first thessalonians

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First Thessalonians

Lesson 1Introduction to First Thessalonians

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Introduction to Philippians

The History:

Philippi

Paul first visited the city on his second journeyHe converted Lydia and her household (Acts

16:14,15)Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into

prisonThen, converted the jailor and his household

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The History

The church was established on Paul’s second missionary journey with Silas

Paul and Silas had just left Philippi– Encountered Lydia (her and her household were

baptized)– Cast out a demon from a slave girl (suffered the

wrath of her owners)– Imprisoned on false charges– Converted the jailor and his household– When they revealed their Roman citizenship, they

were released from prison and departed the city

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The History (from Acts 17:1-10)

(1) Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.(2) Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,(3) explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."(4) And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.

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(5) But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.(6) But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.(7) Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus."


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(8) And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things.(9) So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.(10) Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.


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The History

As Paul’s custom was, he reasoned with the Jews in their synagogue

“Synagogue”– A place or gathering of the Jews away from the

temple in Jerusalem– The purpose was the read and meditate on the

Mosaic law– Not mentioned directly in the O.T.– There was a ruler of the local synagogues– Jesus taught in them (Matt. 4:23)– Paul used the synagogues to a good advantage

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The History

Paul preached the gospel:– Christ suffered,– Arose from the dead, and– Jesus is Christ

Some of Jews believed– The unbelieving Jews were moved with envy– Paul was not endorsing the law of Moses. If he had,

there would not have been the conflict Paul then turned to the Gentiles

– Many believed including some of the chief women Jason befriended Paul and Silas

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The History

A mob set the city in an uproar They cried out, “these have turned the world

upside down…” They claimed that Paul was proclaiming that

“there is another king – Jesus” The “brethren” sent Paul and Silas away by

night In spite of the mob, the envy, the hatred and all

of the confusion, a good church is left

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The City

Thessalonica – An important seaport city of Macedonia – Populated by as many as 200,000 Greeks, Jews,

and Romans when Paul preached there– The nation had been a Roman province since about

148 B.C.– The city worshiped many pagan gods, but Jupiter

was its favorite– Politically, Thessalonica enjoyed the position of a

free city [42 B.C.]

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The Letter

Paul wrote this letter from Corinth Timothy was sent by Paul to determine the

status of the new Thessalonian Christians– He wrote this first letter in response to the

encouraging report he received This letter reflects –

– His joy over their significant accomplishments and– His concern about several issues with which they

were struggling

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The Problems

But first, many good things were observable among the Thessalonians:– They were characterized by “work of faith, labor of

love, and patience of hope” (1:3)– They had sent the word of the gospel into “every

place” as a demon stration of their faith toward God (1:8)

– They had shown courage and prudence as they turned from idols to serve the true God and to wait for the return of Christ to bring them eternal salvation and glory (1:9,10)

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The Problems

Several obstacles challenged the success of these mostly Gentile (1:9; 2:14-16) Christians in a hostile environment:– They were disturbed about the second coming

(4:13-18);– They faced persecutions and were troubled by the

persecutions raised against Paul and his companions, all of which could dis courage their commitment to Christ (2:14; 3:2-5);

– A relapse into their former sensuality and uncleanness could jeopardize their prospect of eternal salvation (4:1-8);

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The Problems

– Some members had either elevated or diminished their respect for church leaders according to who did or did not possess gifts of the Spirit (5:12, 13, 19,20);

– Attention to the basic responsibilities of the Christian life must be kept as a priority by each saint (5:14-22);

– Certain disciples may have been influenced by tactics employed by opponents of the gospel which were very unlike those utilized by Paul and his fellow teachers (1:3-12).

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The Time and Place

The best scholarship identifies Corinth as the place from which this epistle was written in A.D. 51 or 52.

It was delivered to the Thessalonians only a “short time” after Paul had departed from their city (2:17,18).

This letter therefore has the distinction of being the first written by the apostle Paul to a local church

Outline I. Reflections on the Thessalonians. 1:1-3:13

A. Commendation for growth. 1:1-10B. Founding of the church. 2:1-2:16C. Strengthening of the church. 2:17-3:13

II. Instructions to the Thessalonians. 4:1-5:28A. Direction for growth. 4:1-4:12B. The dead in Christ. 4:13-18C. The day of the Lord. 5:1-5:11D. Holy living. 5:12-28

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Questions on the Introduction

1. On which journey did Paul visit Thessalonica?

2. What was Paul’s custom when he entered a city?

3. What is a synagogue?

4. What purpose did the synagogue serve?

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5. Was Paul endorsing the Sabbath day and the law of Moses by meeting with them on that day?

6. What did Paul preach among them?

7. What classes of people believed Paul?

8. What two charges were made against Paul?


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9. What did the unbelievers do to Jason and some of the brethren?

10. Where was Paul when he wrote the letter to the Thessalonians?

11. Who was with him when he wrote the letter?


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The Gospel According to Paul

First Thessalonians

Lesson 2“Paul had left Thessalonica…”

Page 4

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Paul’s Greeting

This was Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians– And probably the first letter he wrote to any church

Silas and Timothy joined Paul in the opening greeting– They were well known there

“To the church” -- established when Paul visited the city a few months earlier

The members were following God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

1Th 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Paul’s Greeting

“Grace to you and peace” from God and Jesus– Paul was an authorized apostle to speak on behalf of

God– Grace: God’s unmerited favors– Peace: The Christian is at peace [reconciled] with

God through the Lord Jesus Christ God provides these blessings to all of His

followers through Jesus Christ, His Son

1Th 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Paul’s Thanksgiving

Paul was a praying man– He prayed and remembered them “without ceasing”

(1:3) He often incorporated his gratitude in his letters

for the good things about the brethren He gave thanks to God for their spirituality and

for their accomplishments

1Th 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

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Paul Remembered…

“Work of Faith” – – This is the beginning of spirituality– They had sounded forth God’s word (1:8)– They had become imitators of the Judean churches

(2:14)– They were exhibiting brotherly love toward other

saints (4:9)

1Th 1:3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

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Paul Remembered…

“Labor of Love” – – Labor is more strenuous than work – Their activities were “of love”– Love comes out of faith– We love because Christ first loved us


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Paul Remembered…

“Patience of Hope” – – They had earnestly believed that a precious reward

awaited the faithful– Tribulations and persecutions did not make them

impatient for better circumstances nor deter them from “keeping on keeping on”

“In our Lord Jesus”– They were being faithful to His word and to God– They knew that every work of faith and labor of love

was being noticed by God


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“Your Election By God”

This “election” was not that God had chosen individuals before the world began to be lost or saved

This “election” did not suppose that nothing can alter that election and man’s eternal destiny

These are faulty conclusions based on God’s words

1Th 1:4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

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“Your Election By God”

This “election” was determined by class rather than by individual persons

1Th 1:4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

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“Their Reception of the Gospel”

The word of the gospel had not only been heard, but it came to them – In power– In the Holy Spirit– In much assurance

These truths identified these preachers as men of God

Paul had demonstrated these truths to them and they had witnessed them

1Th 1:5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

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“They Acted On What They Heard”

They became followers of these preachers and of the Lord

They received the word – In much affliction– With joy of the Holy Spirit

1Th 1:6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

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“You Became Examples”

Other disciples throughout Achaia and Macedonia heard about:– The faithful endurance of the Thessalonians and – Were inspired to follow their example when similar

problems overtook them. We never know just how far our influence for

good [or bad] may go to affect the lives of others.

