8/14/2010 Our study this quarter What questions d o do you have that that you would like us to explore in some detail this quarter?

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Anthony Lloyd
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1 1 st st and 2 nd Thessalonians Lesson 2 1 Thes. 1: Review Where was Paul when he wrote these letters? Corinth When? On his second missionary journey. Around A.D. 1

Review - Themes Appreciation for their faith

holiness In general, guidance for a young

2 Review - Themes Appreciation for their faith and concern for their continued faith Correcting misunderstandings about the Day of the Lord Sanctification exhortations unto holiness In general, guidance for a young church that Paul wishes he could provide in person. 2

3 Our study this quarter What questions do you have that you would like us to explore in some detail this quarter? 3

4 Key Lessons Paul begins the letter boosting their spirits and instilling confidence. Do we do this with one another? Do we have faith, love, and hope that are active? Do we receive the gospel today as the Thessalonians did? Introduction to the Letter What in common with other letters? Description of author(s) Who is being addressed The church of the Thessalonians Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon Peace (Shalom) was the Hebrew salutation and grace was the Greek salutation. Gratitude for the brethren; enumerates some specific things Rom. 1:8; 1 Cor. 1:4; Eph. 1:16; Phil. 1:3; Col. 1:3; 2 Thes. 1:3; 2:13; 2 Tim. 1:3; Philem. 1:4 Unlike, however, Galatians I marvel that you are turning away so soon (1:6) Remembers in prayers 4

5 Introduction to the Letter What does Paul convey or accomplish in the first four verses? Really boosts their spirits Gratitude for their faithfulness Concern for them expressed in prayer Praises their work Instills confidence in them What can we learn from this? Faith, Love, and Hope V. 3: First use of the triad of faith, hope, and love. How do these three work together in a Christian s s life? 1 Thes. 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 1 Cor. 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Building relationships Faith relation to God Love relation to others Hope relation to self Commitment Faith commitment to God Love commitment to others Hope commitment to one s own salvation providing inner strength 5

6 Faith, Love, and Hope Work of faith The work that faith accomplishes Far more than mental assent; compels us to diligent effort Not a dead faith (Jms. 2:20, 26) Labor of love Not idle, but caused them to work for the benefit of others Love compels Christians to serve one another Causes them to sacrifice: time, resources, lives Patience of hope Sustained their souls Able to endure all trials and persecutions Unyielding in their conflict with temptation and doubt Their Election V. 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God How were they elected or chosen? Vv. 5ff - The gospel had to come to them and they had to receive it Not unconditional The saved are God s elect Through obedience to the gospel believers are added to the church (see Gal. 3:26-27; 27; Eph. 1:3-7; 2 Pet. 1:10) Often talk about what this is NOT saying More importantly: a statement to instill confidence! They are the elect. They are the chosen children of God. A tremendous blessing. 6

7 How the Gospel Came to Them In power dunamis - force (literally or figuratively); miraculous power; in might. Like dynamite the explosive power of God s word Can complete change men s lives; can remake them into something new; power to save Paul s preaching accompanied by the miraculous More than this power in the word itself Rom. 1:16 In the Holy Spirit The esp Spirit guded guided Paul into oa all truth Miracles of the Spirit confirmed preaching Allowed the word of God to dwell in them filled with the Spirit In much assurance With full conviction The gospel is that in which they can place their complete reliance How the Gospel Comes to Us In the same way Power of the word Spirit s revealed truth With conviction and assurance Religious world s view Through schemes Softened, palatable; not powerful - tickles the ears With appeals to our humanity more than our spirituality Often with deception; the words of men, not the words of the Spirit In a way that provides no assurance of salvation 7

8 The Nature of the Messengers as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake Further describes how Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy brought the gospel to them Not for any benefit or personal gain Entirely for their sake Had lived righteous and pure lives before the Thessalonians Worked with own hands to support the preaching Acted for the benefit of all Endured intense persecution Reception of the Gospel Their reception Became followers In much affliction With joy of the Holy Spirit Made them examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia Sent forth the gospel Turned from idols to serve the living and true God Waiting for the Lord s return 8

Brings joy to one s life Completely dedicated to the Lord Ready to

9 Commercial and Cultural Crossroads Reception of the Gospel What it really means to receive the gospel Hear and act on it follow it Brings joy to one s life Completely dedicated to the Lord Ready to share it with others Produces an anxious anticipation of the Lord s return 9

10 If Paul Wrote to Us Followers of Paul and the gospel A joy that is obvious Our faith is active, our love is serving, and our hope is enduring Well known and good examples The word of God goes out from us Left the world behind and all its evil influences Live our lives in anticipation of something greater, something far better Are we living up to these? Key Lessons Paul begins the letter boosting their spirits and instilling confidence. Do we do this with one another? Do we have faith, love, and hope that are active? Do we receive the gospel today as the Thessalonians did? 10

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1 & 2 Thessalonians. This presentation is available in the CCLW mobile app or online at cclivingwater.com/3

1 & 2 Thessalonians. This presentation is available in the CCLW mobile app or online at cclivingwater.com/3 1 & 2 Thessalonians This presentation is available in the CCLW mobile app or online at cclivingwater.com/3 1 Thessalonians Author: Paul Date Written: 51 A.D. Recipient: Church In Thessalonica Purpose: