1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians is a letter written by the apostle Paul, who started the church in Thessalonica. Reading this letter is much like listening to someone talking on the phone: you hear only one side of the conversation, but you can often figure out what the other person is saying. The second coming seems to permeate the letter and may be viewed in some sense as its theme.
ONE - Being an Example Worth Following - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
TEXT - 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 (NLT)
Greetings
from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, Silas, and
Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who
belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God give you
grace and peace.
The
Faith of the Thessalonian Believers
2 We always thank
God for all of you and pray for you constantly.
3 As we
pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work,
your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that
God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. 5 For
when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but
also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that
what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the
way we lived when we were with you. 6 So you received the
message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe
suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the
Lord. 7 As a result, you have become an example to all the
believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia.
8 And
now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people
everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we
find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to
tell them about it, 9 for they keep talking about the
wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to
serve the living and true God. 10 And they speak of how you
are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus,
whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from
the terrors of the coming judgment.
QUESTION
What
do you want your life to say about your faith? If someone were to
write a letter about how you lived for Jesus, what would they say?
OVERVIEW
Paul’s
first letter to the Thessalonians begins with gratitude and
encouragement. The church in Thessalonica was young but vibrant,
showing faith, love, and hope even during tough times. They
were
recent converts from paganism (1:9)
and were left with little external support in the midst of
persecution.
Paul,
Silas, and Timothy wrote to recognize their faithfulness and remind
them of their calling to live as examples for others.
This chapter highlights how God works in the lives of believers and how their faith can spread and inspire others. It challenges us to reflect on our own walk with Christ, especially in how our faith impacts others.
As Charles Spurgeon once said, “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”
DISCUSSION POINTS
Faith, Love, and Hope That Produce Results (Verses 2-3)
Paul praises the Thessalonians for their faith that works, love that labors, and hope that endures.
Quote: Oswald Chambers said, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.”
Reflect: How does your faith lead you to action? What does love inspire you to do for others?
God’s Power at Work (Verses 4-5)
Paul reminds them they were chosen by God, and the gospel came with power through the Holy Spirit.
Quote: A.W. Tozer wrote, “God is looking for those with whom He can do the impossible—what a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.”
Reflect: How has God’s power shown up in your life? Are you open to His Spirit leading you?
Being an Example Worth Following (Verses 6-8)
Despite hardships, the Thessalonians became role models for other believers. Their faith became known far and wide.
Quote: John Wesley said, “Catch on fire with enthusiasm, and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”
Reflect: What kind of example are you setting for others, especially younger generations?
Turning Fully to God (Verses 9-10)
The Thessalonians turned from idols to serve the living God and wait for Jesus’ return.
Quote: Tim Keller said, “An idol is whatever you look at and say, ‘If I have that, then I’ll feel my life has meaning.’”
Reflect: Are there “idols” in your life that distract you from fully serving God?
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
My three-year-old granddaughter is full of life and joy. Every time she runs into our house or I walk into theirs, she shouts, “Grandma, my ‘mini me’!” She is thrilled as she shouts the good news. No one can miss it. I have often suggested that she might be my “mini me” (since she is a lot like me), but she insists that I am her “mini me.” We share mannerisms and a flare for shopping, and we both tend to be optimistic. We have serious discussions about life, giggle about nothing, and enjoy afternoon naps.
Paul commends the church at Thessalonica that they have stayed strong in faith by following his example and that of other leaders—and ultimately by following Jesus, despite the hardship and suffering in their life. They have set an example of how to serve and live by the Spirit with joy. They have learned to access all the empowerment and energy they need in order to live through the Spirit.
Whoever we are, on any given day we are following someone or leading someone. Our challenge is to follow those who imitate Jesus and to lead those who need to know him. (from https://todaydevotional.com/)
TAKE
HOME
It’s all too easy to be cynical about the
possibility of people changing. ‘You can’t teach an old dog new
tricks’, we sometimes say. And yet, at the heart of the Christian
faith is the claim that people can be changed, that people can be
born again, that people can cross over from death to life, that
people can be transplanted from the kingdom of darkness into the
kingdom of light, that people who were lost can be found, that people
who were dead in Adam can become new creations in Christ. The Bible
expresses in many different ways the radical change that God brings
about as part of his overarching mission to bring salvation to all
nations. As transformed people, we are called to be a part of that,
just like the Thessalonians.
