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 continue 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...
This Weeks Objectives: You should...
* gather from Paul's example how preachers should conduct themselves among brethren with whom they work.
* appreciate how the thought of seeing each other at the coming of Jesus should affect our attitude towards one another.
For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20...
Having reflected upon their reception of the gospel, Paul now reflects upon his own conduct while with them. He describes the manner of his preaching as one that was free of guile, deceit, flattery, and covetousness. Seeking not the glory of men, but of God, he spoke with boldness despite conflict, and was gentle among them as a nursing mother would be with her own children (1 Thessalonians 2:1-8).
Paul then begins to reflect upon the concern that he has for their condition. Thankful for their reception of his gospel as the word of God and not of men, he writes how they had imitated the churches in Judea in receiving the word among much persecution by their own countrymen (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16).
Even though it has only been a short time since he has seen them, he has desired to come to them time and again, but Satan had hindered him. His longing to see them is due to his view of them as his hope, joy and crown of rejoicing in the presence of Jesus when He comes again (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20).
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) What had Paul endured prior to coming to Thessalonica? What was his attitude when he arrived (1 Thessalonians 2:2)
2) What did NOT characterize his conduct while at Thessalonica? (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6)
3) What figure does Paul use to describe his treatment of them? (1 Thessalonians 2:7)
4) What did Paul impart to them along with the gospel of God? (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
5) What DID characterize his conduct while at Thessalonica? (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
6) What figure does Paul use to described the manner in which he exhorted them? (1 Thessalonians 2:11)
7) How did Paul want them to walk? (1 Thessalonians 2:12)
8) How had the Thessalonians received the word of God which they heard from Paul? (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
9) Who had the Thessalonians imitated in the way they received the gospel? In what way?(1 Thessalonians 2:14)
10) What had the Jews done? (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16)
11) Who had hindered Paul from coming back to Thessalonica? (1 Thessalonians 2:18)
12) How did Paul view the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)
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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