (verse 5). “Left at Athens alone”: Paul and Silas stayed behind while Timothy returned (verse 2). This would not be the last time that Timothy went to a church in Paul’s place (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10; Phil. 2:19-24; 1 Tim. 1:3). 1 Thessalonians 3:2 "And sent Timothy, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:" “Establish … comfort … faith”: This was a common ministry concern and practice of Paul (Acts 14:22; 15:32; 18:23). Paul’s concern did not focus on health, wealth, self-esteem, or ease of life, but rather the spiritual quality of life. Their faith was of supreme importance in Paul’s mind as evidenced by 5 mentions (in verses 1- 10). Faith includes the foundation of the body of doctrine (Jude 3), and their believing response to God in living out that truth (Heb. 11:6). “Minister of God”: is a variant reading, probably substituted for “God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Paul's desire was to lead these Thessalonians into all truth. The very next best thing to being there himself would be to send Timothy. We have discussed before, that a Christian never stands still.
    [Show full text]
  • Paul's Use of the Imagery of Sleep and His Understanding of the Christian Life: a Study in the Thessalonian Correspondence Piotr J
    Paul's Use of the Imagery of Sleep and His Understanding of the Christian Life: A Study in the Thessalonian Correspondence Piotr J. Malysz Introduction The imagery of sleep remains one of the most universal and enduring metaphors in human culture. Its prevalence can be explained not only by the fact that sleep, as a physiological function of the body, is characteristic of all of God's animate creation, but also by the very nature of sleep, which easily lends itself to a variety of interpretations. Some of these can be neutral or positive, as is, for example, the metaphorical understanding of death as sleep—though even in this context there can appear a streak of negativity, nostalgia, or helplessness. Others may suggest laziness, lack of caution, or the absence of watchfulness. In the multiple and diverse references that it makes to sleep, the Bible is no different. It needs to be said, however, that the Jewish use of the metaphor is somewhat different from the Greek one, as is evident, for instance, in Paul's epistles to the church at Thessalonica.1 In fact, in the Thessalonian correspondence, the apostle draws quite heavily on both of these traditions to paint a picture of the Christian life as an existence rooted in the fact of the cross and governed by the eschatological reality of Christ's second coming. This paper seeks to demonstrate that it is precisely by bringing out and playing on the euphemistic, as well as negative, meanings of the verbs καθ^ύδω and κοι,μάω (sleep) that Paul unites all the various elements of his description into a coherent whole.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Thessalonians Commentaries & Sermons
    1 Thessalonians Commentaries & Sermons Colossians 2 Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians Resources Commentaries, Sermons, Illustrations, Devotionals See Disclaimer JESUS IS COMING AGAIN Click chart to enlarge Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT Chart by Charles Swindoll 1 Thessalonians Overview 1 Th 1:1-10 1 Th 2:1-20 1 Th 3:1-13 1 Th 4:1-18 1 Th 5:1-28 LOOKING BACK LOOKING FORWARD Personal Reflections Practical Instructions History Hortatory Ministry Ministry Ministry In in Absentia by Person (Thru Timothy) Epistle Word and Power Establishing & Calling & 1Th 4:13ff 1Th 5:12ff of the Spirit Comforting Conduct Comfort Commands 1 2 3 4 5 Salvation Service Sanctification Sorrow Sobriety Paul Commends Paul Founds Strengthening of Directions for Holy Living in Light of Spiritual Growth the Church the Church Spiritual Growth Day of the Lord Exemplary Hope of Motivating Hope of Purifying Hope of Tried Comforting Hope of Invigorating Hope of Young Converts Faithful Servants Believers Bereaved Saints Diligent Christians Written from Corinth Approximately 51AD Key Words - - Key Words -- see importance of key words - learn how to mark key words and the associated discipline of how t o interrogate them with 5W/H questions. Practice "interrogating" key words as well as term of conclusion (therefore), term of explanation (for), terms of purpose or result (so that, in order that, that, as a result), terms of contrast (but, yet), expressions of time (including then; until, after) and terms of comparison (like, as). You will be amazed at how your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, will illuminate your understanding, a spiritual blessing that will grow the more you practice! Be diligent! Consider the "5P's" - Pause t o Ponder the Passage then Practice it in the Power of the Spirit.
    [Show full text]
  • Ready and Faithful, We Are Blessed That You Have Joined Us This Year To
    Welcome to Ready and Faithful, We are blessed that you have joined us this year to study the Word of God and grow in your relationship with the Lord! This year we will study through 5 books of the Bible, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, all written by Paul the Apostle. Each of these books is exhortative, challenging and instructional in their own way. This year we have chosen the title “Ready and Faithful” because 1 and 2 Thessalonians exhort us to be ready for the return of Jesus and 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus exhort us to remain faithful and never, ever give up! As we study this year, our prayer is that you will not only be equipped and ready for Jesus’ return, but that you also would occupy while you wait. Warren Weirsbe calls this “staying power” …the ability to understand the ministry of the local church and stick with it until Jesus comes! We are never to give up, but always to be looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. This year we will look at two pastors who wanted to give up, but Paul exhorts them to continue ministering, and continue looking for the Return of Jesus! This is what gets us through the difficult days, knowing that Jesus will be returning for His Bride. Our responsibility is to be ready and faithful until He returns! “Looking for the blessed hope, and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13 Looking forward to a fruitful year! Love, Michelle DATES LESSON ASSIGNMENT Fridays (top dates) Mondays (bottom dates) 1 Thessalonians - Overview 9/16/16%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
    [Show full text]
  • Bible Study Guide on 1 & 2 Thessalonians
    Workbook On 1 & 2 Thessalonians The White Tower, the symbol of Thessalonica “We thank God always for all of you as we mention you constantly in our prayers, because we recall in the presence of our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:2–4, net) David Padfield www.padfield.com Scripture quoted by permission. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996–2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. www.bible.org All rights reserved. This material is available in its entirety as a free download or online web use at http://netbible.org/ 1 and 2 Thessalonians riting with gratitude and affection to a Themes and Literary Structure church that he had visited only briefly, After Paul’s forced separation from the Thessalonians Paul’s first and second epistles to the (Acts 17:1–9), he grew increasingly concerned about WThessalonians offer words of encouragement to the progress of their faith. First Thessalonians was a faithful but struggling church, and they focus written to commend and encourage the Thessalonian particularly on the encouragement offered by the believers, who were enduring persecution, and to return of Christ. offer consolation concerning their loved ones who had died in Christ. The theme of Christ’s coming recurs Author throughout the epistle, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13—5:11 First Thessalonians went unchallenged as a Pauline provides one of the fullest New Testament treatments epistle until the nineteenth century, when radical of this crucial truth.
    [Show full text]