1Th 1:7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

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They “Sounded Forth” the Gospel

They proclaimed the gospel first among their own near neighbors, than moved out to others not so close by– They took the message to many places and far away

Probably, travelers into and out of the city became followers of Jesus, and/or

The church made a deliberate effort to spread the gospel by sending some of its member to “every place”

1Th 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

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Their Faith Had Gone Out

Their “faith toward God” involved:– What they believed about the precepts of the gospel, – What they had done in obeying the commands of the

gospel, and – How they had changed the basic practices of their

lives because of the gospel The great changes wrought in the

Thessalonians were widely known

1Th 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.

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The Thessalonians Had Changed

There were three life-changing actions:1. They turned from idols to the living and true God2. They turned from idols to serve the living and true

God3. They began to wait for the Son of the living and true

God to come from heaven

1Th 1:9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 1Th 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

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They Waited For His Son from Heaven

There were four significant truths about a living Jesus. They now believed:1. Jesus is the Son of the living and true God;2. He is in heaven and that He will come again;3. The Son of God had died on the cross but had been

raised from the dead by the living and true God;4. They now believed that the living and true God

would bring wrath upon lost men and that faith in His Son offered their only escape from wrath.

1Th 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

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Questions – Chapter One1. _________, _______, and _______ are included in the

greeting to the _________ of the ________.

2. What three commendable things did Paul remember about the Thessalonians?

a. Their _______________ of ________________;b. Their _______________ of ________________;c. Their _______________ of ________________.

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Questions – Chapter One3. What did Paul know about their relationship to God?

What did that mean?

4. In what four ways did the gospel come to the Thessalonians?

a. In _________________________; b. In __________________________;c. In ______ ____________ _____________;d. In __________ ________________.

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Questions – Chapter One5. They then became followers of ______________ and

of _______ _____________. How was that possible?

6. They received the ____________ in much __________________ and with ___________ of the ____________ _____________.

7. They became __________________ to all in ____________________ and ______________ and to all who ______________________.

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Questions – Chapter One8. They had __________________ forth the

_____________ of the ____________ in ______________, _______________, and in _______________ _____________.

9. What had the Thessalonians done after hearing the gospel?

a. _____________;b. _____________;c. _____________.

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Questions – Chapter One10. What had the Thessalonians accepted about the

nature and work of Jesus?a. _____________;b. _____________;c. _____________;d. _____________;e. _____________ .

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First Thessalonians

Lesson 3“It is likely that there were…”

1 Thessalonians 2:1:12Page 12

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Today’s Lesson… Chapter Two

Paul now defends his manner of preaching and his conduct among the Thessalonians

He needed to bring these matters to their attention to repudiate any charges made by Paul’s adversaries– A public display of animosity toward Paul, and some

of the other brethren, had caused him to leave their city

– The Thessalonian brethren were also being attacked by the same false teachers

– The adversaries were diminishing Paul’s apostleship and motives

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Today’s Lesson… Chapter Two

A false teacher who is being persecuted would stop the teaching rather than suffer needlessly– He knows that his doctrines are his own

A true teacher will suffer persecution knowing the wrath of God should he alter the word to avoid the wrath of man

So – Paul spends much of this chapter to show his pure motives and the sacrificial work he did on their behalf

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Our Coming Was Not In Vain

Their obedience to God’s word proved that his work among them was not in vain [wasted]– They had:

Joy in the Holy Spirit Become examples to other, even in far away places Sounded forth the gospel of others

They did these things while suffering afflictions

1Th 2:1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.

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Our Coming Was Not In Vain

The Lord says in Isa 55:11

…”so shall My Word be, which goes out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall certainly do what I sent it to do.”

Regardless of beatings, stonings, humiliations, jails, chains, mobs, and ridicules, Paul preached the word of God and left a trail of Christians everywhere he went

1Th 2:1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.

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Paul Was Confident Among Them

They knew Paul was spitefully used at Philippi They knew he had suffered earlier for

preaching the truth They knew he had conflicts [contentions] with

some in their own city But, he boldly proclaimed the gospel of God to

them– The first proof of Paul’s apostleship of the living and

true God was his reaction to being persecuted for the things he preached

1Th 2:2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.

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Paul’s Motives Were Pure

Next, Paul answers some charges made against him (assumed based on the answers he gives in verses 3-6)– That he was a crafty (clever) preacher who knew

tricks to persuade men to obey the gospel– That he preached in such a way as to tickle the ears

of the hearers and tried to please men– That he was highly educated and spoke with flattery

and was really covetous, desiring gain– That he loved the spotlight of praise and desired to

be “the big man” in the church

1Th 2:3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

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Things that played no part in his preaching– Error [fables, wandering, deceit], – Uncleanness [impure carnal motives], – Deceit [guile, a bait, snare, trick]

He had not abandoned the Thessalonians because his doctrine was flawed and could not be defended

He had not cared for his personal safety over the importance of the gospel

1Th 2:3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

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God entrusted him with the gospel God would tests his heart He was approved by God, not men He spoke to please God, not men

Paul says in Gal. 1:10 –

“For now do I persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I would not be a

servant of Christ.”

1Th 2:4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

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He never used flattering words– Evil men entice their listeners with “great swelling

words” (Jude 16) Paul was not preaching for money

– He toiled daily to help support himself– The Philippians had sent him gifts while he was

among the Thessalonians He said that God was his witness

– What better witness than the One who knows all the hearts of men

1Th 2:5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness.