Hearing about the flourishing faith of someone you passed your faith onto is a cause for deep and thankful rejoicing. Is there any nobler desire than for someone to know, experience and love our God for themselves?
Faith, love and hope. For the believers in Thessalonica these were not mere sentiments, but life-changing influences that led to action. These produced, prompted and inspired how they lived.
As followers of Jesus we live a life that overflows. One that overflows from our faith in God, our experience of His love and our hope in His certain return.
Paul’s letter reminds us that our faith is not just personal—it’s meant to encourage others and shine a light for Jesus. Let’s take time this week to reflect on how our lives reflect God’s love, power, and hope.
What steps can you take to live a life that encourages and inspires others in their walk with Christ?
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
1. Thanksgiving for Believers - 1 Thessalonians 1:2: "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers."
Philippians 1:3-5: "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."
Colossians 1:3-4: "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people."
2. Faith, Love, and Hope - 1 Thessalonians 1:3: "We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 13:13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Romans 5:1-5: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
3. The Gospel’s Transforming Power - 1 Thessalonians 1:5: "Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction."
Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
4. Imitating Christ and Apostolic Examples - 1 Thessalonians 1:6: "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."
Ephesians 5:1-2: "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Philippians 3:17: "Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do."
5. Becoming an Example to Others - 1 Thessalonians 1:7: "And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia."
1 Timothy 4:12: "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
6. Turning from Idols to Serve God - 1 Thessalonians 1:9: "They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God."
Acts 14:15: "Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them."
Colossians 3:5: "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."
7. Waiting for Christ’s Return - 1 Thessalonians 1:10: "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath."
Philippians 3:20-21: "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
Titus 2:13: "While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."
TWO - A Life Worthy of God - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16
TEXT - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 (NLT)
1 You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. 3 So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery.
4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 5 Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! 6 As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.
7 As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. 8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
9 Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you. 10 You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. 11 And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. 12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.
13 Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.
14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.
QUESTION
What does it mean to live a life that reflects God’s truth, even when facing criticism or challenges?
OVERVIEW
In 1 Thessalonians 2:1–16, Paul reflects on his ministry among the Thessalonians. He defends his motives and methods, reminding the believers of the love and integrity he showed. Paul highlights his selfless approach, working to share the gospel not out of greed or self-interest but with a sincere desire to please God. He also acknowledges the suffering the Thessalonians faced for their faith, encouraging them to remain steadfast.
DISCUSSION POINTS
The
Integrity of Gospel Ministry (vv. 1–6):
Paul
reminds the church that his ministry was not in vain. His approach
was free of deceit or impure motives. He sought to please God, not
people, and avoided manipulation.
Application: Consider how we can ensure our own lives and actions reflect authenticity and faithfulness to God’s Word.
Quote: “A preacher’s life is the life of his preaching.” – Charles Spurgeon
The
Gentle Care of a Servant (vv. 7–9):
Paul
compares his care for the Thessalonians to a nursing mother’s care
for her children. His work among them was marked by gentleness and
self-sacrifice.
Application: Think about how we can show this kind of sacrificial love to others in our church and community.
Quote: “Love is the root of missions; sacrifice is the fruit of missions.” – R.A. Torrey
A
Life Worthy of God (vv. 10–12):
Paul
emphasizes his blameless conduct and his efforts to encourage,
comfort, and urge the Thessalonians to live lives worthy of God.
Application: Reflect on what it means to live a life that brings glory to God.
Quote: “God calls us to holy living, not as a condition for His love, but as a response to it.” – John Stott
Receiving
and Enduring God’s Word (vv. 13–16):
Paul
commends the Thessalonians for receiving the gospel as the Word of
God, which works powerfully in believers. He acknowledges the
suffering they endured, likening it to the persecution faced by other
believers.
