01 1 thessalonians 1v1 introduction

The Rapture and the Return of Jesus The Rapture and the Return of Jesus ChristChrist1 Thessalonians 1:11 Thessalonians 1:1

IntroductionIntroduction



I. THE BACKGROUND.A. The City of Thessalonica was first called Therma (because there are hot springs nearby), but its named was changed in 315 B.C. in honor of Alexander the Great's half sister.

Thessalonica is one of very few cities named in the Bible that is still a thriving city. Even today it is an important commercial city in Greece and boasts a population of approx 300,000. (In Paul's day it was around 200,000)

It was an important Allied base in WWI, and in WWII the Germans captured the city and exterminated about 60,000 Jewish citizens!



I. THE BACKGROUND.B. The Church in Thessalonica Was founded by Apostle Paul (Acts 17:1-10)Verses 2-3 give us some important info on the ministry;Reasoned... Discourse with questions and answers. These people were familiar with the Bible. He began to ask them questions that could not be satisfactorily answered by their system of belief.Opening... Means to explain. Paul would explain the Scriptures and how they referred to Jesus Christ and the Gospel message of the death burial and resurrection.Alleging... Means to lay beside. Paul would harmonize the Scriptures. He would lay them side by side and show how they related to each other and how the message of Jesus Christ made Bible sense.Preach... To proclaim with conviction. Paul did not stop at simply giving them information. He preached with conviction and called upon the listener to repent of their sin and be saved in Jesus Christ.



I. THE BACKGROUND.

C. The Conclusion

1. God uses people!

2. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.

3. Satan opposes those that preach the Gospel.



II. THE BURDEN.

A. To assure them of his love and concern.

Prayer ( 1:2)Remembrance (1:3)Affections (2:7-8)Desire to see again (2:17)



II. THE BURDEN.

B. To ground them in doctrinal truth.

1Thessalonians 3:10Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? (KJV)



II. THE BURDEN.C. To correct some errors.

1. Refusing to Work. 2 Thess. 3:10

2. Practical Holiness.1 Thess. 5:15-22

3. Respect for spiritual leaders.1 Thess. 5:12-13Dr. Warren Wiersbe wrote on this book, "I have discovered that lack of respect for church leadership is the main cause [of problems in the church]"



III. THE BLESSING1Thess/Rapture 2Thess/ReturnChrist comes in the air Christ comes to the earth for His own with His own(4:13-18) 1:10Sudden/Secret A crisis that is predicted5:2 1:7-8Can occur at any moment Can occur only after 4:15 certain events happen

2:3



III. THE BLESSINGThere are four things that having a clear understanding of the doctrines of the rapture and return of Jesus Christ can do for us... all found in these two letters;

1. Give us an assurance for the future2. Encourage us to serve the Lord and soul win.3. Comfort us in the sorrow of death4. Motivate us to purity in life.

01 1 thessalonians 1v1 introduction

Spiritual