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Paul’s Was Not Greedy

He did not we seek the glory [financial support] from men– Personal glory was lost in the glory he sought for the

cross of Jesus (Gal. 6:14)– Paul included Silas and Timothy in the use of “we”

and “our” in verses 1-12 As an apostle he might have exerted his

authority for financial support, but he chose to do nothing that would be a burden

1Th 2:6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

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The Thessalonians Knew…

He was gentle among them as a nursing mother caring for her own children– How could he possibly say this if it were not so

Paul was always set for the defense of the gospel, but showed love and gentleness

Paul was always attacked personally, but he always responded in love and gentleness

1Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

Paul Was A Servant

Like Jesus, he did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life following Christ– This proved the sincerity of his love for them

In the short time he was with them, they had “become dear” to him– Paul was dedicated to improving their spiritual

condition in God’s kingdom because of his love for the brethren

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1Th 2:8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

For You Remember, Brethren…

Night and day these preachers worked [labored and toiled] to provide their own support– Paul did not want to burden them for support– The Thessalonians were already burdened with being

poor and with being persecuted We preached to you the gospel of God

– Paul never preached more than the pure, straightforward word that was provided to him by God

– Likewise, he never preached anything less, else they might miss out

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1Th 2:9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

You Are Witnesses, and God Also…

The Thessalonian saints knew first hand that Paul’s behavior had been above criticism

He had behaved devoutly [holy, pious, solemn] – He had practiced what he preached

He had conducted his affairs with justice– Paul had dealt impartially with everyone

He had acted blamelessly [faultless, faithful]– Paul had tried to do his best to manifest the character

of Christ to all men

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1Th 2:10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;

As A Father Does His Own Children…

He had exhorted [admonished] those who needed to be en couraged– These new converts were in a difficult environment

He had comforted [soothed, consoled] those who were in the throes of heartbreak and personal tragedy

He had charged [testified, bore witness] those who had strayed into sin to correct their course

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1Th 2:11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,

God Calls You…

Paul’s behavior (exhorting, comforting, charging) among them had one overriding goal:

“…that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

His greatest challenge was to persuade them that the rewards and the glory of His kingdom was worth any cost

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1Th 2:12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

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Questions – Chapter One1. Paul had been ___________________ treated at

__________ but continued to be _____________ in speaking the ___________________ in much ___________________.

2. His ______________ was not in _______________, ______________________, or ________________.

3. One ____________ with the ______________ would not speak so as to ____________________ men but __________ who _________________ the heart.

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Questions – Chapter One4. What did Paul never do when he preached the gospel?

a. ___________________________________b. ___________________________________c. ___________________________________

5. Paul had given the Thessalonians the ___________ and his ________ ___________.

6. He had ________ ______________ and _________ that he might not be a ___________________ while he _________________ the ___________________.

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Questions – Chapter One7. He had behaved ___________, _______________,

and ___________ as he _____________, ____________ and ____________.

8. Paul’s goal for the Thessalonians was a _____________ worthy of ___________.

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First Thessalonians

Lesson 4“The success that Paul had…”

1 Thessalonians 2:13-20Page 16

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A Review From Last Lesson – verses 1-12

Paul defended – 1) his manner of preaching (vs. 1-8) 2) his manner of life (vs. 9-12)

He was reminding them of what they knew – – “You know” used 4 times (vs. 1, 2, 5, 11)– “You remember” (v. 9)– “You are witnesses and God also” (v. 10)

“God is witness” (v. 5)

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The manner of his preaching – – Not in vain– Bold while in much conflict– Not pleasing men– Not in error, uncleanness, deceit– Not with flattery, covetousness, nor seeking glory– But, as a nursing mother

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The manner of his life – – Worked night and day– Not a burden on them– Devout, just, and blameless– Acted as a father would his own children

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Paul was thankful for their reception of the word Paul’s success in teaching and nurturing his

converts at Thessalonica was impressive That success was possible by the attitudes and

the actions of the Thessalonians themselves He thanked God without ceasing They not only received the word, they

welcomed it!

1Th 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

The Word of God Works Effectively

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The Word of God Works Effectively

They knew it was not the word of men, but the word of God

They received it as the truth It was working in those that believed

1Th 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

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The Thessalonians Suffered Persecution

They had imitated the churches of Judea They suffered from their own countrymen

1Th 2:14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,

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The Jews Persecuted Us

The Jews had killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets– They persecuted their own countrymen for following

Christ– They persecuted the apostles– They do not please God– They are contrary to all men

Paul would know since he was once a ringleader of those who tried to destroy the gospel

1Th 2:15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men,

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They forbade us to speak to the Gentiles The are piling up [to fill up] their sins The wrath of God has come upon them to the

uttermost

1Th 2:16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

The Jews Will Be Punished

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Paul Was Eager To See Them

He had left suddenly under the cover of night He was with them only a short time He had them in his heart He had a great desire to see them face-to-face Satan hindered him in not getting back to them

– He thought about returning many times but it seems that it was just too dangerous

Paul was genuinely concern for their welfare

1Th 2:17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 1Th 2:18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

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You Are Our Glory And Joy

What a compliment from the apostle Paul They were his hope, joy, and crown of rejoicing But, their reward will be in the presence of our

Lord Jesus Christ at His coming Paul was certainly proud of this group of

converts “For you are our glory and joy”

1Th 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 1Th 2:20 For you are our glory and joy.

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Questions – Chapter 2:13-209. They had received his preaching not as from __________ but as from __________, and the word _______________ in them _________________ because they _______________.

10. Thessalonica was an __________________ of churches in _____________ because they suffered from their own _____________________as those did from the ____________.

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Questions – Chapter 2:13-2011. What had the Jews done to demonstrate that they were “contrary to all men”?

a. ________________________________ b. ________________________________c. ________________________________

12. Jews had _____________________ Paul to _______________ to the ________________ about ________________________ and filled up the ______________________of their _____________; they would suffer ________________ to the ______________________.

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First Thessalonians

Lesson 5“Paul had left Thessalonica amid…”


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Paul had left Thessalonica amid a violent disturbance

He was sent by his brethren to Berea for his safety– They went into the synagogue of the Jews (Acts 17:10)– Many of them believed, and also not a few of the

Greeks, prominent women as well as men (Acts 17:12)– But, the Jews “stirred up the crowds” against him

Again, he was hurried out of town and sent to Athens– Silas and Timothy stayed behind in Berea (Acts 17:14)

From Thessalonica To Berea

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Paul was escorted to Athens by some brethren (Acts 17:15)– He sent the brethren back to command Silas and

Timothy to come to him He was left alone Let’s read Acts 17:16-34 to know what Paul did

while in Athens awaiting Silas and Timothy Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia Now, for today’s lesson…

From Berea To Athens

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Timothy had been sent back immediately to Thessalonica– Silas may have returned to Berea or Philippi for a

time Paul was anxious to get a report from him Paul left Athens for Corinth before Timothy

could return with his report (Acts 18:1) Both Silas and Timothy soon rejoined the

apostle at Corinth (Acts 18:5)

From Athens To Corinth

1Th 3:1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,

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Timothy’s was a valued worker in the kingdom– He was a faithful brother, a capable servant and a

zealous fellow laborer in the gospel His mission:

– To determine the outcome of the recent uprising against the disciples

– To establish and encourage them concerning their faith

Timothy’s Mission

1Th 3:2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

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Paul did not want the Thessalonians’ faith to be “shaken” as a result of their afflictions– If shaken, they might be moved or agitated by fear,

or by the terror of persecution, as to forsake their religion

He thought it good to remind them – – He and other apostles were “appointed” to trouble– He had warned the Thessalonians before about

persecution because of their faith

Christians Will Suffer Persecution

1Th 3:3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 1Th 3:4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.

