Lesson 1 Chosen 1 & 2 Thessalonians

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3 Lesson 1 Chosen 1 & 2 Thessalonians Introduction It may be at morn, when the day is awaking, when sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking, That Jesus will come in the fullness of glory, to receive from the world His own. O Lord Jesus, how long, how long, ere we shout the glad song, Christ returneth! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Amen, Hallelujah! Amen. Hymn: Christ Returneth Because we are God s chosen ones, we want to be ready when Jesus returns one day. Well, how can we be ready? 1 and 2 Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul specifically to help answer that question. We ve been chosen and we are part of a team God s team. As part of this team, we have certain responsibilities. In the weeks ahead, we ll learn about this and how to walk in holiness, in hope, in honesty and especially how to walk in harmony with fellow believers. Pause right now and begin your lesson with a prayer. Ask the Lord to prepare your heart for this study and to teach you through His Word how to be ready when He comes. Memory Scripture Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44 Commentary We are about to begin our study of two of Paul s earliest letters, 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Both of these letters were written to encourage the believers in Thessalonica who were living in a world that was hostile to their Christian faith. We will be able to easily identify with these people because we live in a similar world and face similar problems. Both 1 and 2 Thessalonians focus on the theme of Christ s return. Living day by day in the light of the Lord s return means being ready at any moment for Jesus to come back. Paul encouraged the believers to live holy lives. Because you and I are God s chosen, we too should live holy lives. May the grace of God help us to avoid the pollutions of the world and be ready for Christ s return. He s coming soon Hallelujah! Amen! Homework Questions: 1. Group Member Introduction: a. What is your name? b. Are you married or single? Do you have children? c. Share one thing you like to do for fun? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

4 2. Read Matthew 24:44,46 below from both the King James Version and the Amplified Version of the Bible. How do these verses challenge you to always be ready for Jesus return? 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. (KJV) 44 You also must be ready therefore, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him. 46 Blessed happy, fortunate, and to be envied is that servant whom, when his master comes, he will find so doing. (AMP) 3. The dictionary defines the word chosen as one who is selected, special, elected, picked by preference, or preferred above others. Which of these definitions speaks to you most and why? 4. Living in the awareness of Christ s return is important to our spiritual growth. Read the following verses and record the predominant theme of the letter. I Thessalonians 1:10, 2:19, 3:13, 4:15, and 5:2. 5. Paul wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians to the church in Thessalonica. He loved and embraced the believers there as his very own children. He sent these letters to help them grow strong in their Christian faith and service and to live in a constant state of readiness. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4. What are some things Paul fondly remembers about his children in the faith? Tuesday Night s Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight s teaching that spoke to your heart and why.

5 Lesson 2 Whom God Chooses He Changes! 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Introduction Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul; Break down every idol, cast out every foe; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Hymn - Whiter Than Snow Those whom God chooses He changes. Before we came to know and love our Savior, we lived for ourselves. Once we came to Christ, we began to change. Our focus changed, our attitude changed, our motivation changed, our priorities changed everything changed as we turned from the world s way of living to the Word s way of living. Now, we live with a sense of expectancy knowing that any day soon Jesus is coming to take us home forever. Take a moment right now to pray. First, thank the Lord for all the changes that have taken place in you. Now ask His Holy Spirit to help you to continually break down every idol and cast out every foe as you live and wait for Jesus. Memory Scripture For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Commentary Christians are waiting for Jesus Christ and He may return at any time. We are not waiting for any signs, we are waiting for the Savior. When the Christian woman lives in the expectation of seeing Jesus Christ at any time, she will be a vibrant and victorious woman. Expecting the Lord s return is a great motivation for living. It motivates us to share the gospel with those we love. It motivates us to live godly and make good choices despite how others around us are living. It brings stability to us as the world continues to change around us. It brings joy and hope and wonderful comfort in sorrow. When Jesus Christ returns, we will receive new bodies. We will be like Him and be blessed with rewards for our service, but best of all, we will be home at last! May God help you to live each day to the fullest for His glory and to occupy until He comes. Homework Questions 1. When a brand new baby is born, one of the first things the proud parents do is take pictures. In chapter 1 of Thessalonians we see that a church is born and the apostle Paul is the proud papa. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4. These verses are a snapshot of this new church. Describe as many details as you can about this baby church. 2. The Thessalonians were surrounded by constant pressure and attacks on their Christian living. In the midst of this, they chose to face their persecution and trials with a certain attitude. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6. What was their attitude? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

