1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1:1

I. Salutation, 1:1 1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians [which is] in God the Father and [in] the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. discussion questions

1A. “Grace and peace” was the custom of the day.

What is the custom today? ___________

1B. In the Bible there are customs (which DO change) and commands (which DO NOT change). Discuss each of the following and determine if it is - - Custom or Command

_______ ____ A. Women preaching

___ ____ B. Holy kiss

___ ____ C. Foot washing

___ ____ D. Wearing a veil to worship

___ ____ E. Men with long hair

___ ________ F. Worship on Sunday

1C. When is a custom binding on Christians? ______________

1D. Does the origin of the custom make a difference in our observance of it? _

1E. What is the difference in custom and tradition? __________

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

II. Review of the history of the Thessalonian church, 1:2-10

A. Their faithfulness, 1:2-3 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father

discussion questions

2A. Paul was always expressing gratitude. This seems to be a weakness of ours.

A. Why do few seem to appreciate and express gratitude? ____________ B. Are we really ungrateful or do we just fail to express it? _________

2B. List some ways to show gratitude.

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2C. Paul mentioned people and places by name. He believed in specific prayers.

Discuss: How much information should be given in public prayers?

3A. They were known for their “work of faith.”

How do “faith” and “works” function together? ______________________

3B. A “labor of love” tells us their motivation for their activity.

Is it possible that we do the work, but without the proper motivation? _ Have you ever worked in a program that you resented? ____________

3C. Why is “patience” so hard for us to possess?

1 Thessalonians 1:4-7

B. Their reception of the gospel exemplary, 1:4-7 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. . 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

discussion questions

4A. Discuss the use of the word “brethren” and “brother” in the New Testament and in our usage today.

A. Do we use the word to describe a relationship or as a title? __________ B. What other words are used in the New Testament to describe Christians?

4B. Election is a biblical teaching.

A. Who “votes” in this election? _ B. What is decided? __________

5A. What is included in the term “gospel”? Check which of the following topics are included in preaching the gospel of Christ.

__ Death, burial and resurrection Worship Faith in God, Christ, the Bible The church Plan of salvation Doctrines

5B. Does the Gospel have power today? _ 5C. How important is a proper example? _ 5D. How did you hear the gospel? Radio TV Newspaper Filmstrips Mail Door knocker Preacher Phone __ Personal invitation 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. discussion questions

6A. Who is your example to follow? ______

Should we follow the example of men? How are we influenced by the example of others?

6B. Can you think of people you would NOT follow? _____________________ 6C. Have you suffered physical harm or threat of harm because of you faith? _

How would you react if threatened? ______

6D. WHAT IF: It became illegal to have public gatherings to worship God? _

7A. Who is watching you? _______________ 7B. How far has the work and faith of this congregation traveled? _______________ 7C. If every church member were a church member like me, what kind of church would this church be?

1 Thessalonians 1:8-10

C. They had been active in sounding out the word, 1:8-10 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

discussion questions

8A. What are some ways that we (individual Christians) can “sound forth” the word of the Lord? 8B. List some ways available to us (as a congregation) to “sound forth” the word of the Lord. 9A. What are others saying about this congregation______

A. What is the general opinion among other congregations? ___ B. What is the general view of the community? _________________

9B. What did you have to leave (give up) to become a Christian? ________ 9C. How do we serve (be a slave to) God? _

C. They had been active in sounding out the word, 1:8-10 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

10A. How anxious are you for the Second Coming of Christ? ____________ 10B. Will Jesus return to this earth at his second coming? ______________ 10C. How would you respond to someone teaching: A. Jesus will return to Jerusalem _______ B. Jesus will establish a kingdom ___ C. He will reign for 1,000 years ____ D. There will be a rapture _

10D. What are the signs of the second coming? ______ 10E. How will we know when he is coming? __________