Application: Discuss how we can remain faithful in times of difficulty, trusting in the power of God’s Word.
Quote: “The Bible was not given for our information, but for our transformation.” – D.L. Moody
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Or so we’re told. But not all imitation is flattering – as parents discover when children speak or act in a way that reflects their own worst traits! For good or ill, imitation is basic to life, ingrained into our relationships with those closest to us and most influential on us. From birth onward, what we believe and how we live is shaped by what we see and hear around us. The question is not whether we will imitate, but who or what we will imitate. For Paul, the engine that drives imitation in Christian discipleship is the gospel of the crucified king. Having already noted that the Thessalonians ‘became imitators of us and of the Lord’ (1:6), Paul now shows us how the message of Christ worked out in him and his companions, in contrast with others who lived a very different way. In tracing out this pattern, Paul calls the Thessalonians and us ‘to live lives worthy of God’ (2:12).
TAKE HOME
It is hard to over state the importance of integrity, especially in the context of leadership and discipleship. Who we are often speaks louder than what we say. Consider how you might encourage, comfort and urge another believer this week to join you in living lives worthy of God. There is such power in having a good role model, someone who is worthy of imitation to learn from. Who our heroes are often reveal much about who we want to become.
Thank God for those who've gone before you, that you were able to look up to and learn from. Deeper action: Consider who in your life is the kind of believer you are seeking to increasingly become like. Be intentional in seeking to learn from them.
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
Integrity and Pure Motives in Ministry (vv. 1–6)
2 Corinthians 4:2 – "Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God."
Galatians 1:10 – "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Proverbs 16:2 – "All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord."
Gentle Care and Sacrificial Love (vv. 7–9)
Philippians 2:3–4 – "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
John 13:34–35 – "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
1 Corinthians 9:19 – "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible."
Living a Life Worthy of God (vv. 10–12)
Ephesians 4:1 – "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
Colossians 1:10 – "So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."
Micah 6:8 – "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Receiving and Enduring God’s Word (vv. 13–16)
Hebrews 4:12 – "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
James 1:22 – "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Matthew 5:10–12 – "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
THREE - Encouraging Each Other’s Faith - 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13
TEXT - 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13 (NLT)
Timothy’s Good Report about the Church
17 Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. 18 We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy.
Chapter 3
1 Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, 2 and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 3 and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 4 Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. 5 That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.
6 But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. 7 So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. 8 It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.
9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.
11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. 12 And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. 13 May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen.
QUESTION
How do we stay connected to and encourage one another in faith, especially during times of separation or difficulty?
OVERVIEW
In this passage, Paul expresses his deep longing to see the Thessalonian believers again. Though separated from them, his love and concern for their spiritual growth remain strong. He sends Timothy to encourage and strengthen their faith, and he rejoices upon hearing of their steadfastness despite challenges. Paul ends with a heartfelt prayer for their continued faith and love to grow as they await the coming of Christ.
DISCUSSION POINTS
The
Power of Christian Fellowship (2:17–20):
Paul
shows his deep connection with the Thessalonians, calling them his
"glory and joy." He emphasizes the importance of fellowship
and how separation causes sorrow.
Application: Reflect on the value of relationships within the church and how we can encourage one another.
Quote: “The church is not an institution but a family, where love is both taught and caught.” – Warren Wiersbe
Encouraging
Each Other’s Faith (3:1–5):
Paul
sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians, knowing
that trials could test their faith. He highlights the need for mutual
support during difficult times.
Application: Consider ways to reach out to others who may be struggling in their faith, offering words of encouragement.
Quote: “A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.” – Unknown
Rejoicing
in Steadfast Faith (3:6–10):
Paul
rejoices upon hearing Timothy's report of the Thessalonians’ faith
and love. Their perseverance brings him comfort and joy despite his
own struggles.
Application: Share testimonies of faith and celebrate how God is at work in the lives of others.
Quote: “Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” – Corrie Ten Boom
Praying
for Growth in Love and Holiness (3:11–13):
Paul
ends this section with a prayer, asking God to strengthen the
Thessalonians' love for one another and prepare them for the coming
of Christ.
