Happy Friday, and welcome to Bible Study Snacks! If this is your first time with us, I welcome you! If you're a regular follower of this blog, then it's great to have you back again! Either way, I thank you for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. As always, I hope you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, and strong in faith!
This week, we will begin our study of The First Epistle To The Thessalonians, or 1 Thessalonians. First Thessalonians is regarded as one of Paul's earliest epistles, if not the first. It seems that Paul wrote this letter shortly after arriving in Corinth on his second journey. This would date it somewhere around 52 A.D.
The general theme of 1 Thessalonians is unique in that every chapter ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23). In his writing, Paul places an emphasis on steadfastness and holy living.
The studies presented here are brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might also add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters!
As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let us pray together...
"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"
If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are some things to think about for this week's lesson...
THINK ABOUT:
* how the virtues of faith, hope, and love should express themselves.
* the potential a new congregation has for spreading the good news of the gospel of Christ, and being a positive example to all believers.
For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10:
Joined by Silvanus and Timothy, who had been with him when the gospel was first preached in Thessalonica, Paul offers his salutation along with a petition for grace and peace. He follows with an expression of thanksgiving for their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope, knowing their election by God (1 Thessalonians 1:1-4).
His assurance of their election is reinforced by the way in which they received the gospel. It had come to them not only in word, but in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance. Having imitated Paul and the Lord by receiving the word in much affliction and joy, they in turn had become examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
From them the word had traveled to many places; and the news of their own faith toward God had so spread that Paul did not need to tell others about them. In fact, others were telling Paul of the Thessalonians' conversion from idols to serve the true God, and how they were waiting for the resurrected Jesus to return from heaven who would deliver them from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) Who joined Paul in the salutation of this epistle? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
2) How did Paul address the church? (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
3) What three things was Paul especially thankful for regarding the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
4) What did Paul know concerning the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
5) How had the gospel come to the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
6) How had they become followers of Paul and the Lord? (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
7) For whom had they became examples? (1 Thessalonians 1:7)
8) What two things had sounded forth, or gone out, from the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 1:8)
9) What two things describe the manner in which they received Paul? (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)
After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!
As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until our next Bible study...
God bless you!
Sheri
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