Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 2

Review - if needed

Turn to 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12.

Review 1 Thessalonians chapter one:

Greeting, thankfulness for the Thessalonians, their testimony of faith through affliction, resurrection of Jesus Christ

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12.

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What are some main themes of this chapter? What are some reoccurring ideas or words? Suffering and shame, sincerity and genuineness in motives and ministry, pleasing God rather than man, love for the brethren, labor/hard work, that they might please God also

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Let’s practice using our six friends: who, what, where, when, why, how

1 Thessalonians 2:1 - What was not in vain? What was not a waste of time? Paul’s entrance in unto the Thessalonians.

Paul’s coming to the Thessalonians (his visit) was not in vain. It was not a waste of time because they had surrendered to the transformative power of God.

Application: How can you ensure that every time the Word of God is opened at CIBC, it is a success in your life and not a waste of time for you? By consciously choosing to obey it!

1 Thessalonians 2:2 - what did Paul and his team experience at Philippi? Suffering and shameful treatment (see Acts 16:22ff)

How did Paul and his team respond to that experience? They were bold in God in spite of the conflict.

1 Thessalonians 2:3 - what was their exhortation not of? It was not of deceit, uncleanness, or guile (define those terms)

1 Thessalonians 2:4 - what did God entrust Paul and his team with? The Gospel

Application: what has God entrusted us with? The Gospel

What other questions can we ask of the text in verse 4?

Who did Paul seek to please? God

Why did Paul seek to please God instead of men? Because it is God, not man, that tries/tests our hearts

1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 - what did Paul not do at any time while ministering among the Thessalonians?

Application: Among churches in America you can find many examples of flattering words, pretexts/excuses for greed, and glory-seekers.

Continue in verses 7-12 with the same pattern of study.

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What does this chapter reveal about the Thessalonians or about Paul? What can we learn from their example?

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What does this chapter reveal about our God?

Make it personal!

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What are some personal applications to our lives that we see in this text?