Application: Commit to praying for others in your church and family, asking God to help them grow in love and holiness.
Quote: “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” – Oswald Chambers
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
It’s not too difficult to accumulate hundreds of ‘friends’ on Facebook, even though studies suggest that we have never felt more lonely as a society. But friendship takes us to the heart of the biblical story – in a God who not only restores us to himself, but places us in relationship with others in the body of Christ. Deep friendships are formed over time through sharing life together, its highs and its lows. It’s that sort of commitment that allows us to be strong – together – in the face of struggles and opposition, and to make a difference in the places to which God has called us. Paul’s language in this passage is the sort that was used between friends expressing their feelings for each other and their commitment to each other. It allows us to plot something of what Christian friendship looks like, and what might be involved in a community that takes seriously the call to be devoted to one another.
TAKE HOME
There are many days where some extra faith strengthening and encouraging is very welcome! Paul and his companions didn't just hope that the Thessalonian believers were doing okay, they took action. Sending Timothy was a proactive choice meant to strengthen and encourage their faith.
Take time today and reach out to someone with the goal of helping to strengthen and encourage their faith. Consider what you could do today that would strengthen and encourage your own faith.
Paul wrote (and sent Timothy) to assure the Thessalonians that the trials they experienced were to be expected, and to not allow their circumstances to unsettle them in their faith. Following Jesus does not make us immune to hardship. However, our faith in Him can make all the difference when we are in the midst of hardship.
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
The Power of Christian Fellowship (2:17–20)
Hebrews 10:24–25 – "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Philippians 1:3–5 – "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."
Romans 12:10 – "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Encouraging Each Other’s Faith (3:1–5)
Galatians 6:2 – "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
1 Corinthians 16:13–14 – "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love."
Isaiah 35:3–4 – "Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, do not fear; your God will come.'"
Rejoicing in Steadfast Faith (3:6–10)
Philippians 4:1 – "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!"
2 John 1:4 – "It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us."
3 John 1:4 – "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
Praying for Growth in Love and Holiness (3:11–13)
Ephesians 3:17–19 – "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ."
Colossians 1:9–10 – "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."
John 13:34–35 – "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
FOUR - Living a Quiet and Respectable Life - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
🔎 TEXT - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (NLT)
1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 2 For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
3 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. 4 Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— 5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. 6 Never harm or cheat a fellow believer in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. 7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 8 Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
9 But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. 10 Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.
11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
QUESTION
What does it mean to live a life that pleases God, and how can we show this in our daily actions?
OVERVIEW
In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12, the Apostle Paul encourages the believers in Thessalonica to continue growing in their faith by living lives that honor God. He focuses on three key areas: living in holiness, practicing love for one another, and leading a quiet, respectable life. Paul’s instructions are practical and aim to help believers demonstrate their faith in their everyday actions.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Living to Please God (Verses 1-2):
Paul urges the Thessalonians to excel in following the teachings they received. He reminds them that pleasing God is an ongoing effort.
Application: We should examine our own lives and ask if our actions align with God’s will.
Pursuing Holiness (Verses 3-8):
Paul specifically calls for believers to avoid sexual immorality and to control their bodies in a way that honors God. Holiness is about setting ourselves apart for God’s purposes.
Quote: Charles Spurgeon once said, "Holiness is not the way to Christ; Christ is the way to holiness."
Application: Reflect on areas in our lives where we need to seek God’s help to grow in holiness.
Loving One Another (Verses 9-10):
Paul praises the Thessalonians for their love but encourages them to increase it even more. Genuine love reflects God’s nature.
Quote: C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did."
Application: Think of practical ways to show love to others in the church and community.
Living a Quiet and Respectable Life (Verses 11-12):
Paul advises believers to live quietly, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands. This lifestyle earns the respect of outsiders and avoids dependence on others.
Quote: John Stott observed, "Christianity is not a flight from reality but a commitment to engage with it."
Application: Reflect on how our work and behavior can be a testimony to others.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
You can tell that things aren’t going well in a relationship if you see someone inflicting guilt or blame when it is not their place to bring judgment. That comes from the urge to force their way into the lives of others, even when they haven’t been invited into the picture.