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Paul repeated his desire to know of their condition from verse 1

The Tempter was Satan, the devil If any had fallen back, he knew his work for

those had been in vain This certainly proves that a saved child of God

can be lost if his faith fails!

Paul Was Fearful of the Tempter

1Th 3:5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

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This epistle is Paul’s response to the mostly good assessment of the church’s circumstances which Timothy had brought– He reported on their steadfastness of faith and love

for God and the gospel – It was comforting to know that they still had a good

remembrance of him – no ill feelings The saints were as anxious to see Paul again

as he was to see them

Timothy Brought Good News

1Th 3:6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you—

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“For now we live” – – Joy had been restored to the apostle’s heart– His spirit quickly returned when he heard that all was

well considering their circumstances– He rejoiced that his work was in vain

This good news was comforting to Paul and relieved his anxiety

“For now we live”

1Th 3:7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 1Th 3:8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

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His happiness was now so complete that words of thanksgiving were inadequate to express it– His joy was full because it was for their own sake

that they were doing well in their service to God Paul prayed constantly [“night and day”] in

behalf of the Thessalonians– He later told the brethren there to “pray without

ceasing” (5:17) He wanted to see their face and perfect what is

lacking in their faith

“We Rejoice For Your Sake”

1Th 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 1Th 3:10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?

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Once more Paul declares his wish to be with the Thessalonian church again

He let them know that the Father and Son were totally in control of that event– This is another way of saying, “if the Lord wills, I will

do such and such…”

Paul Greatly Desired to See Them Again

1Th 3:11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.

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He wanted them to “increase” and “abound” in their love for one another and for all [men]– “Increase” is “to make to increase”– “Abound” is “to be abundantly furnished”– The idea is to keep getting better until they became

the best they could be The extent of his own love for the Thessalonians

could serve as an indicator of how deeply they should love one another

“Increase And Abound In Love”

1Th 3:12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,

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By doing their best to grow stronger in spiritual qualities, God would in turn:– Establish their hearts in the principles of holiness– Make them ready to give account of themselves as

Christians when Christ returns Christ will return with His “saints” to judge the

world

“Blameless in Holiness”

1Th 3:13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

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First Thessalonians

Lesson 6“The first three chapters of…”


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He begins with “Finally” – This does not mean that Paul is closing his letter

In chapter 4, he is adding to the words at the end of chapter 3 (vs. 12-13) – blameless in holiness, love, and the Lord’s return

Today’s lesson covers:– Being blameless in holiness (1-8)– Having brotherly love (9-12)

The next lesson covers:– The coming of the Lord (4:13 – 5:6)

First Thessalonians Chapter Four

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He urges and exhorts them– That they should abound [to overflow] more and more– That they can do even better – do their best to be

their very best– That they ought to walk and to please God

“You Should Abound More And More…”

1Th 4:1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;

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They knew the commandments for living pure lives in the Lord Jesus– Their heathen environment was so corrupt– The temptations were so strong

Paul needed to remind them again of the Lord’s expectations

“For you know…”

1Th 4:2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

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Their “sanctification”– Separation to God by a fitting course of life– It is fundamental to discipleship– It must regulate every aspect of the Christian

experience Their abstaining from sexual immorality

– It was widespread in their society– In Corinth, the goddess Venus [the goddess of love],

was rife with such sins– Pagan society did not disapprove of fornication

“This Is The Will Of God…”

1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;

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The human body is also called a “vessel” to be used by the spirit in pursuit of righteousness (2Cor. 4:7; 2Tim. 2:21)

The Thessalonians knew that they bodies were to be used in sanctification and honor– Not in passion of lust

They had left their carnal Gentile culture when they obeyed the gospel– Most Gentiles did not know God

One’s “Own Vessel…”

1Th 4:4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 1Th 4:5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God;

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There would be opportunities for misbehavior by men in the congregation– This would be sexual misbehavior with other men’s

wives or other female members– This constitutes “taking advantage of and defrauding”

his brother The Lord is the avenger in such matters

– Paul had earlier forewarned them of such punishment

“The Lord Is The Avenger…”

1Th 4:6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.

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The church is saved individuals– Who have been “called out” from the practice of sin

[uncleanness] – To engage in the practice of righteousness [holiness]

Separation [sanctification] from the world makes it totally inappropriate for the Lord’s people to continue in the ways of the world

God Calls Us In Holiness

1Th 4:7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

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These were God’s regulations, not man’s– They were delivered to the church by the Holy Spirit

Himself– Sexual promiscuity is so serious and so dangerous – They must realize just how converted [changed] they

must be These regulations must not be ignored!

1Th 4:8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

God Calls Us In Holiness

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Paul did not need to tell the disciples any more about the necessity of brotherly love– He discussed his love for them (2:7-12)– His prayer was that their love would increase and

abound (3:12) Brotherly love and Gentile love are vastly

different– Gentile love was little more than an expression of lust

and selfishness

“Concerning brotherly love …”

1Th 4:9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

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The church at Thessalonica had already compiled a good record of showing brotherly love to one another and to other disciples throughout Macedonia

Paul was urging them to increase more and more

1Th 4:10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;

“Concerning Brotherly Love …”

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To lead a quiet life, To mind your own business, To work with your own hands, To walk properly toward those outside, To lack nothing.

