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1 Thessalonians
Overview
■ Authorship: Apostle Paul
■ Recipients: The Church in Thessalonica
■ Thessalonica:
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Political center — Capital of the Roman province of Macedonia
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Cultural and Commercial center — Prominent Seaport
■ Date: ~ A.D. 51
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Paul visited Thessalonica in his 2nd Missionary Journey
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Written in Corinth (3:6-7; Acts 18:1, 5)
■ Theme: Christian Living in light of Christ’s Return
■ Purpose:
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Encourage steadfastness in spite of persecution
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Refute false charges
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Correct errors regarding laxity, laziness and disrespect towards leaders
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Instruct regarding rapture and those asleep in Christ
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*Charts from Talk thru the Bible by Bruce Wilkinson & Kenneth Boa
1 Thessalonians 1
Live out your faith and be an example to others!
Which part of 1 Thessalonians 1 inspires you the most?
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Faith, Love, and Hope: Paul thanked God for the Thessalonians’ “work produced by faith,” “labor prompted by love,” and “endurance inspired by hope” (v.3). Our spiritual virtues should result in actions and maturity. Reflect upon your spiritual walk, in what ways could you live out the virtues of “faith, love and hope” (e.g. forgiveness, random acts of kindness, service, anger management, joy amidst trials, etc.)?
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Be an Example: Paul and his coworkers had lived out what they preached among the Thessalonians (v.5), and the Thessalonians became imitators of them and of the Lord (v.6). In turn, they became a model to all the believers in Macedonia, Achaia, and everywhere (vv.7-9). We need to live out our faith and be an example to others. Evaluate your behaviors and examples at home, with your friends, and at your work place/school; how would you rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 as a Christians who could glorify God? In what way could you improve in those areas?
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Your own insight: (fill in yourself)
Meditation and Application:
Meditate on the above questions along with the necessary actions. Pray for alertness and empowerment to live out your faith and be an example and a blessing to others.