6 3. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:7. Paul and his companions were godly examples to the believers in Thessalonica. What was the result of their influence? 4. Those whom God chooses, He changes. This does not mean they are perfect, but they possess a new life which cannot be hidden. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10. In what ways was it evident that the Thessalonians were God s chosen ones? 5. The word, wait in 1 Thessalonians 1:10 means to await someone with patience and confidence, expectantly. Waiting involves both activity and endurance. Waiting for the Lord s return is a great motivation for living. According to the following amplified verses, how will living in the expectation of seeing Jesus Christ at any moment affect how we live? a. Mark 16:15 And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news, the Gospel to every creature of the whole human race. b. Ephesians 3: For Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name. 16 May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the Holy Spirit Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality. 17 May Christ through your faith actually dwell settle down, abide, make His permanent home in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, 18 That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints God s devoted people, the experience of that love what is the breadth and length and height and depth of it; 19 That you may really come to know practically, through experience for yourselves the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience; that you may be filled through all your being unto all the fullness of God may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself! c. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved tested by trial, a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing rightly handling and skillfully teaching the Word of Truth. Tuesday Night s Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight s teaching that spoke to your heart and why.

7 Lesson 3 Walk Worthy of God 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Introduction Down in the valley with my Savior I would go, where the flowers are blooming and the sweet waters flow; Everywhere He leads me I would follow, follow on, walking in His footsteps till the crown be won. Follow! Follow! I would follow Jesus! Anywhere, everywhere, I would follow on! Hymn Follow On Every child must learn how to walk. To do this, he must have good models to follow. The same is true in the spiritual realm. The Thessalonians were Paul s spiritual children and he set forth an awesome example for these new believers to follow. Just as a father encourages his children, so too, did Paul encourage these Christians. He pushed them to live for Christ. His aim was that his children might walk worthy of God. Pause for a moment and pray. Pray that you will follow Jesus anywhere and everywhere. Pray too that the Lord will help you to walk in such a way that you set forth an awesome example for others to follow. Memory Scripture Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Commentary This chapter explains how the apostle Paul and his companions cared for and nurtured the new believers at Thessalonica. In the portion of scripture we re studying this week, we see Paul as a faithful steward, as a type of loving mother, and as a concerned father. From his example, we learn that it is not enough to just see believers born. We must also teach them to walk and how to grow in the faith. Because of the tender care and concern the church was given, it was able to stand strong in the midst of persecution. Because Paul and his companions walked the talk, those that followed after them were also able to walk worthy. May God help us to be this kind of example today! Homework Questions 1. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2. Reveal the source of Paul s boldness that enables him to continue preaching the gospel in spite of opposition or conflict. 2. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6. Verse 4 should be written on every Christian s heart. Although we are not all appointed, approved, or assigned a platform ministry, we are all to be trusted with the gospel of God. Write from 1 Thessalonians 2:4b the supreme guideline for our life for everything we do. 3. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8. Reflect for a few moments on the measure of love that Paul had for these believers. He was as gentle and nurturing as a nursing mother imparting life to her baby. To what extent is Paul willing to go, in order to show his love for these believers? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

8 4. Just as a father wants to be proud of his children, so too did Paul want to be proud of the Thessalonian believers. It was not enough for them to just know the Word; Paul wanted them to live it out on a daily basis. So the apostle told them to walk worthy of God in 1 Thessalonians 2:12. Spend some time in the following amplified verses and note what they say about walking worthy. a. Ephesians 4:1 3 1 I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk lead a life worthy of the divine calling to which you have been called with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God s service, 2 Living as becomes you with complete lowliness of mind humility and meekness unselfishness, gentleness, mildness, with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another. 3 Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of and produced by the Spirit in the binding power of peace. b. Colossians 1: That you may walk live and conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition. 11 We pray that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, to exercise every kind of endurance and patience perseverance and forbearance with joy, 12 Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints God s holy people in the Light. 5. Oh what would the world be like if every one of God s chosen ones had Paul s testimony of 1 Thessalonians 2:10! List the ingredients in a believer s life that would produce that kind of godly living. Tuesday Night s Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight s teaching that spoke to your heart and why.