The Saints Should Aspire [Strive]

1Th 4:11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 1Th 4:12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

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First Thessalonians

Lesson 7“Paul often used the phrase…”

1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:6Page 29

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There are three main topics in Chapter four:– Being blameless in holiness (1-8)– Having brotherly love (9-12)– The coming of the Lord (4:13 – 5:6)

Today’s lesson focuses on the coming of the Lord– The Lord will return to gather all of His faithful followers– No one knows when He will come

First Thessalonians Chapter Four

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Same as saying, “I want you to know…”– A way of changing topics or bringing up another main

point– He did not want them to be “ignorant” [untaught or

uninformed] in a matter– “Brethren” means his fellow Christians [believers]

He turns to one of the main reasons for writing this letter

He wants to ease the minds of those troubled about certain issues related to the Lord’s return

“I Do Not Want You To Be Ignorant, Brethren…”

1Th 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

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The new topic, “concerning those who have fallen asleep…”– Death is very much like sleep

Both are temporary The body rises from the grave just as a sleeping body

arises from the bed Paul did not want the brethren to sorrow as

others who have no hope [unbelievers]– Unbelievers have no hope of going to a better place– Of course, sorrowing for the loss of loved ones is

natural

“I Do Not Want You To Be Ignorant, Brethren…”


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Some might have supposed that the concept of a bodily resurrection was beset with so many insoluble difficulties that the very idea was impossible– Some could not accept the reality of the resurrection

Others had concluded that the resurrection was real, but its great promise could be realized fully only by those who were living at the time of Jesus’ return– Some did not grasp the concept of the simultaneous

raising of dead saints and the glorifying of the living

Two Possible Concerns They Had


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The “good news” of the gospel was that Jesus rose from the dead– IF one could believe that the true God had the power

to accomplish that, he should have no trouble in embracing the resurrection of Jesus’ true disciples

– It was all just a matter of faith, as everything is in the Christian religion

God will bring those faithful believers who died in Jesus with Him when He returns

Jesus Died And Rose Again

1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

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The word of the Lord is the only source of faith in the resurrection

Living saints will enjoy no advantage over the dead saints– They will not precede [“to anticipate, to come

sooner”] the dead to their reward

Jesus Died And Rose Again

1Th 4:15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.

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The Lord will descend from heaven with three awesome sounds1. The Lord will descend from heaven with a shout

a. This shout is “a call, summons, shout of command”2. Jesus will come with the voice of an archangel

a. “Arch” identifies a “chief” angel3. The trumpet of God will also be sounded

a. The trumpet was used to announced awesome events

The dead in Christ will rise first

The Lord’s Coming Will Have Sounds

1Th 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

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The dead “in Christ” will not suffer any disadvantage because they are not living “in Christ” when the Lord returns

They will rise from their graves first, i.e., before living Christians are glorified and taken up to meet their glorified Redeemer

[Only] then will the faithful disciples who are alive be caught up together with the dead saints and meet the Lord in the clouds and in the air

Both groups shall always be with the Lord

The Resurrection Of Dead Saints

1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

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1. Jesus died on the cross but has been raised from the dead by the power of His Father;

2. Jesus will come again to reward the faithful with the glorification of their physical bodies and with an eternal home in heaven;

3. The saints who have died will be raised from their graves upon Jesus’ return;

Comforting Words

1Th 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

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4. Those who have died prior to the Lord’s coming will not be in any disadvantageous situation;

5. Both living and dead disciples will be caught up together to meet Christ in the air when He appears for His saints;

6. All the redeemed, whether living or dead when Jesus comes again, will be forever with the Lord in heaven.

Comforting Words

1Th 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

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Brethren were asking, “During what time, or at what season, will Christ return?

It was dwelt with them when he was among them There was no need for the disciples to know

when Jesus would return– It would serve no useful purpose and might instead

even prove hurtful to their salvation IF the day would be soon, panic and confusion might

control their lives IF the time were set in the future, they might be inclined

to postpone or neglect their Christians responsibilities

“Times” and “Seasons”

1Th 5:1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.

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They already knew that the day of the Lord would come as a thief in the night

Paul did not know “the time” Jesus said, “…no one knows…but My Father

only.” (Matt. 24:36)– Jesus urged preparedness

“You Yourselves Know Perfectly…”

1Th 5:2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

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The unbelievers will say, “Peace and safety”– But, their fate is sudden destruction without prior

warning– And, they shall not escape– Because, they gave little thought for attending to

eternal things The gospel preached by Paul in their city was

the only thing that could provide the comfort

“Peace and Safety”

1Th 5:3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

114

These disciples were no longer in darkness; They were walking in the light of truth about

the second coming – And about many other things that they had not

known before they met Paul Paul introduces an analogy to stress the

importance of being prepared for the Lord’s return

The “Day” [of the Lord] will also bring grief to unsuspecting persons [those unprepared]

“You, Brethren, Are Not In Darkness”

1Th 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

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“Darkness” is ignorance of the truth “Light” is the knowledge of God’s will Conditions favoring the theft of material wealth

are: (1) Night, (2) darkness, (3) unpreparedness and, (4) sleeping and drunken homeowners

Conditions favoring the theft of spiritual wealth are: (1) Night, (2) darkness [ignorance], (3) unpreparedness and, (4) sleeping souls [unconcerned and disobedient] (1Cor. 11:30) and “drunken” lifestyles

“You, Brethren, Are Not In Darkness”

1Th 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

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Paul seems to differentiate between “night” and “darkness,” and between “day” and “light”

Christians are blessed with the truth for two reasons: 1) They live in a spiritual environment where truth [day]

is highly valued and pursued (John 8:32)2) They can study as individuals and apply what they

learn [light] to their understanding of spiritual concepts (2Tim. 2:15)

Those in “darkness” and “night” are just to the contrary

You Are Sons Of Light And Sons Of The Day

1Th 5:5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

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Christians are “sons” of light and day because they have developed the nature of respecting truth over error

Sinners are “of” the night and darkness through a lack of dedication to the truth

You Are Sons Of Light And Sons Of The Day

1Th 5:5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

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Disciples will lose their souls despite living in a spiritually healthy environment if they are “asleep”– This occurs by neglecting their duties to the Lord

They cannot let their guard down, as others do But, be watchful and sober-minded

“Let Us Watch And Be Sober”

1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

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First Thessalonians

Lesson 8“Paul introduces another…”


120

Paul had just said that Christians are of the “day” and of the “light” (vs. 5-6)– As such we must not sleep, as others do

Those who sleep [unconcerned, disobedient], sleep at night

Those who are drunk [impaired], get drunk at night [hostile to the truth]

Both sleep and drunkenness will result in ignorance and disrespect for God’s word

Being Unprepared

1Th 5:7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.

121

Paul shows the contrast between the Christian and an unbeliever

Christians are of the day, are sober, and must arm themselves with two defenses:– Put on the breastplate of faith and love, and – The helmet of the hope of salvation– A more complete listing of the “Christian armor”

appears in Ephesians 6:13-17

Being Prepared

1Th 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.

