1 Thess - ch4 - How Can I Be Sure of God’s Approval?

Bible Study with Pastor Ken

Prayer & Welcome

<<Pray for Holy Spirit power>>

The Goal of this study is: How to love and care for others...

intro

1 & 2 Thessalonians: How Can I Be Sure? 10 Studies for Individuals or Groups: With Notes for Leaders Study 5: How Can I Be Sure of God’s Approval? (1 Thessalonians 4:1–12)

Our emotional need for approval is almost as intense as our need for love, but the two are quite different. In order to receive approval, a condition or qualification must be met. Approval must be earned and is granted because of what a person does. Approval, unlike love, has to do with “doing.” God will always love us, but he may not always approve of our way of living.

1 & 2 Thessalonians: How Can I Be Sure? 10 Studies for Individuals or Groups: With Notes for Leaders Study 5: How Can I Be Sure of God’s Approval? (1 Thessalonians 4:1–12)

PERSONAL REFLECTION. Think of a time when you have received approval from someone important in your life. How did that feel? What did you have to do to receive it?

Recap the Backstory in Acts (skip)

Paul starts his 2nd missionary journey this time with Silas, after Barnabas split over the choice to bring Mark or not (who wrote the gospel of Mark) . Creating 2 missionary journeys out of one!

The goal is to visit all the churches that were planted in the first missionary journey… They get a good start and pick up Timothy a disciple in Lystra.

God needs to change their plans. The holy spirit gives them a check against going on their planed route into Asia minor 2x SO they skirt the area of Mysia to get to Troas on the Coast.

At that point the Holy spirit gives Paul a vision of a Macedonian calling him to come to them. Acts 16: 8-9, so they change their plans and head to Macedonia from Troas

<<map: Troas to Philippi>>

There first stop is Philippi

Paul and his companions go to a place of prayer on the sabbath day (to the jew first) and meet a group of praying women. God leads a Lydia, business woman and worshiper of God to pay attention to Paul, and she is saved, and her whole household! So they run their ministry based out of her house. A house church is formed. Acts 16:12-15

Political leaders of the city, and told lies about them, and had them beaten and throne into prison because they disrupted a business of Demonic fortunetelling . Acts 16:16-24

Instead of complaining and blaming God they worship God by singing, and praying in front of the other prisoners. Acts 16:25-26 God power sets them free, and the end result is the prisoners see God in action the Jailer and his household is saved, the Political leaders of the cities must apologize for mistreating a roman citizen (Paul), and the Church House at Lydia's home is encouraged before they leave. Acts 16:27-40.

On to Thessalonica

Paul, Silas and Timothy then skip the smaller towns and arrive at Thessaloniki. It is a huge city about 200K in population at this time. Paul starts in the synagogue. and Reasons with them why the Messiah of the Torah must suffer, die and rise again, and he is Jesus! many converts especially Greeks and prominent women. This makes powerful Jews Jealous! - The round up a Mob of wicked people (proving they were in the wrong) . They grab Jason, one of the recent converts before the City Politicians. and lie about them inciting rebellion against Cesar (because they taught Jesus is the King of Kings).

So after preaching only 3 weeks, and paying money to the city as security for Jason, the left. Stopping next in Berea. Acts 17:1-9.

Next stop Berea

In Berea, Paul teaches at the synagogue again, as is his practice to the Jews first.

<<map: Philippi to Athens>>

Berean Jews were Nobel characters, and they checked in the scriptures to see if Paul was preaching the truth. But the crazy evil mob maddening Jews from Thessalonica hear about it and come over to stir up trouble with the crowds again.

To save Paul they put him on a ship and send him way down south Athens. Silas and Timothy follow Paul a bit later after they wrap things up.Acts 17:10-14.

In Athens Alone

Athens is the political and intellectual capital of this area of Greece. Paul is there, and he can’t help himself, as his spirit is provoked by the and many idols in this city.

Paul spends time in Athens and presents Jesus at the Areopagus (also called Mars Hill) to the learned philosophers and folks who just loved hearing about new ideas. Areopagus is the cities “ Agora”, a marketplace, an open area surrounded on all sides by buildings, or Stoa, that served as an economic and social center of life (Schnabel, “Contextualising Paul in Athens,” 172–174; Hammond, A History of Greece, 523.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Agora

Like a forum in a Roman city, the agora served as both market and gathering place for a city’s people. Plato and Aristotle both considered an agora to be an essential component of the polis (Plato, Republic 371b-d; Aristotle, Politics 1321b).

So the “Areopagus” functioned a bit like our social media of twitter and Ted talks, rolled into one. It is Fantastic speech… some join and believe in Jesus. Acts 17:15-34. The problem here is they love to debate ideas, but never be convinced and choose a side.

Not sure how much time Paul spend here. At some point, Timothy and Silas catch up to Him, and then because they are concerned about the Believers in Thessalonica Paul sends Timothy and Silas back for a report. 1Thess 3:1. SO it must have been some time.

