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 end 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 be able to...
* note the unexpected nature of the coming of the Lord, and how we should prepare for that event.
* see what our responsibilities are toward those who are over us in the Lord, and what responsibilities we have to one another.
* appreciate what the will of God is for us as it relates to joy, thanksgiving, and prayer.
For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 5...
Continuing his apostolic instructions, Paul knows he does not need to write to the Thessalonians concerning the timing of the Lord's coming, for they know full well that He will come as a thief in the night and with sudden destruction catch many people unexpectedly (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3).
This shouldn't be the case for Christians, however, for they are "sons of light" and "sons of the day"; therefore they should watch and be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and having as a helmet the hope of their salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8).
Knowing that God has appointed them to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ, they know that whether dead or alive they will live with Christ. Through such hope they should therefore comfort and edify one another, just as they were doing (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).
A series of exhortations follows. First, to recognize and esteem those who labor among them and are over them in the Lord, and to be at peace among themselves (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
Then, exhortations related to our concern for one another, along with a call to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, to give thanks in everything, to quench not the Spirit nor despise prophecies, yet testing all things, holding fast to what is good and abstaining from all that is evil (1 Thessalonians 5:14-22).
Paul concludes his epistle with a prayer for their sanctification as it relates to the coming of Christ, a reminder of the faithfulness of God, a plea for prayer in his behalf, and final instructions concerning greeting one another and having the epistle read to all the brethren. He signs off with a prayer for grace from the Lord Jesus in their behalf (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28).
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) Concerning what did Paul feel no need to write to the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 5:1)
2) What did they already know? (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
3) What will people being saying when the Lord comes? (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
4) What will come upon them when the Lord comes? Will they escape? (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
5) Why will the Day of the Lord not overtake Christians as a thief? (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5)
6) What is our responsibility as "sons of light" and "sons of the day"? (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
7) What are we to put on? (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
8) To what has God appointed us? (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
9) Why did Jesus die for us? (1 Thessalonians 5:10)
10) What is our responsibility to one another in view of such things? (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
11) What is our responsibility to those who labor among us and are over us in the Lord? (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
12) What six charges did Paul give concerning those around us? (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
13) What three things does Paul say is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
14) What five admonitions does Paul give related to the Spirit and prophecies? (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)
15) For what two things does Paul pray in behalf of the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
16) What assurance is there that God will do this? (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
17) What two final admonitions does Paul give the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 5:26-27)
18) What is Paul's final benediction? (1 Thessalonians 5:28)
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!
I hope that you've found our examination of 1 Thessalonians both enriching and helpful to your spiritual walk. As always, 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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