9 Lesson 4 The Victor's Crown 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 Introduction While we walk the pilgrim pathway, clouds will overspread the sky; but when traveling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we ll sing and shout the victory. Hymn When We All Get to Heaven Everyone wants to win. No one who competes sets out to lose or to be defeated. Whether you are a participant or a spectator, you both have the same mind set to win. The Christian life is often referred to as a race. Well, in this race there are obstacles that must be overcome. Paul knew the church at Thessalonica was facing some of these very obstacles. He knew they were going through intense persecution and suffering and perhaps there were some of them who were being tempted to give up. In this chapter he encourages them, Don't give up! Keep going and don t forget to use the spiritual resources you have in Jesus Christ! Paul knew that despite their trials, there was a victor s crown waiting for them one day in heaven. All they had to do was press on and finish the race. Let s begin our homework with a prayer. Thank God for the victory that is yours in Christ Jesus and pray for courage and strength to keep going until the day you sing and shout the final victory! Memory Scripture For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 1 Thessalonians 2:19 Commentary It was not easy to be a Christian in Thessalonica where believers faced persecution and suffering. Paul was burdened for his brethren who were going through intense trials, yet he also had joy. His joy came from the Lord s promise that despite tribulation, they could be of good cheer because Jesus had overcome the world (John 16:33). Paul also knew that they had divine resources available to help them. In chapter 2, he explains these resources. He reminds the church that they have (1) The Word of God; (2) The people of God; and (3) The glory of God to help them walk in victory. He further reminds them that there will one day be great joy in heaven for all those who have persevered in the faith. May God help you to run in such a way that you will receive a crown of eternal blessedness that will never wither or fade away. Homework Questions 1. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13. List three things revealed about the Word of God. 2. Paul used two different words for received. One means the hearing of the ear while the other means the hearing of the heart. The chosen ones at Thessalonica not only heard the Word but they took it into their heart and made it a part of their lives. How does this challenge you to live? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

10 3. Read 1 Thessalonians 2: As you can see there were those who were contrary and hostile toward the gospel and they extremely persecuted the church. What was the consequence for this wicked behavior? 4. Read 1 Thessalonians 2: Who does Paul say hindered or thwarted his efforts to come and see the Thessalonian believers? 5. The crown referred to in verse 19 comes from the Greek word stephanos which refers to the laurel wreath placed on the victor s head in the Greek games. This crown goes to one who is victorious. From the following amplified verses what do you learn that will help you to obtain the victor s crown? a. 1 Corinthians 9: Do you not know that in a race, all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run your race that you may lay hold of the prize and make it yours. 25 Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness that cannot wither. 26 Therefore I do not run uncertainly without definite aim. I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 27 But like a boxer I buffet my body handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit. b. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 6 For I am already about to be sacrificed my life is about to be poured out as a drink offering; the time of my spirit s release from the body is at hand and I will soon go free. 7 I have fought the good worthy, honorable, and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept firmly held the faith. 8 As to what remains Henceforth there is laid up for me the victor s crown of righteousness for being right with God and doing right, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that great day and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing His return. c. James 1:12 Blessed, happy to be envied is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive the victor s crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. Tuesday Night s Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight s teaching that spoke to your heart and why.

11 Lesson 5 Stand Your Ground 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Introduction Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone; the arm of flesh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own; put on the gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer; Where duty calls, or danger, be never wanting there. Stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high His royal banner, It must not suffer loss. Hymn Stand Up for Jesus A child must first learn to stand before he can walk. Usually the parents are there to teach the child to stand and then walk. Paul was the spiritual parent of the believers in Thessalonica, but he had been forced to leave. Paul did not abandon them in their time of great need though. In his place he sent his beloved Timothy to help this young church learn how to stand. As God s chosen one, you too, must learn to stand your ground when the enemy attacks. It is your faith in God and His Word that will steady you and keep you firmly planted. Before you begin this lesson, take a moment to pray. Ask the Lord to help you to faithfully put on the armor of God each day so that no matter what you face you will stand up for Jesus! Memory Scripture Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 Commentary The church has a very definite enemy Satan. He is behind many of the trials and persecutions we face and his sole purpose is to ruin our faith. Timothy s task was to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians so that when the enemy did attack they would be able to stand their ground. There s no doubt our faith will be tested. Trials are not accidents, they are appointments. They come to all of us and are a normal part of the Christian life. The word moved in 1 Thessalonians 3:3 literally means to wag the tail. Never forget that Satan is a master at using flattery to get us to move from our position of faith. The Word of God is the truth and anything else is pointed at causing you to be weakened in your faith. Learn to test everything and you will endure and stand strong to the end. Homework Questions 1. As you read verse 1, you see that Paul cannot stand another minute without hearing from his beloved Thessalonian believers. He absolutely loved them! Write down the phrase Paul uses that describe what he was feeling. 2. One of the things we are learning as we study this book is that relationships are very important to Paul. We see this in Paul s relationship with his son in the faith, Timothy. Verse 2 shows how much Paul trusted Timothy when he gave him an important assignment. What is it? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

