1 Thessalonians
Persecution is Bound to Come
This passage can be divided into two topics:The Word of God within you (v. 13). We must never treat the Bible as we would some other book. This verse communicates the idea that the Word of God is to be taken by us. It means to welcome eagerly. When we receive the Bible, we’re say …
Three Motivations For Christian Growth
In this section of Paul’s letter he allows us to understand his heart-beat as he focuses on some of his personal feelings and emotional reactions. When the Word of God is within us, the enemies of God will be upon us. This brings us to three motivating factors for Christian growt …
How Are You Showing Love to Others?
Though sexual impurity is a danger to be avoided (verses 3-8), loving other Christians is a practice to be cultivated (verses 9- 12). Christians quickly learn that they have a special kinship with other believers that they do not have with those outside of God’s family. You will e …
Ingredients For Growing a Christian
In Paul’s day letters usually started out with the person writing the letter using their own name first and then the name of the person or church to whom he was writing (v. 1). Paul addresses his fellow Christians as brothers and prays that God will be kind to them and bless them …
Paul’s Conduct Was Never Questionable
From what Paul says he was evidently being charged with having questionable conduct (v. 3). In this verse he denies three allegations:His message was not deceptive – “Not of deceit.†Since the beginning of Christianity there have been false teachers and this …
Exhortations For Holy Living
In this portion of Scripture Paul deals with attitudes. He exhorts us to:Be joyful (v. 16). Joy takes the burden out of service. It does not depend on circumstances, for in the world the Christian will have tribulation (John 16:33).Be prayerful (v. 17). The Christian who prays &l …
Paul, Silas And Timothy Were Bold
In the margin of my Bible I have chapter two outlined as follows:Be Biblical – (verses 1-4)Be Real – (verses 5-6)Be Gracious (verses 7-11)Be Practical – (verses 12-13)"Our coming to you†refers to Paul’s first visit to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9). The boldness with which …
Prayer Changes Things
It is especially tragic when Christians fail to say thank you to Jesus Christ and just take for granted what He has done for us. He gave everything; He suffered, He bled and He died on the cross for our sins and yet as Christians, we tend to forget. The least we can do is to …
An Exemplary People
Despite severe suffering the Thessalonians had welcomed their message and became imitators of Paul and Silas (v. 6). The message of salvation, though welcomed with great joy brought the Thessalonians severe suffering because it led to persecution from both Jews and Gentiles (3:2- …
Paul Was Always Gentle
Gentleness is often overlooked as a personal trait in our society (v. 7). To demonstrate power and assertiveness seems to get more respect but no one likes to be bullied. It is true that Paul was a man of authority but he always used this authority in love. We find him in this pa …