1 Thessalonians

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1 Thessalonians: Faith, Love, and Hope

Thessalonica was a port city in modern day Greece; the Roman capital of and largest city in Macedonia.

Part 52 – February 27, 2011

Thessalonica was a port city in modern day Greece; the Roman capital of and largest city in Macedonia.

It was situated about 100 miles west of Philippi where Paul and Silas had just been publically whipped, imprisoned, and escorted out of town.

“After we had previously suffered and were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.”

It was situated about 100 miles west of Philippi where Paul and Silas had just been publically whipped, imprisoned, and escorted out of town.

 On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.

Remember Lydia the textile lady and the Philippian jailer?

We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. – NIV

“After leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house, where they saw and encouraged the brothers and sisters, and departed. After they passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue”

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. – NIV

📷Remember Lydia the textile lady and the Philippian jailer?

After leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house, where they saw and encouraged the brothers and sisters, and departed.

They passed through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia because Paul’s evangelistic strategy was to focus on the big cities, like Thessalonica.

A SHORT MINISTRY IN THESSALONICA

After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left. When they had passed through Amphipolis [am-FIP-uh-lihs] and Apollonia [ap-uh- LOH-nih-uh], they came to Thessalonica … – NIV

17 After they passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left. When they had passed through Amphipolis [am-FIP-uh-lihs] and Apollonia [ap-uh- LOH-nih-uh], they came to Thessalonica … – NIV

📷They passed through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia because Paul’s evangelistic strategy was to focus on the big cities, like Thessalonica.

Modern-day Thessaloniki is the 2nd largest city in Greece, and sits on top of its ancient self.

Modern-day Thessaloniki is the 2nd largest city in Greece, and sits on top of its ancient self; so, very little has been uncovered.

Although many turn from idols to serve the living God (1:9), in less than a month Paul finds himself in hot water once again.

Although many turn from idols to serve the living God (1:9), in less than a month Paul finds himself in hot water once again.

“But the Jews became jealous, and they brought together some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city.”

Notice how they rounded up the bad guys from the “marketplace”?

But the Jews became jealous, and they brought together some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city.

📷… the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. –5 NIV

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. – NIV

And because of these Jewish troublemakers, Paul is forced to abruptly leave this three- week-old congregation. ()

Notice how they rounded up the bad guys from the “marketplace”? In 1962, while relocating a Thessaloniki bus station, workers stumbled upon that marketplace! Most remains under buildings; only about 1/4 has been excavated.

And because of these Jewish troublemakers, Paul is forced to abruptly leave this three- week-old congregation. ()

That night, Paul and Silas were sent 45 miles away, to Berea [buh-REE-uh].

“When the Jews from Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came there too, agitating and upsetting the crowds”

So, Paul flees to Athens; and from there, sends Timothy back to strengthen the Thessalonians - if any believers remain. (3:3:2)

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

That night, Paul and Silas were sent 45 miles away, to Berea [buh-REE-uh].

When the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, they went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. – NIV

“For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing. But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you”

When the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, they went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. – NIV

For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.

A flourishing church established in three weeks! Incredible! Paul says: “Your faith in God has become known everywhere” (1:8)

So, Paul flees to Athens; and from there, sends Timothy back to strengthen the Thessalonians - if any believers remain. (3:3:2)

ENCOURAGED BY TIMOTHY

6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you

… when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. – NIV

Statistics

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.… when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. – NIV

Author: Paul to the N.T. Church @ Thessalonica

A flourishing church established in three weeks! Incredible! Paul says: “Your faith in God has become known everywhere” (1:8)

Date: 52 A.D.

Key Verses: 4:13-18

Key Verses: 1:10

Key Words: coming of our Lord - 4 times, comfort - 6 times, brethren - 17 times 5 chapters, 89 verses, 1857 words

Key Words: coming of our Lord - 4 times, comfort - 6 times, brethren - 17 times

5 chapters, 89 verses, 1857 words

The Report

📷Timothy also tells of persecution, ignorance of sexual sin, and a mistaken belief that believers who die before Jesus comes miss out on His Kingdom.

Timothy also tells of persecution, ignorance of sexual sin, and a mistaken belief that believers who die before Jesus comes miss out on His Kingdom.

And Paul is moved to write what most scholars agree is his first epistle/letter (circa 51AD).

And Paul is moved to write what most scholars agree is his first epistle/letter (circa 51AD).

And because of a mistaken belief, we get an incredible passage:

“And because of a mistaken belief, we get an incredible passage: For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout,,a with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

Scholars have long debated the precise meaning behind certain words and phrases in this passage.

Scholars have long debated the precise meaning behind certain words and phrases in this passage. But the Thessalonians didn’t; instead, they simply “encouraged each other with these words”!

We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. … For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. – NIV

But the Thessalonians didn’t; instead, they simply “encouraged each other with these words”!

Scholars have long debated the precise meaning behind certain words and phrases in this passage. But the Thessalonians didn’t; instead, they simply “encouraged each other with these words”!

They received it as Paul intended; not as means of fine-tuning an end-times formula, but as a declaration of the most glorious family reunion and homecoming celebration every conceived!

