1 Thessalonians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 5

1 Thessalonians 5

 

-Paul drives home his constant running theme of the Lord Jesus Christ’s return in His coming (parousia) here in the last chapter. His indication is that they have been taught well already on this doctrine and should be fully aware, awake, and sober for His appearance. Christ will come like a thief in the night (by stealth, unannounced), while people of the world are saying peace and security. All of a sudden destruction will come upon them much like labor pains in childbirth, which are inescapable. The children of God are in the Light and will not be taken by surprise at these events of His coming. They will be on guard, waiting, watching, expecting His return in all soberness and anticipation with the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of the hope of salvation, for God has not destined His people for wrath, but salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-9). The author says that whether we are awake (living) or asleep (passed from this physical world) we will live with Him (Jesus Christ) and this should be an encouragement and building up concept to be disseminated among all (1 Thessalonians 5:10-11). Paul acknowledges that these believers are doing a good job of this. *Application* The coming of the Messiah is closer than ever and we should be ever vigilant as His prized possession for the Lord’s return. We see all the prophetic words of Scripture taking place and the birth pangs are ever increasing. We don’t know the day or hour, but the fig trees are getting more and more ripe (Song of Solomon 2:13, Matthew 24:32, Mark 13:28, Luke 21:29-31). Stay true in faith, hope, and love as we look forward to our great salvation and the return of the King!

-He then exhorts them to respect and honor those in authority over them who labor in Christ and admonish (instruct, reprove, caution, rebuke, reprimand, give a warning, reproach) them for their own good. These leaders are to be esteem highly in love because of their work, which lends to peace in the body of Christ and complete Christian unity with the same Spirit. *Application* Too often we are critical of those who work in the Lord’s Name day in and day out. Being in the ministry is a tough spiritual business and it is easy to get discouraged by people, people who should be supportive and on the same side as believers. We too often wound our own, especially those in leadership. Satan is attacking the churches of America with this assault. Unless the leaders are in sin (which would necessitate biblical correction, this is why the “in the Lord” phrase is key in this passage, 1 Thessalonians 5:12), we should always honor those in authority and speak well of them to others for the building up of the body of Christ in peace.

-Paul now gives some general admonitions, which include correction for the idle (lazy, irresponsible, and disorderly ones), encouragement (cheer up) for the fainthearted (discouraged, timid, cowardly, fearful), help with the weak (poor, physically hurting, orphans, widows, those who cannot care for themselves), and being patient with all with kindness (1 Thessalonians 5:12-14). He gives imperatives on doing good to one another (never repaying evil for evil), rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances (this is God’s will in everything), not quenching the Holy Spirit, not despising prophetic utterances, testing everything, holding fast to what is good, and abstaining from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:15-22). *Application* This is a power packed list of essentials for the Christian life. Routinely go down this checklist of exhortations with a pure heart and you will be well on your way to pleasing God in your walk. We can see from this list that the Spirit filled life is proactive and awake, which is Paul’s primary point here in the pericope.

-Paul’s final prayer is for complete sanctification in peace and grace for these beloved children of God so that their whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is faithful and He will surely do it (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). Paul exhorts them to pray for his team, greet all with a holy kiss, and he puts them under an oath to read his letter to all the brother for their edification before his final good bye in this particular letter (1 Thessalonians 5:25-28).

 

Verses to Memorize- 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 14, 16-22

1 Thessalonians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 4

1 Thessalonians 4

 

-Sanctification (in the holiness, set apart, growth of the Christian sense) is Paul predominant theme as he writes in the first 2/3 of this chapter. He has instructed well and wants them to carry out the teaching of Christ in their spirits solemnly and devotedly, not disregarding God who gives the Holy Spirit, which empowers such Divinely inspired living (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8). Love is major emphasis and living a life that is quiet, minding your own calling and business, working hard with the talents and abilities God has ordained and given behaving properly toward outsiders, dependent on no one (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12). *Application* Living dependent of no one takes faith, perseverance, humility, and hard work. All of these are Christian traits by the way. Live a devoted life in Christ obeying His teachings with the right heart and attitude. Do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3).

-The coming of the Lord theme picks up again after this exhortation to live well in the power of Christ. Paul’s mantra is hope since we believe that Jesus died and rose again for our sake. We look forward expectantly for His return when the dead in Him will rise first and those who are alive will be caught up together with Him in the clouds at His command cry and the voice of the archangel. We will then always be with the Lord and we should encourage one another in love with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). This is great information that Paul imparts with great eschatological implications. *Application* Christ Jesus is coming again. Make preparations, be alert and be ready (Matthew 24:42-44; 25:13)! Hallelujah! Maranatha (Come quickly)!