There are many books on having proper personal boundaries because there are many of us who need to set boundaries in our lives. Some of us are not good at respecting the space of others in our relationships. Some of us should read at least one such book.
Paul addresses this weakness too. He commends his readers for their godly living and then urges them “to do this more and more.” Paul also calls them to mind their own business without being a burden to anyone. Others, whom he calls “outsiders,” are watching. We must win their respect to have a credible witness.
Now, minding our business doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to someone’s destructive behavior. No true friend or neighbor would do that, and we are all neighbors of one another (see Matthew 22:37-40). We are also to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). We must ask for wisdom on how to speak up and judge someone’s behavior, as well as on how to be quiet and trust that they know what they’re doing! It’s a matter of respecting others as we also wish to be respected.
TAKE HOME
Societies throughout the world live according to some ‘code’. At a basic level, we acknowledge it every time we drive a car and stop at red traffic lights, go on green, and travel the correct way around a roundabout. We’re aware when the ‘code’ gets broken, by ourselves or by others. Even in today’s so-called ‘secular’ society, where men and women have supposedly shaken off the shackles of religion, people still get upset when someone steals their money, spouse, or parking space. Most people live according to some code, which provides a framework for their life, decisions, and relationships. For Christians, being a follower of Jesus involves much more than changing a few features of our lifestyle here and there. It requires a complete reordering of the whole of our existence in loving service to Christ himself, whose call embraces every area of our lives and every relationship with others.
Why do you think Paul emphasizes avoiding sexual immorality as part of living a holy life? How can we practically grow in showing love for others, especially those who may be difficult to love? What does it look like to lead a "quiet life" in today’s busy and noisy world?
Living a life that pleases God isn’t about being perfect but about consistently seeking His will and reflecting His love to others. As we grow in holiness, love, and respectability, we not only honor God but also become a light to the world around us.
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
Living to Please God (Verses 1-2):
Philippians 1:9-11: Encourages believers to grow in love and live lives filled with the fruit of righteousness.
Colossians 1:10: Calls for living a life worthy of the Lord and pleasing Him in every way.
Pursuing Holiness (Verses 3-8):
1 Corinthians 6:18-20: Urges believers to flee sexual immorality and honor God with their bodies.
Hebrews 13:4: Highlights the sanctity of marriage and the importance of sexual purity.
Loving One Another (Verses 9-10):
John 13:34-35: Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as a sign of being His followers.
Romans 12:10: Encourages believers to love one another with brotherly affection and to outdo one another in showing honor.
Living a Quiet and Respectable Life (Verses 11-12):
Proverbs 31:27: Highlights the value of diligence and managing one’s affairs responsibly.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12: Advises against idleness and promotes working quietly and independently.
FIVE - Encourage and Build Each Other Up - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
TEXT - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 (NLT)
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.
Chapter 5
1 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.
4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
QUESTION
What gives you hope in difficult times, especially when thinking about the future or the loss of loved ones?
OVERVIEW
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, Paul addresses the hope believers have in the return of Christ and the importance of being prepared for that day. He comforts the Thessalonians by explaining what happens to those who have died in Christ and urges them to live alert and faithful lives, knowing that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly.
DISCUSSION POINTS
The Comfort of the Resurrection (4:13-18):
Paul assures believers that those who have "fallen asleep" in Christ will rise again when Jesus returns. This is a source of hope, not sorrow.
Quote: "The resurrection of the dead is the Christian’s hope; it is the mainspring of all our joy." – Charles Spurgeon
Application: Encourage one another with the promise of eternal life and reflect on how this hope impacts our grief and daily living.
The Day of the Lord (5:1-3):
Paul explains that Christ’s return will come like a thief in the night—unexpected and sudden. This underscores the need to live ready and faithful lives.
Quote: "The Christian’s whole life is lived in preparation for the coming of the Lord." – John Stott
Application: Consider whether our lives reflect readiness for Christ’s return and what changes we might make to stay spiritually alert.