They received is as Paul intended; not as means of fine-tuning an end-times formula, but as a declaration of the most glorious family reunion and homecoming celebration every conceived! In fact, in his very next breath, Paul says …

In fact, in his very next breath, Paul says … “About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.”

Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. – NIV

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. – NIV

Jesus’ second coming promises to be every bit as sudden and surprising to this ol’ world as his first coming was!

Jesus’ second coming promises to be every bit as sudden and surprising to this ol’ world as his first coming was! It’s not about speculation, it’s about preparation.

It’s not about speculation, it’s about preparation.

Paul’s Encouragement

Paul’s fist letter is one of comfort, instruction, and encouragement to fledgling believers, faithfully enduring bitter persecution.

Paul’s first letter is one of comfort, instruction, and encouragement to fledgling believers, faithfully enduring bitter persecution.

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. – NIV

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with the joy from the Holy Spirit. –

“And Paul notes the “secret” to their spiritual success: … [We remember] your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” –

And Paul notes the “secret” to their spiritual success:

… [We remember] your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. – NIV

First, it’s their: “work produced by faith”; not “faith produced by works” as the legalists advocated.

1. First, it’s their: “work produced by faith”; not “faith produced by works” as the legalists advocated. And Paul identifies the source and supply of true faith:

And Paul identifies the source and supply of true faith:

… when you received the word of God … you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. – NIV

“… when you received the word of God … you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe. –

If we’re not planted in His Word, we simply will not grow.

If we’re not planted in His Word, we simply will not grow.

Second, it’s their: “labor prompted by love”. Paul says:

2. Second, it’s their: “labor prompted by love”. Paul says:

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else … for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” ; NIV

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else … for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.

– ; NIV

We love because He first loved us!

We love because He first loved us! It’s only as we embrace and receive and cherish God’s love for us, that we become empowered and enabled to love others more fully, effectively, and deeply.

It’s only as we embrace and receive and cherish God’s love for us, that we become empowered and enabled to love others more fully, effectively, and deeply.

Third, it’s their: “endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”.

3. Third, it’s their: “endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”. When Paul explains how the living and the dead will be caught up together to meet our Savior, he begins by saying:

“When Paul explains how the living and the dead will be caught up together to meet our Savior, he begins by saying: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who fall asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.” –

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. – NIV

Funerals only come in two types: the kind where there’s hope beyond the grave … and the kind where there simply isn’t.

Funerals only come in two types: the kind where there’s hope beyond the grave … and the kind where there simply isn’t. One is an odd mix of sorrow and expectation; and the other, a depressing hopelessness of just sorrow.

One is an odd mix of sorrow and expectation; and the other, a depressing hopelessness of just sorrow.

Hope isn’t the same as wishing. It’s a confidence in the promises of God as sealed by the death and resurrection of Christ.

Hope isn’t the same as wishing.

It’s a confidence in the promises of God as sealed by the death and resurrection of Christ.

Hope on the Day of the Lord

As Paul closes, he says the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night for those who live in the dark. (5:1-4) But, for those who live in the light, he offers those three words.

As Paul closes, he says the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night for those who live in the dark. (5:1-4)

But, for those who live in the light, he offers those three words.

ut, for those who live in the light, he offers those three words.

“We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. … But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation.”

We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. … But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hopeof salvation as a helmet. – , NIV

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hopeof salvation as a helmet. – , NIV

Conviction from God’s Word and confidence in God’s love will protect my heart like a “breastplate” when I am tempted.

Conviction from God’s Word and confidence in God’s love will protect my heart like a “breastplate” when I am tempted. And an expectation and anticipation of the life to come, through Christ, will protect my mind like a “helmet” when times get tough.

And an expectation and anticipation of the life to come, through Christ, will protect my mind like a “helmet” when times get tough.

📷There were two old villages. One village got its water supply from a shallow but convenient, nearby mountain stream.

Only when I receive God’s Word, and relish His love, and rely on His Son, can I begin to realize His will, as Paul sums it up here: “

The problem was, during the dry seasons, when water was needed most, the supply would dwindle to a trickle and abruptly die out.

📷The second village drew its water from a deep artesian well, situated in the heart of the town.

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

That faithful fountain had an endless flow that reliably sprang up and satisfied, no matter how dry the season or how severe the drought.

Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Which water supply relates closest to your walk with God?

The “always” and “constantly” do not mean every moment of every day; they’re simply other ways of saying, “in everything”; not just when life is flowing in your favor.

Only when I receive God’s Word, and relish His love, and rely on His Son, can I begin to realize His will, as Paul sums it up here:

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – NIV

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – NIV

One of the last things Paul says in this letter is that … “He who calls you is faithful …”

The “always” and “continually” do not mean every moment of every day; they’re simply other ways of saying, “in all circumstances”; not just when life is flowing in your favor.

📷When Paul and Silas sang praises in that prison, do you think they were drawing from an unsteady stream or an unfailing well? 5). I think they were tapping into Old Faithful! One of the last things Paul says in this letter is that …

Question is: Am I? Are you?

The one who calls you is faithful … – NIV

Let’s guard our hearts and minds with faith, love, and hope.

Question is: Am I? Are you?

Prayer

Let’s guard our hearts and minds with faith, love, and hope.