12 3. We are guaranteed that this life will bring cares, concerns, heartaches, struggles and difficulties. According to verse 3 and 4, what encouragement do you find for us today when we face similar situations? 4. This church was experiencing extreme persecution. We have an idea of some of the particular things they were going through in verse 5. What were they? 5. The amplified version of verse 5 includes the phrase, the endurance of your faith. What Paul means by this is your faith will be tested. It is no different now than it was in Paul s time. According to the following amplified verses how might we endure when tempted by the tempter to abandon our faith? a. Philippians 1: Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves that your manner of life will be worthy of the good news the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I do come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings the Gospel. 28 And do not for a moment be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such constancy and fearlessness will be a clear sign proof and seal to them of their impending destruction, but a sure token and evidence of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God. 29 For you have been granted the privilege for Christ s sake not only to believe in adhere to, rely on, and trust in Him, but also to suffer in His behalf. b. 1 Peter 1:5-7 5 Who are being guarded garrisoned by God s power through your faith till you fully inherit that final salvation that is ready to be revealed for you in the last time. 6 You should be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, 7 So that the genuineness of your faith may be tested, your faith which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. This proving of your faith Is intended to redound to your praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Anointed One is revealed. c. Ephesians 6: Therefore put on God s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day of danger, and, having done all the crisis demands, to stand firmly in your place. 14 Stand therefore - hold your ground, having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, 15 And having shod your feet in preparation to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news of the Gospel of peace. 16 Lift up over all the covering shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Tuesday Night s Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight s teaching that spoke to your heart and why.

13 Lesson 6 Unstoppable Church 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Introduction Would you live for Jesus, and be always pure and good? Would you walk with Him within the narrow road? Would you have Him bear your burden, carry all your load? Let Him have His way with thee. His power can make you what you ought to be; His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free; His love can fill your soul, and you will see 'Twas best for Him to have His way with thee. Hymn His Way with Thee Paul loved the church at Thessalonica and his heart was breaking because he could not personally be there for them. It was this very longing that caused him to write the epistle we are now studying. Timothy had reported that the new believers were standing strong in spite of persecution and this brought good news to Paul s heart. When Christians live for Jesus and walk the narrow road, they are truly an unstoppable church! Perhaps there s someone you love in the faith that could use a word of encouragement. Could it be that the Lord wants to use you? Pause right now and pray. Ask His Spirit to come upon you and cause His love to abound in you so that He might have His way with thee. Memory Scripture But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 Commentary After reading through 1 Thessalonians 3, we see just how important it is to care for new Christians. It is not enough to lead someone to Christ. We must stay by their side and teach them to walk with Christ until they are established in the faith. To leave them on their own will make them weak and very vulnerable to the enemy. One of the most powerful things we can do for our brothers and sisters in Christ is to pray for them. The apostle Paul did just that in 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13. He prayed that the believers faith might mature (3:10); that their love might abound (3:12); and that their character and conduct would be holy and blameless before God (3:13). Why did he labor in prayer for these specific things? Paul always kept in the forefront of his heart and mind the thought of Christ s soon return. There was nothing he desired more than to know that His chosen ones were living and walking in the truth. Homework Questions 1. Our last lesson left us in a state of suspense, like a good movie that inconveniently ends with, To be continued. Paul did not know the outcome of Timothy s visit. Imagine Paul s joy when Timothy returned with great news. What was his good report according to verse 6? 2. Paul is overjoyed to hear the news of how the believers in Thessalonica are standing firm in their faith. So much so that the news encourages him despite the challenges he faces. Notice the word, we in verses 7 through 10. What did the news of the church in Thessalonica do for Paul and the missions team? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA (310)

14 3. Using the Thessalonians as our example, why would it be important to stand strong in our faith? 4. Paul prays for the Thessalonian church in verses 11 through 13. Write down what Paul asks God to do for them in your own words. From this prayer, chose one thing that ministers to you. 5. It was vital to Paul that the church in Thessalonica would abound in love and their hearts would be established in holiness if they were going to change their world. From the following amplified verses discover the meaning and broaden your perspective of what it is to abound in love and be established in holiness. a. Philippians 1: And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment, 10 So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences, and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach the day of Christ not stumbling nor causing others to stumble. 11 May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness of right standing with God and right doing which come through Jesus Christ the Anointed One, to the honor and praise of God that His glory may be both manifested and recognized. b. 1 Peter 5: Be well balanced temperate, sober of mind, be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring in fierce hunger, seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 9 Withstand him; be firm in faith against his onset rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined, knowing that the same identical sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood the whole body of Christians throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace Who imparts all blessing and favor, Who has called you to His own eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the dominion power, authority, rule forever and ever. Amen so be it. c. What do you think our homes, church, workplaces, communities and cities would be like if we lived out these two virtues? Tuesday Night s Reflection Question: Share one thing from tonight s teaching that spoke to your heart and why.