First Thessalonians Bible Study

1 Thessalonians Study

Author: John Stott

Bobby Earls, Northgate Baptist Church, Florence, SC

July 11, 2020

(I did this study of 1 Thessalonians in part for my mother-in-law, Imogene Mobley Bolf. Imogene was teaching, with some difficulty, this study from John Stott to a ladies Sunday School class at the State Line Baptist Church in Gaffney, SC. I would complete the study and then send it to her by email to assist her in her teaching duties.)

Chapter 1: Passing It On

1. How did Paul express his affection and good will toward the Thessalonian Christians?

Answer: 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NKJV) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

He also greeted them with his common introduction, “Grace and peace,” in verse 1. He goes on to commend the Thessalonian Christians for their faithfulness and good works in 1 Thessalonians 1:3-10, (the remainder of the chapter).

2. What evidences did Paul find that the Thessalonians had responded to the gospel? (v. 3)

Answer: 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NKJV) remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

Also, in 1 Thessalonians 1:8–9 (NKJV) Paul references their faith known widely by others throughout Macedonia (their country) and Achaia (their specific location). In verse 9 he notes their turning from idol worship to serve the living and true God.

8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

3. How is each evidence a reflection of the character of Christ?

Answer: From verse 3, faith, love and hope are three qualities or characteristics Jesus exhibited in his life and works while on earth, i.e., faith in the Father led Him to faithfully obey His Father’s will that led to the cross; love for His followers and all mankind kept Him on the cross; and hope in the promises of the Father such as the hope of the resurrection raised Him from the dead.

4. When Paul and his companions preached the Gospel to the people of Thessalonica, how was their message supplemented and confirmed?

Answer: 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NKJV) For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

In word, in power, in the Holy Spirit, in much assurance…….

5. Which of the elements of verse 5 have you often seen in preaching and witnessing?

Answer: In word, the Gospel is communicated through the spoken word, i.e., the preaching of the Gospel or the sharing of the Gospel verbally; in power as the Gospel message transforms lives out of the darkness of sin to the light of salvation; in the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of God convicts of sin and converts the sinner; and in much assurance as new believers rejoice in their salvation and certainty of eternal life and heaven.

Which have you observed to be lacking?

In the Holy Spirit – The presence and power of the Holy Spirit is often limited in many proclamations of the Gospel.

In much assurance – Too frequently those professing faith in Christ lack the assurance of their new faith in Christ.

6. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10. When the Thessalonians received the Gospel, what was the contrast between their inward and outward condition?

Answer: In verse 6, outwardly they were experiencing much “affliction.” When inwardly they were rejoicing. Verse 7, outwardly they became examples to other believers. Verse 8, inwardly they did not need to say anything, so powerful was their transformation to Christ.

7. For what features of their lives had the Thessalonian Christians justly become “famous”?

Answer: The Thessalonian Christians had become famous for their turning from idols to serve the living and true God and their waiting patiently on the promised return of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:9–10 (NKJV) 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

8. The Thessalonians became the imitators of Paul, Silas and Timothy as well as imitators of the Lord Jesus Christ. In turn the Thessalonians became models so that others were imitating them. In your spiritual life what Christlike models have you been inspired to imitate?

Answer: For me, Godly pastors and preachers of the Gospel. I also looked to the godly example of other lay leaders and family members. (You Nanny and Ma Byars greatly influenced my life to yielding to Christ’s Lordship.)

9. The Greek word in verse 8 for “rang out” occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It is derived from echos an echo or noise. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament it was used of bells, zithers, trumpets and other loud noises. How is this an appropriate metaphor for sharing the good news of Christ?

Answer: Christians should practice a “loud” faith. We should be speaking up and speaking out about our faith in Christ and the eternal changes He has made in our lives. Sad that so many believers today are the exact opposite. We have too many “silent” Christians today.

10. After the Thessalonians turned from idols to Christ, they became engaged in serving God and waiting for His Son to return. How are turning, serving and waiting interrelated?

Answer: Turning, Serving and Waiting expresses the whole of the Christian life. We turn from our sin in repentance to trust and take Christ as our Savior and Lord and we continue to confess sin in our lives as believers, repent and return to His Lordship and full control of our lives. We also serve Him by using our spiritual giftedness, talents and abilities for His glory. We do all this as we wait on the sure and certain return of our Lord Jesus Christ.