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God did not appoint us to wrath [violent anger]– BUT to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus

Christ– Christ died for us– Whether dead [sleep] or alive [awake], we should live

together with Him God has done everything needful for our

salvation If we fail, we have only ourselves to blame

God Appointed Us To Salvation

1Th 5:9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1Th 5:10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

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Staying awake and active in their spiritual obligations wasn’t always easy or pleasant

But was it worth it? Absolutely! They must “keep on, keeping on” as they were

doing

Comfort and Edify One Another

1Th 5:11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

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Paul desired that they recognize [regard, respect, pay attention to]:– Those who labor among you– Those who are over you in the Lord – Those who admonish you– Here he is speaking about elders

To esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake

The result: Be at peace among yourselves

Their Behaviors Towards Leadership

1Th 5:12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 1Th 5:13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

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Paul’s exhortations to the brethren: – Warn those who are unruly [disorderly]– Comfort [encourage] the fainthearted [discouraged]– Uphold [support] the weak– Be patient [calm, not easily provoked] with all

Their Behaviors Towards Other Members

1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

126

Paul wanted them to reflect Christ’s love to all men– Not to render evil for evil to anyone, but – To always pursue what is good both for yourselves

and for all

Their Behaviors Towards All Men

1Th 5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

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1. Rejoice [joy, gladnesss] always2. Pray without ceasing3. In everything give thanks

– For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

Seven Short Commands

1Th 5:16 Rejoice always, 1Th 5:17 pray without ceasing, 1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

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4. Do not quench [extinguish, put an end to] the Spirit

5. Do not despise [to regard as nothing, to treat with contempt] prophecies

6. Test [prove] all things– Hold fast what is good

7. Abstain [to forbear, or refrain from] from every form of evil

Seven Short Commands

1Th 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit. 1Th 5:20 Do not despise prophecies. 1Th 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 1Th 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.

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May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely

May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it

Paul’s Prayer For Them

1Th 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Th 5:24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

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Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be

read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Amen.

Paul’s Closing Comments

1Th 5:25 Brethren, pray for us. 1Th 5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 1Th 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. 1Th 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

2 Thessalonians(Introduction)

•The History:

- Additional troubling facts were uncovered and reported to Paul either by the bearer of the first epistle to Thessalonica or by some other source.

- It was important for Paul to write this second letter without delay and to try his hand again at some needed clarification and correction.


•The Letter:

- It was urgent that he respond promptly and firmly to protect the faith of these new converts about fundamental truths of the gospel.

- It was also important that their confidence in him as an inspired and dependable preacher of that gospel not be diminished.


•The Problems:

- Some members were entertaining serious erroneous perceptions of the Lord’s return.

- It is supposed by some that certain members had stopped working and caring for their personal property because they thought that such things were no longer of much importance in a world soon to be destroyed.


•The Problems:

- Misconduct was being tolerated in the church, apparently because doubts about Paul’s integrity as a prophet had led to other doubts about his authority to determine a lifestyle for the Thessalonian Christians (2Thess. 3:6,14).

- Growing weary in doing good was always a threat to the stability of disciples waiting for the second advent of Jesus (2Thess. 3:13).


•The Time and Place:

- The purpose for which this letter was written to the young saints at Thessalonica is strong evidence for Second Thessalonians having been written from the same place and soon after the first epistle was sent to the church.

- Therefore, most scholars agree that the second letter was sent from Corinth within a few months of the first, sometime in A.D. 51 or 52.

2 Thessalonians(Lesson 2)

•2 Thess. 1:1-2...

- 1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

- 2 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


•The Greeting: 2 Thess. 1:1-2...

- Paul begins this letter with his customary greeting.

- Paul’s consistency of address in his letters was perhaps one of the “seals of authenticity” used by the apostle to lend authority to his messages.

- He includes Timothy and Silvanus [Silas] in his greeting to the Thessalonians.


•2 Thess. 1:3-4...

- 3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater;

- 4 therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.


•Encouragement and Recognition: 2 Thess. 1:3-4...

- It seems clear that Paul had received additional information about the faith and love of the Christians at Thessalonica since he had sent the first letter to them.

- The young Christians at Thessalonica had begun their new life in the Lord by having to suffer persecutions from their countrymen.

- Persecutions were continuing for the Thessalonians, and they were continuing to endure them without faltering.


•Encouragement and Recognition: 2 Thess. 1:3-4...

- Even though the faithfulness of these new Christians was so well known that there had been no need for Paul to “say anything” to others about it (1Thes. 1:8), he evidently could not refrain from singing their praises to others churches anyhow.


•2 Thess. 1:5-6...

- 5 This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.

- 6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,


•The Righteousness of God’s Judgement: 2 Thess. 1:5-6...

- The endurance of these disciples through persecutions and tribulations served as “manifest evidence” that the righteousness of God requires a judgment by which the final disposition of all things might be accomplished in fairness to all men.

- It was proof to God that His plans for terminating the physical world were indeed righteous and just for every creature.

- It would not be just [fair] for saints who had suffered and endured for the sake of the truth to go unrewarded for their righteous deeds.


•The Righteousness of God’s Judgement: 2 Thess. 1:5-6...

- It was important that persecuted Christians at Thessalonica be assured that the Lord would do exactly what He had pledged.

- Their uninterrupted devotion to the Lord would be further “manifest evidence” to God that they were worthy of His kingdom.

- Righteous judgment will be extended to the bad as well as to the good.


•2 Thess. 1:7-10...

- 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,

- 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

- 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,


•2 Thess. 1:7-10...

- when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed.


•The Manifestations of God’s Righteous Judgement: 2 Thess. 1:7-10...

- The Thessalonians had been confused and deceived about various details of the Lord’s coming again.

- The Lord would return, but not so soon as they had been led to believe.

- Relief would come to the “troubled” Thessalonian disciples at the same time that Paul and other faithful preachers would receive “rest” from the problems they faced for teaching the truths of the gospel.



- The righteousness of God’s dealings with unrighteous people will be manifested:

- In the employment of Jesus.

- In the proclamation of God’s power.

- In the participation of “mighty” angels.

- In the “flaming fire.”



- The righteousness of God’s dealings with unrighteous people will be manifested:

- In the nature of the punishment.

- In the glorification of Jesus.

- In the vindication of the gospel.


•2 Thess. 1:11-12...

- 11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,

- 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.


•The Realization of Their Reward: 2 Thess. 1:11-12...

- The marvelous blessings of the second coming described by the apostle in the previous verses belonged to Christians only in prospect.

- The good pleasure of God’s goodness.

- The work of faith by God’s faithful people.

- Only the “glory of His power” could accomplish what Paul prayed for.


•The Realization of Their Reward: 2 Thess. 1:11-12...

- The “name” of Jesus as “Lord” [Ruler over all things] will be firmly established in the minds of all when the awesome events described by Paul in this chapter have taken place.


•2 Thess. 2:1-3...

- 1 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,

- 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

- 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,


•Warnings About Deceit: 2 Thess. 2:1-3a...

- There was great comfort in knowing that the Lord’s final judgment will be fair to all parties.

