1.Thessalonians

What was the church in Thessalonica like in this letter?   Paul wrote it about 50AD. The church there was founded during Paul’s second journey.  The letter addresses how to live holy lives in the midst of an immoral culture. (SVBp.1536)

The church welcomed the message of the gospel in spite of severe suffering (1.6,3.9), and brought great joy to Paul because of their strong faith.  Timothy was sent to them to strengthen and encourage them (3.2)

What is the main idea in is this letter?

Paul got news about their growing in Christ (1.7-10), encouraged (2.12, 4.1), and urged them to correct some misunderstanding.

God’s will for us is to be holy (2.12,4.3, 5.23)  - and he advises them to live quiet life, minding their own business and work hard. Practical advises how to live. (4, 9-12,5.11-22)

Be the children of the light and the day, be awake and aware  - and we can live with him forever: 5.5-9.

Eternal life and Jesus returning (5.2)

What does this letters show about the Character and Nature of God?

God makes us love one another, and as a result of this he makes our hearts strong, blameless and holy as we stand before God our father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. (3.12-13)

The Holy Spirit gives joy, in spite of suffering. It is the same as Paul is writing in the letter to the Philippians.

“The Holy Spirit gives full assurance that what we said was true” 1.5.

God who calls us is faithful. (5.24)

God examines the motives of our hearts. 2.4 Here again is the heart issue, as we have seen so many times trough the OT.

Sources: Source View Bible (SVB), Nelson Maps and Charts (NB), Faith in Action Study Bible (FSB), notes form Scott Contivals teaching