"OVERVIEW OF 1 THESSALONIANS"
Notes
Transcript
Background info –
Author – Paul
Date – 51 AD
Audience – Church of the Thessalonians
The city of Thessalonica flourished for hundreds of years, partly because of its ideal location. It was situated on the banks of a hospitable harbor in the Thermaic Gulf near the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea. In the Apostle Paul’s day it was the chief seaport of the Roman province of Macedonia. Thessalonica ranked with Corinth and Ephesus, the main ports of the provinces of Achaia and Asia, as a great shipping center. Constable, T. L. (1985). 1 Thessalonians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), . Vol. 2: The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck, Ed.) (687). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Theme – The Model Church; The growth of a New Church
Start of the Church - Acts 17:1-11 –
Acts 17:1–11 (NASB95)
1 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.
5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also;
7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9 And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.
10 The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
Jews became Jealous, got the crowds on their side, and then drove Paul and Silas out of Thessalonica.
These young believers are left high and dry
Paul is eager to go back to Thessalonica.
1 Thess. 1:17 – But it’s not the Lord’s timing
Why did Paul write 1 Thessalonians?
Certain detractors went to the church in Thessalonica and told them –
That Paul is just another self-centered religious teacher. (If he cared he would be there)
Other problems that have arisen in the Church –
Doctrinal errors regarding the Lord’s return.
To Encourage the Believers to excel still more.
The Theme – Model Church; Growth of a New Church – How is this seen throughout the book?
Proposition - As we embark on a study of 1 Thessalonians this we are going to see that a true church encompass 1) a radical heart change, and 2) a radical hunger for spiritual growth.
Interrogative question - Where is your heart at right now?
1. Reminds them of their radical heart change –
1. Reminds them of their radical heart change –
1 Thessalonians 1:2–8 (NASB95)
2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,
4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; 5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - vs. 3
What we preached you received with full conviction - vs. 5
The Thessalonian believers responded in Christ likeness - Vs. 6 – 8
9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,
Faith in Christ = Radical Change
The radical change will cause people to dislike you and some will even hate you.
The Apostle Paul experienced this in so many ways
Certain people came to the church at Thessalonica and told them that Paul is no good, he is just another religious teacher.
They are trying to get the people within the church to go against Paul.
Paul’s Response to the accusations –
Addresses the Thessalonians not the accusers –
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.
Not seeking the approval of man –
4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. 5 For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—
Not seeking material gain –
8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
Even though these people did not like Paul, he responded to them with patience, love, and gentleness.
How do you respond to people who don’t like you b/c the radical change in your life?
Paul has refuted all of the false things that have been said about him. Paul sends Timothy to Thessalonica to see how things are going with the church. Timothy returns with a good report for Paul.
2. Reminds them of their call –
2. Reminds them of their call –
a. The Call – 1 Thess. 4:1 – “Do so more and more” in the original language it means “Super Abound”
1 Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.
Super Abound in Your –
Sanctification –
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.
Brotherly Love –
9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12 so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.
Encouraging Others –
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Be Ready For His Return –
6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
Rejoice Always –
16 Rejoice always;
Pray Constantly –
17 pray without ceasing;
Be Thankful –
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Are any of you doing these things?
Where can you do better?
SO WHAT??
Discussion Questions for Discipleship Group time -
When did this radical change taken place in your life?
Remember Faith in Christ = Radical Change
How are you living your life for Christ?
Where and how are you seeking to super about in Christ likeness?