- Much of the comfort afforded by the truths concerning the Lord’s return had been diminished by the errors circulated among the Thessalonians about the timing of the event.

- The error that appears to have caused the greatest concern was that the day of Christ “had/has come.”

•Warnings About Deceit: 2 Thess. 2:1-3a...

- Paul raises three possibilities about why some had been deceived in this matter...

- Whatever may have been the source of the problem, the disciples must not allow themselves to be deceived for any reason.


•2 Thess. 2:3-5...

- 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

- 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

- 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?


•The Falling Away: 2 Thess. 2:3b-5...

- Jesus had admonished his followers, “But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matt. 25:36).

- Paul did, however, know some things about circumstances that would have a bearing on how soon Jesus would reappear from heaven.

- Although the “day and the hour” were still unrevealed, God had shared certain other details with His apostle.


•The Falling Away: 2 Thess. 2:3b-5...- All these occurrences would be elements of a

“falling away” that would come “first,” i.e., before Christ returns for the final judgment.

- This ominous forecast of things to come for the body of Christ has given rise to innumerable interpretations and applications since the apostle first spoke and wrote of them.

- The fundamental premise advanced by Paul was that there would be a falling away from the patterns of doctrine and practice established by him for the church at Thessalonica and for churches in other locations.


•The Falling Away: 2 Thess. 2:3b-5...- The student of scripture and church history

should not be overly reluctant to reach definite conclusions drawn from obvious correlations between the prophecy of God’s word and cold facts of the historical record.

- There are two interpretations of Paul’s warning that seem to merit our attention...

- The apostle was not speaking of any specific or particular departure from pristine Christianity.


•The Falling Away: 2 Thess. 2:3b-5...- Paul had in view specific historical occurrences

within particular periods of historical time.- We cannot know how many additional details of

the great falling away Paul had previously shared with the church members at Thessalonica, but he reminds them that familiarity with “these things” should have prevented their minds from being troubled about an imminent second coming.


•2 Thess. 2:6-9...- 6 And you know what restrains him now, so

that in his time he will be revealed. - 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already

at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.

- 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;

- 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,


•Revelation of the “Lawless One”: 2 Thess. 2:6-9...- Other facts concerning this departure from the

apostolic order were added by Paul:- Perverse attitudes toward God’s authority and

man’s submissiveness were already rearing their ugly heads before the final words of the New Testament were written.

- Paul chooses not to identify either the restrainer or the man of sin whose potential was being hindered.


•Revelation of the “Lawless One”: 2 Thess. 2:6-9...- The restrainer would at some point be “taken

out of the way,” and when that was done the son of perdition would have the opportunity to expand his sphere of influence much more rapidly.

- Tracing the introduction and the development of changes made in the churches following the close of apostolic revelation, will enable students to identify the “falling away,” the “man of sin,” and “he who now restrains” with almost absolute certainty:


•Revelation of the “Lawless One”: 2 Thess. 2:6-9...- Church history records a proliferation of false

doctrines and practices following the “conversion” of emperor Constantine [c. 312 A.D.] and the removal of the seat of government to Byzantium [Constantinople], which distanced the Roman bishops further from the restraints of civil authority.

- The “coming” [flourishing] of the man of sin would be accompanied by the “working of Satan.”


•Revelation of the “Lawless One”: 2 Thess. 2:6-9...- Space will not permit descriptions of the

deceitful practices employed by the Roman hierarchy in its efforts to dominate the lives and thinking of common people during the dark days of religious ignorance and superstition.

- Amid his discussion of the ominous threat posed by the man of sin, Paul injects the fact that all will not be lost to his devastating work among the saints.



•2 Thess. 2:10-12...

- 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.

- 11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false,

- 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.


•A Fatal Flaw: 2 Thess. 2:10-12...

- It probably was shocking to many of the disciples at Thessalonica to be told about a great falling away from the truth.

- The reason would not come from without.

- Why would those “among” the disciples try to lead others away from the apostles’ teaching?



- It is relatively easy for people who have no real love of the truth to be attracted to things that are not true.

- Regardless of error’s attractiveness, the Lord’s judgment is that those who love the truth will be saved, and those who don’t will perish!

- God would allow men who are devoid of a love for truth every opportunity to be deceived by “the lie.”



- Paul possibly attributes men’s deception in religion to “strong delusions” that are allowed by God to be sent rather than those that are sent directly by God to deceive those weak in faith.


•2 Thess. 2:13-14...

- 13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

- 14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.


•A Prescription for Salvation: 2 Thess. 2:13-14...- In the first Thessalonian letter, Paul had

declared, “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Thess. 5:9).

- God “from the beginning” had chosen these disciples to be sanctified through their belief of the truth:

- This calling of the Thessalonians came not by means of some miracle or unusual sign but through their hearing and believing the gospel of Christ.


•2 Thess. 2:15-17...

- 15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

- 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,

- 17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.


•Standing Fast in the Traditions: 2 Thess. 2:15-17...- A tradition may be of either human or divine

origin.- By standing fast and holding to the traditions

previously taught by inspired teachers, the Thessalonians would be able to avoid becoming any part of a falling away from the Lord’s truth.

- Paul was grateful for the comfort and hope God had given him about the future security of the Thessalonian church.


•2 Thess. 3:1-5...

- 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;

- 2 and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.

- 3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.


•2 Thess. 3:1-5...

- 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.

- 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.


•Prayers On Both Sides: 2 Thess. 3:1-5...

- Paul doubtless enjoyed the prayers of many Christians, for he often asked his brethren to pray for him.

- Prayers by the Thessalonians should seek three things in particular from the Lord:

- Paul knew from bitter experience that “not all men have faith.”



- Paul’s most recent encounter with such opponents of the gospel had occurred, or was soon to occur, at Corinth, from where this letter was written.

- The Thessalonian disciples certainly were not among those without faith.

- Although there are many men who have no faith in the goodness of the Lord, He always shows faith in the goodness of men who want to be good.



- The sincere Christian can rest on two clear promises from God:

- As always, Paul relied not on what he could do for people but on what God could do through him.

- Paul’s prayer for the saints was as fervent as he expected theirs to be for him.


•2 Thess. 3:6-10...

- 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

- 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,

- 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you;


•2 Thess. 3:6-10...

- 9 not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.

- 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.


•Traditions and Examples: 2 Thess. 3:6-10...

- For the most part, the condition of the young church at Thessalonica was in pretty good shape.

- Nevertheless, there were a few negative situations needing attention before the final words of this letter were written.

- In his first letter, Paul had told the disciples to “warn them that are unruly” (1Thes. 5:14) about their unruliness.



- It appears that Paul’s earlier direction about warning insubordinate members had not achieved satisfactory results to the time of his second epistle.