Paul goes on to Corinth

Paul goes on alone to the biggest city in Greece Athens. Their he meets Aquila and Priscilla, Fellow tent makers. They had fled Rom in the Jewish persecution. (all Jews must leave ROME). Interesting to note that often Priscilla's name is mentioned ahead of her husbands… a remarkable departure from custom that proves not only the significance of Priscilla in the early church, but also lends understanding that the the early church was OK with Women leaders. It is in Corinth, that Timothy and Silas meet back up with Paul and the report from Thessalonica. At that moment, Paul takes time to write this letter to address the issues that were most pressing for the Dear fledgling Church that was in the middle of so much strife and conflict with the state and the jews.

<<map: Priscilla &Aquila, and Timothy meet Paul in Corinth>>

Recap Chapter 1

Chapter 1 is a celebration of the faithfulness of the Christians in Thessalonica… it has been a while since Paul was with them, and he is now getting word back - and by all indications their faith is thriving in the midst of attacks and adversity. The evidence for this is in the work of faith and labor of love… tangible realities of the inner change that was brought about the power of the Gospel. Not just it’s words, but its Holy Spirit power. So evident is their faith that it is evident in all the regions around Thessalonica. Not just “words” but but faith that is visible to even many miles and cities away. The difference is so amazing. before Jesus - Worshiping Idols. After Jesus - worshiping God and loving others bearing fruit in their good works.

Recap Chapter 2

Timothy goes back to Thessalonica, and brings back a report.

Turns out there has been satanic opposition casting doubts upon Paul’s Character and motives in order to discourage and sway the Christians away from following Jesus.

Paul, call on the Thessalonians as witnesses of how he acted while he was with them for three weeks. He takes this section to provide fact-based logical arguments that clearly demonstration how non of those accusations could be true. In the slightest. In-fact if the same standard were turned around and applied to those that are bring the accusations, they could not stand up against their own accusations. For the attacks being brought against Paul are rooted in financial lose, in Philippi Acts 16:19 and in jealousy in Thessalonica Act17:5 according to Acts.

This is character assassination and it always looks the same… the devil does this all the time. we see it today - righteous people used of God are the target of all kinds of character attacks.

The very things that the righteous are accused of are what the accusers are guilty of. “fingers pointing back at you”

Paul is not responding to the accusers… but to those that might have been lead astray by the accusations, and have now doubts about Pau land the foundation of their first believing.

Paul was not in it for the Fame and the Gory: Paul’s ministry is not glamorous! just the opposite! Shamefully treated in Philippi Still came to you with boldness - while in Much conflict! Paul reassures them he is preaching not to please man, but to please God. If he wanted to please man, he could have continued to hunt down Christians and lead a life full of praise by Men. much better route to go! You can tell because i did not come with empty words of flattery. I did not seek glory from you or anyone else.

Paul is eminently qualified to teach: no errors or Heresy with Paul! Paul’s qualification are impeccable. Acts 22:3 “3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.”

Paul’s are motives pure and without deception! Paul calls on them to remember that he was blameless. - they cant remember any evil that he did. But also beware, as the devil will send wolves in sheep clothing to try to trap God’s children into sin.

1 thess 2:10 “10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.”

Jesus told us to judge a tree by it’s fruit, and the fruit of ther walk was explained in Chapter 1. His message was to call them to be like God… how evils is that? Paul reminds them… of the nature of his words

1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 “For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.”

Paul is not preaching to get rich: Paul never asked for anything. Even tough he could have asked for that based on the principle of having enriched their lives with good teaching. BTW: The worker is worth his wages. But he did not use that privileged, instead I worked all day and all night to ensure I did not burden you in any way! (maximize the gospel's power) Paul's teaching is very personal… sharing everything, holding nothing back like a mother.

Our approval is to come from GOD not MAN: For that to work. you must have a strong relationship with Him, such that you are complete with God. Effective pastoring or even friendship comes when you are not dependent upon your friends for approval. that you are real and truthful with them. when they need loving correction you can do that without being compromised by your fears. We need to know the identity God has given us, and stop living for our false identities.

Recap Chapter 3

Paul is concerned that he abandoned these believers to early in the process. that they lacked the discipleship he normally did. And with so much affliction in the city he is worried they will be strongly tempted to give up. His heart feels orphaned 1 Thess 2:17.

Paul’s letter showed his deep concern for the new church in Thessalonica. His word demonstrate his love. His chief concern is that become “established” STAND FAST well rooted and able to thrive in the Lord apart from Paul.

1 Thes 3:8 “For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.”

He wanted to visit them … a trip that was costly in time and money, and as he was blocked, by Satan so He sent the rest of his team in his place. God uses what teh enemy ment for evil to cause this letter to be written.

He who wants friends must first be friendly. read Proverbs on “friendship”!

Paul sends his good friend Timothy to Thessalonica. Timothy was a huge help Paul. Paul feels the loss of Timothy deeply.

But he sends Timothy to Thessalonica to send encouragement to them “to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions.”

He send Timothy so that their fledgling faith would fail or falter - in the face of the many afflictions in the place.