 

Verses to Memorize- 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, 16-18

1 Thessalonians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 3

1 Thessalonians 3

 

-Paul’s thanksgiving for the Thessalonians firm faith and love for his team is evident throughout this chapter of Scripture. He begins with the fact that afflictions were an inevitable destiny, but that even though his pain and wondering if they had persevered in their trust of the Lord through temptation of the tempter their labor was not in vain because of the good news Timothy brought about their faith and love (1 Thessalonians 3:1-6). Their obedience to faith in Christ comforted Paul in his distress and affliction and caused him to have great thanksgiving and joy for their sake (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9). It was the apostle’s prayer night and day that he would be directed back to them and be able to see them again face to face to further increase their faith where they might have been lacking (1 Thessalonians 3:10-11). It was his desire that they increase and abound in love for one another (the believing community) and for all (the whole community) so that their hearts would be established blameless in holiness before God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ at His coming (parousia) with all His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13). *Application* It is satisfying any time we feel confidence in the people we have labored over in the Lord. We see the real key here is prayer before and after good training and instruction has been given. Paul, I believe, is not only praying for his return to them in presence, but also for their well being in faith and love. Lift up those you care so deeply about to the Lord that He will give you further ministry with them in their presence. Don’t let momentary afflictions drag you down and discourage you. Keep your eyes focused on the return of Christ with all His saints and rejoice!

 

Verse to Memorize- 1 Thessalonians 3:12

1 Thessaonians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 2

1 Thessalonians 2

 

-Chapter two is a tender part of the letter that instilled hope and encouragement from the apostle to this beloved group of believers. Paul and his team’s coming to them was not in vain as they declared the gospel of Jesus Christ among them without any error, impurity, deception, flattery, greed, or man pleasing (1 Thessalonians 2:1-5). In other words, these apostles feared God too much to let these new converts to Christ down. God was their witness (1 Thessalonians 2:5b), and they not seek glory from the people even though they may have had a Divine right as apostles to make demands on them for gain (1 Thessalonians 2:6). But, they were gentle among the Thessalonians like a nursing mother who tenderly takes care of her children as infants. They were not only ready to share the gospel with them, but also their very lives because they were sooo dear to them. They worked hard night and day so as to not be a burden on any while they proclaimed their message. Their conduct was holy, righteous, and blameless towards the believers. Like a father, they exhorted and encouraged the flock there in Thessalonica to walk in a manner worthy of God who calls into His own Kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12). These people were their hope, joy, glory, and crown for boasting before the Lord Jesus Christ at His coming (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20) *Application* Notice the camaraderie that flows from this relationship that the missionaries shared with their converts. It was passionate and kind, fruitful and considerate, challenging and expecting. Whatever relationships we have in Kingdom work need to necessarily include these Godly qualities as we toil in the work of the Lord. Be a blessing to those you care for.

-Paul was thanking God and them for receiving the message of Christ Jesus into their lives by the Word of truth (1 Thessalonians 2:13). This group of believers shared in some of the suffering and persecution of the Judean Christians. Paul relates how the spirit of those who killed Jesus, the prophets, and drove the apostles out of the region was the same as the Thessalonians’ countrymen. This hindrance of the speaking of the gospel fills up the measure of these people’s sins and will incur the wrath of Almighty God very quickly (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). *Application* While God is patient and wants all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9-10), there will come a point and time when the last opportunity is given for the sinner to turn to Him and after that is the fury. We must remember to endure under persecution and torment as righteous believers. We must overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (1 Peter 1:17-19, Revelation 7:14; 12:11). Justice will prevail in the end, count on it!

 

Verse to Memorize- 1 Thessalonians 2:8

1 Thessalonians Bible Study Notes- Chapter 1

1 Thessalonians 1

 

Overview:

 

- Grief at certain times in our lives can overwhelm us. The loss of a loved one can fill our life with gloom and depression, until we remember that death is not the end for those who are in Christ. Jesus Christ is the victor over death, and there is hope of the resurrection through Him. Many in Thessalonica, as well as other 1^st century Christians, were coming face to face with their mortality at the hands of persecutors of the church. They had many questions about eternity, as we do today, and they developed some false assumptions about the imminence of Christ’s return. Paul, writing from Corinth in the early 50s A.D. shortly after establishing the church in Thessalonica writes to strengthen the early believers’ faith and to encourage them to excellence in Godly living by teaching them important theological truths even in times of persecution and trial. The author instills hope for this dearly loved congregation and affirms them in a very affectionate way especially in the beginning of the letter for the purpose of maturing them in Christ Jesus.