- “Disorderly” conduct obviously includes all disobedience to apostolic instructions, but Paul here makes a particular application of the term to the idleness of which some church members were guilty, as the next few verses demonstrate.



- Two ideas about this idleness are found in the various commentaries on the passage:

- Paul had supported himself with honest labor during his stay in Thessalonica when he took the gospel there.

- Thus, both by tradition and by personal example, the lesson had been made clear to all: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat!”


•2 Thess. 3:10-12...

- 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.

- 11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.

- 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.


•Walking Disorderly: 2 Thess. 3:10-12...

- The Thessalonians had been taught many traditions to observe in their worship, work, and personal relationships as members of the Lord’s church (3:15).

- We know that this “disorderly” behavior was a real and present problem and not just something that only had the potential to become a problem for the church.

- A simple solution was available for this unapproved conduct:


•2 Thess. 3:13...

- 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.


•A Note of Caution: 2 Thess. 3:13...

- It is easy to become discouraged about doing good deeds for others when we see unworthy people taking advantage of our willingness to help.

- The Galatian churches were exhorted similarly about persistence in doing good (Gal. 6:9), although Paul’s admonition to them probably had a broader application than this statement made to the Thessalonians.


•2 Thess. 3:14-15...

- 14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.

- 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.


•Church Discipline: 2 Thess. 3:14-15...

- Much is said in the New Testament about the necessity of church discipline.

- Discipline, from sophron, literally means, “saving the mind,” and is used primarily to describe a “calling to soundness of mind or self-control” [Vine].

- Discipline has both positive and negative aspects.


•Church Discipline: 2 Thess. 3:14-15...

- Perhaps there were those at Thessalonica whose deviant behavior had already been given appropriate attention but who had not responded in a desirable manner.

- Attitudes would still play a prominent role in the final outcome of all recovery efforts.


•2 Thess. 3:16-18...

- 16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

- 17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write.

- 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.


•Words of Farewell: 2 Thess. 3:16-18...

- Paul’s final prayer for the spiritual health of the young converts to whom he wrote is found in verses 16 and 18.

- Verse 17 suggests that Paul might sometimes have been bothered by unprincipled men who had forged documents purporting to have been written by the apostle.

- Evidently, Paul had devised some kind of mark by which churches and individuals could recognize a letter from him as genuine.

Facts About Christ’s Second Coming

Second Thessalonians

Lesson 1

(Refer to Fact Sheet)

Why Study This Subject?

•Our soul’s salvation depends on the truth of Christ’s return

•Our reward for obeying God’s word depends our resurrection with Christ

•If the dead rise not, our faith is vain and we are still in our sins (1Cor. 15:17)

•Some believe there is no resurrection

•Some believe in a Rapture, Premillenialism, and other “…isms”

•Some believe that Christ will return, but will set up an earthly kingdom

•Some believe that they can predict when Christ will return, and etc., etc.

Where Is Christ Now?

1. God swore He would raise up the Christ to sit on His throne. Acts 2:30

2. Christ died and was raised. Acts 2:30-33; Rom.

14:9; 1Cor. 15:3-4

3. Christ is now reigning in heaven. Heb. 9:24; Acts 1:11;

1Cor. 15:25; 1Pet. 3:21-22

4. Christ now sits on the throne of David. Luke 1:32; Acts 2:29-

30

5. Christ is now preparing a place in heaven for us. John. 14:2-3; Matt.

25:34

Will Christ Return?

6. Christ is coming again a second time. Heb. 9:28

7. Christ will come from heaven. 1Thess. 4:16; 2Thess.

1:7

8. Christ will come in the clouds. Matt. 24:30;

Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; 1Thess. 4:17

When Will Christ Return?

9. The time of his coming is not known. Matt. 24:36; Mark

13:32

10. Christ will come as a thief in the night. 1Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet.3:10;

Matt. 24:43-44

11. There will be a “falling away" first. 2Thess. 2:3

12. The falling away began in the days of the apostles. 2Thess. 2:7

When Will Christ Return?

13. There will be scoffers in the last days (Christian dispensation). 2Pet. 3:3

14. The reason for his long suffering (delay) is salvation. Heb. 9:28; 2Pet. 3:9

What Will Happen When Christ Returns?

15. Christ will come in the twinkling of an eye. 1Cor. 15:52

16. Christ is coming with power and great glory. Matt. 24:30; Matt.

25:31; Mark 13:26

17. All dead will be raised from the grave. John 5:28-29; Acts

24:15

18. Every eye shall see Him. Rev. 1:7

19. Christ will descend with his mighty angels. 2Thess. 1:7; Matt.

24:31; Matt. 25:31; 1Cor. 15:52; Matt. 24:31

What Will Happen When Christ Returns?

20. Christ will come in flaming fire. 2Thess. 1:8

21. Christ will descend with a shout. 1Thess. 4:16

22. The voice of the archangel will be heard. 1Thess. 4:16

23. The trumpet of God will sound. 1Thess. 4:16; 1Cor. 15:52;

Matt. 24:31

How Will Christians Be Affected?

24. Faithful Christians look for and hasten Christ’s coming. 2Pet. 3:12

25. Christians will have a new body. 1Cor. 15:44, 49, 53;

2Cor. 5:1, 4

26. Christians who died in Christ will be raised first. 1Thess. 4:16

27. Christians who are alive will join them. 1Thess. 4:17

How Will Christians Be Affected?

28. Christians will meet Christ in the air (clouds). 1Thess. 4:17

29. Angels will gather together the elect (Christians). Matt. 24:31; Mark 13:27

30. Christians, both alive and dead, will be taken to heaven. 1Thess. 4:17; 5:10

Why Will Christ Come Again?

31. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. 2Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10

32. The books will be opened and “The Book of Life.” Rev. 20:12; 2Cor. 5:10

33. Christ will execute judgment on the disobedient. 2Thess. 1:8; John 5:27, 29

34. Christ will take vengeance on them that obey not the gospel. 2Thess. 1:8

Why Will Christ Come Again?

35. The Wicked (Satan) will be revealed, consumed, and destroyed. 2Thess. 2:8

36. Christ will punish the disobedient with everlasting punishment. 2Thess. 1:9; Matt. 25:41, 46

What Will Happen After The Resurrection?

37. Earth will pass away, be melted, and be burned up. 2Pet. 2:10, 12; Mark 13:21; Matt. 24:35

38. Christ will destroy his last enemy – death. 1Cor. 15:26, 54

39. Christ will deliver up the kingdom to God. 1Cor. 15:24

40. Christians will ever be with the Lord eternally. 1Thess. 4:17; Matt.

25:46

41. When all things are subdued, Christ will be subjected to God. 1Cor. 15:28

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