Timothy was a Believer, and a Minister (servant)”deacon”, not afraid to work - needed to know how to teach others with love and patience. Phil 2:22 “22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.” he is in unity with Paul. Phil 2:20 “20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.” Paul continues to use Timothy like this later… Paul sent Timothy to Corinth to help straighten out the problems there (1 Cor. 16:10–11). He also planned to send Timothy to help the saints in Philippi (Phil. 2:19–23).

These times and teachings reinforce the situation that Christians back then knew that God did not promise them wealth and prosperity.

Paul warns the Thessalonians that they were destined for persecution. because they already had seen it. The Jewish persecution in ROME is a sign of things to come. Jesus taught we would suffer if we followed him. There was obviously a very entrenched demonic presence that was already alerted and now working against the Holy spirit’s purposes.

Phil 1:29 “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,”

1 Peter 4:12 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

We must warn new believers that this is coming.

Satan is behind all these attacks.... 1 Thes 3:5 “For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.”

Therefore we must be grounded in your relationship with God.

read the word… Paul is demonstrating the relationship with Jesus and Persecution

having done all to stand… stand firm then…

In his return to Paul, Timothy brought the good news about the thriving faith and love of the Thessalonians (v. 6). Paul still hopes to see them again (v. 11), and the likelihood is that he did see them on a later mission tour (Acts 20:1–4).

That Paul hoped to see the Thessalonians again to perfect what is lacking in their faith. This is not because they had specific spiritual defects - but like a pastor impart what is needed to build them up further.

His a prayerful wish that they will increase and abound in love, “more and more” (4:1), “just as you also are doing” (5:11).

Read chapter 4:1-12

1 Thessalonians 4:1–12 ESV

1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. 9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

Intro - How Can I Be Sure of God’s Approval?

1 & 2 Thessalonians: How Can I Be Sure? 10 Studies for Individuals or Groups: With Notes for Leaders (Study 5: How Can I Be Sure of God’s Approval? (1 Thessalonians 4:1–12))

Urge each other to do Good Things

1. Using the passage, complete the following sentence: “A person who pleases God is a person who …”

… Grows in Love and Holiness in their walk with God. Loving others more and more

2. Even though Paul acknowledges that the Thessalonians are pleasing God, he urges them to “do this more and more” (v. 1). Why is it important to keep reminding each other of how we ought to live?

1 Thess 4:1 “1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.”

We are forgetful, the devil tries to distract and discourage us.

We must not tear each other down… your so bad at xyz.

Instead encourage them and lift them up “just as you are doing” … but more of it!

Heb 10:24 “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”

3. What experiences have you had of being held accountable for your lifestyle?How have you helped to hold others accountable?

Preaching and teach is good motivator to stay on track.

Helping out others, having a focus to lift others up.

Sexual Immorality

4. How does Paul define sexual immorality in this passage (vv. 3–8)?

1 Thessalonians 4:3–8 ESV

3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

PASSION of LUST

TRANSGRESS AND WRONG HIS BROTHER

IMPURITY (rather than Holiness) =

5. What reasons does Paul give for avoiding sexual immorality?

it is behavior like the gentiles who do not know God. (do not know better?)

it is a transgression and harm or your fellow Christian (or gentile)

6. How does sexual immorality “wrong” or “take advantage of” others (v. 6)?

1 Thessalonians 4:5 ESV

5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;

PASSION of LUST = that “loving feeling” that we sing about is often nothing more than “feelings… of LUST” - Not love at all. but selfish desire.

TRANSGRESS AND WRONG HIS BROTHER = Sexual immorality is sin not just against yourself, but against the person you are violating. Even if it is consensual. it is sin because ti causes them Harm. and their family Harm, and their future spouse harm.

IMPURITY (rather than Holiness) = it stains our soul. dirty.

7. What does God find pleasing and displeasing about your sexual life?

self-control

using it as God intended inside marriage

8. In verses 9 and 10 Paul commends the Thessalonians for their love. What could a group with such a reputation do to love each other even more?How can these ideas be applied to your church or fellowship group?

1 Thessalonians 4:9–10 ESV

9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,

9. Scholars agree that verses 11 and 12 were directed toward members of the church who had quit working and were relying on the kindness of their fellow Christians to provide them with necessities. Why would Paul have been concerned about the effect this attitude was having on outsiders?

1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 ESV

11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

10. What do unbelievers notice about your work habits that attracts them to Christ? What work habits detract from your Christian witness?

11. Paul has given commands in this passage concerning sexual immorality, love for fellow Christians and work.

What can you do this week to become more obedient in one of these areas?Take time to confess to God the areas of your life he finds displeasing. Ask for his help in living a life that pleases him.

Now or Later

The following verses speak of people receiving God’s approval. What do you learn from each verse about finding God’s approval for yourself? Be sure to look at the Scripture surrounding each verse.

Romans 14:18 “18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.”

2 Corinthians 10:18 “18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”

Galatians 1:10 “10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 2:4 “4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.”

2 Timothy 2:15 “15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

Summary

homework