1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

D. The certainty of Christ’s coming, 5:1-11 1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

discussion questions

1A. What are the signs of Christ’s second coming? __ 1B. Who knows when this event will take place? _ 1C. Who does not know when Jesus is coming again? __________

2A. In what way is the coming of Christ like a thief in the night? _ 2B. Does this mean that he will NOT come in the daytime? _

3A. Why do we fail to take the second coming seriously? 3B. How will the second coming be sudden “destruction”? ___ 3C. List all who will escape the coming of Christ. _

4A. What is the darkness mentioned here? _____ 4B. How can Christians avoid being taken by surprise at the second coming? ___ 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

5A. In what ways are Christians children of light? 5B. Explain the contrast between - night and day, darkness and light. _____ 5C. How can you tell if one of the darkness or night? _____

6A. What does “sleep” mean in this verse? _ 6B. Why are many Christians so indifferent to the world? __ 6C. In what ways should we watch for the coming of Christ? 6D. How does a “sober” Christian act? ___

7A. Why does evil like darkness and night? _ 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. \

8A. Why is a breastplate mentioned here? __ 8B. How will “faith and love” protect us? __ 8C. How does the helmet of hope help us? _

9A. Unto what have we been appointed? _ 9B. Explain 2 Peter 3:9 and 1 Timothy 2:4. _

10A. What do “wake or sleep” mean in verse 10?

11A. List some ways we can exhort one another. 11B. How can we build each other up? ________

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

V. General Exhortations, 5:12-22

A. Appeal for harmony among Christians, 5:12-15 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. discussion questions

12A. What does “beseech” mean? _ 12B. Who are “over you”? ________ 12C. What are the three terms used for this office? What do they mean? Elder - __ Bishop - Pastor - _

12D. How do they admonish us?

13A. How should we treat the men who serve the church in this office? ________ 13B. Should we respect for the office even if we disagree with a decisionthey make? _____ 13C. How can members of the local congregation help the elders and lighten the burden they carry? __ 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. \
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. discussion questions

14A. List some ways a brother could be “unruly”. _ 14B. Why do you think some are so unruly? 14C. Who are feebleminded in the church? _ 14D. Does Paul refer to the physically weak or spiritually weak? ___ 14E. How long must we be patient?

15A. Contrast the old law (eye for eye) with the command here. 15B. To whom must we follow this advice? _ 15C. What is included in the word “evil” in this passage? ______

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

B. Appeal for steadfastness, 5:16-22 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. discussion questions

16A. When should Christians be happy? _____ 16B. Does this verse forbid us to ever be sad?

17A. When is it NOT appropriate to pray? __

18A. For what should be give thanks? _ 18B. Is there anything for we should not be thankful? _____

19A. How do Christians “quench” the Spirit?

20A. Does this verse apply to us today? __ 20B. Why do people “despise” the Bible? ___

21A. Is giving “book, chapter and verse” and requiring Biblical authority for all that is done in religion important? ___

22A. What does “abstain” mean? 22B. What is included in “appearance of evil”? __

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

VI. Conclusion, 5:23-28 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it]. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen. discussion questions

23A. What are the three parts of man? ____

24A. Can you always depend on men, friends or family? _ 24B. Can you always depend on God to do what he says? ___

25A. Should Christians ask for the prayers of their brethren? _ 25B. Why don’t we do this more often? __

26A. What does “salute” mean in this verse? 26B. Is the “holy kiss” a binding command? ___ Why or why not?

27A. Is this a private letter or is it public? _____ 27B. Should this letter be read aloud to the church? _

28A. What does “Amen” mean? ___ 28B. Can we say “Amen” at times other than the close of a prayer?