 

Major Themes:

 

Persecution- Faith in Christ will always bring certain amounts of earthly persecution. There is no way around it, so expect various trials and tribulations as the enemy seeks to destroy your faith, but the Lord tests your perseverance. We must stand firm in our faith and allow the Holy Spirit to do His molding work in us during rough times.

 

Hope- One day all believers will be united together with Christ, both those who are alive at His coming and the deceased. To those Christians that die before Christ’s return, there is still the certain hope of the resurrection of the body. If we believe in Christ, we will live with Him forever. We can have confidence that we will be with loved ones who have trusted in the Savior!

 

Being Prepared- Since no one knows the exact time of Christ’s return to earth, we must remain vigilant and watchful by living moral and holy lives through the power of His Holy Spirit. This means we cannot grow complacent or weary, neglecting our Christian responsibilities. Rather we should always work and live to please our Lord looking expectantly for His return. Don’t be caught unprepared!!

 

Structure:

 

Paul again begins with a note of affirmation and commendation for the faithful saints at Thessalonica. He thanks God for their strong belief and good reputation (1:1-10). In chapter 2 he reviews their relationship—how he and his companions brought the gospel to the Thessalonians (2:1-12). He went into how the Thessalonians accepted the message with eagerness and steadfastness as from God and not mere mean (2:13-16). Then he lamented the fact that he wanted to be with them except for the fact that Satan had hindered that reuniting up until that point (2:17-20). Because of Paul’s great concern for the church there in Thessalonica, he sent Timothy up to them in order to encourage them in their faith (3:1-13).

Paul then gets to the core of his message dealing with exhortation and comfort. He challenges them to please God in their daily living by avoiding sexual immorality (4:1-8), loving each other (4:9-10), and living as good citizens in a fallen world (4:11-12). Paul comforts the believers in Thessalonica by reminding them of the hope of the resurrection (4:13-18). He gives the biblical theme of “be alert” and “ready” for the return of Christ Jesus because we do not know the exact time of His revelation of glory. When Christ does return, Paul promises those Christians who are alive and those who have passed away from earth by death will be raised to new life (5:1-11).

Paul then gives the faithful a handful of reminders on how to prepare themselves for the second coming of Jesus: Admonish the unruly (5:14), encourage the fainthearted (5:14), help the weak (5:14), be patient with everyone (5:14), be kind to everyone (5:15), rejoice always (5:16), pray without stopping (5:17), give thanks (5:18), examine everything that is taught (5:20-21), and abstain from evil (5:22). Paul concludes his short letter with two benedictions and a request for prayer.

As you read this letter and apply its significance to your own life, put into practice his practical advice in our age for Christian living. When burdened by grief and overwhelmed by sorrow, take hope in the reality of Christ’s return, the resurrection, and eternal life!!!!

 

*Notes from this overview were aided by:

 

New American Standard Bible: Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Mich.: 1995, pgs. 2096-2097.

 

-Paul begins chapter 1 with a sense of gratitude and loving devotion for this afflicted and persecuted bunch of believers in Thessalonica. He, Silvanus, and Timothy are part of the writing team who send grace and peace in usual fashion to the recipients of the epistle. They thank God for these believing brothers and pray for them constantly making mention of them in their prayers because of their fruitful Kingdom labor and faith of love with a steadfast hope in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:1-3). They were chosen by God and had the power of His Holy Spirit working in them as New Covenant Gentile believers full of conviction (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5). They knew what kind of men Paul and his team were for their spiritual development and wellbeing, and they became imitators of the apostles and of the Lord. They received the Word in much affliction with the joy of the Holy Spirit (Acts 17:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6). These believers through trial and tribulation had become an example in faith to all the believers in these regions of Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8). They had turned to the Living God from their idols of this world and served Him in complete truth. They were waiting for the return of His resurrected Son from Heaven as the One who delivers and saves from the wrath of God to come (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10). *Application* Reputation is important as we see here in this beginning chapter. Paul is able to commend those in Thessalonica because of their faithful report to those of faith even in tough times. Marks of them that we should demonstrate include steadfastness, joy in the Holy Spirit, endurance, hope, hard work, faith, power by the Holy Spirit, true, and expectant. God is able to do all things. Don’t let your circumstances ever rob your joy in Christ Jesus who makes all things new (Isaiah 48:6, Revelation 21:5). Cultivate these qualities that the Thessalonians had in your own life today!

Verse to Memorize- 1 Thessalonians 1:9