Living as Children of Light (5:4-8):
Believers are called to live as children of the light, marked by faith, love, and the hope of salvation. This contrasts with the darkness of the world.
Quote: "Faith is the eye that sees Him, love is the hand that clings to Him, and hope is the anchor that holds us steady until He comes." – Warren Wiersbe
Application: Reflect on how we can strengthen our faith, love, and hope in practical ways each day.
Encourage and Build Each Other Up (5:9-11):
Paul reminds believers that God has destined them for salvation, not wrath. This truth should encourage and inspire mutual support within the community.
Quote: "Encouragement is oxygen to the soul; we need it daily to thrive in our faith." – Anonymous
Application: Look for ways to uplift others in their walk with Christ, reminding them of God’s promises.
Discussion Questions:
How does the promise of Christ’s return shape the way we approach challenges and loss?
What does it mean to live as children of light in a world often filled with darkness?
How can we encourage one another to stay ready and hopeful for the Lord’s return?
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
‘I hope to get a pay-rise this year.’ ‘I hope it doesn’t rain much next week.’ ‘I hope UK wins this season.’ Unlike those wishes – which may or may not happen – hope in the Bible is always sure. Christians might disagree on the finer details about what will happen in the future, but we share a conviction that God’s good plan for all things will come to pass: Jesus will return, evil and suffering will be done away with, we will be given resurrected bodies, and will live in a new heaven and earth. In the meantime, this amazing hope allows us to endure and be resilient in the face of difficulties, and brings confidence and joy as we live in anticipation of that great day
TAKE HOME
How many of us do not like being in an unfamiliar place when it is dark? Driving at night in a place I am not familiar with can cause us to become more alert.
We are living in very dark times in our world today, and we need to be more alert to all that is going on around us. But as followers of Jesus, we may be surrounded by the dark, sin, and evil of this world. But we have the light of the World living in us!
Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5: 4-6, “But you (followers of Jesus) aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to the darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like others. Stay alert and be clear-headed.”
As followers of Jesus, we do not need to be surprised and shocked by all that is going on in this dark, sinful, evil world. God’s Word clearly tells us that this is what is going to happen in our world.
But as followers of Jesus, we must:
Be on your guard! Be ready, be prepared, and be right with the Lord! Be filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit, and be ready with the Word of God in our lives. I must be prepared and ready today to meet the Lord!
Be awake! This is not the time to become weary, tired, and spiritually apathetic. This is the time to be awake and ready to accomplish what God wants me to do today! Be awake and be alert!
Be clear-headed! This means to be focused on Jesus and to be focused on His priorities in my life! This is not the time to become confused, overwhelmed, and fearful! We need to be clear-headed and think with a sound mind. “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, and of power and of a sound mind.”
Yes, we are living in a dark world, but we are not of this world! Lord, help me today to be alert, awake, and clear-headed on my journey!
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
Resurrection Hope
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead"
"For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."
The Lord's Return
"He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'"
"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.'"
Encouragement for Believers
"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
These scriptures reinforce the themes of resurrection hope, the Lord's return, and encouragement for believers found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11.
SIX - Stay Spiritually Alert - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
🔎 TEXT - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (NLT)
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.
25 Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss.
27 I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters.
28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
QUESTION
“What does it look like for a church to live in harmony and grow together as God’s family?”
OVERVIEW
In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, Paul gives the Thessalonian church practical instructions for living in community and preparing for Christ's return. He speaks about respecting church leaders, living peacefully with others, and fostering spiritual growth. He concludes with encouragement to pray, rejoice, and depend on God’s faithfulness. These teachings remind us how to live as a reflection of God's love, no matter our stage in life.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Respect and Support Your Leaders (vv. 12-13)
Paul urges believers to respect and love those who lead and guide the church.
Teaching Point: What are ways we can show gratitude to our pastors and elders today?
Quote: “A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.” – John C. Maxwell
Live in Harmony with One Another (vv. 14-15)
Paul calls the church to encourage the timid, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
Teaching Point: How can we better reflect patience and forgiveness in our relationships?
Quote: “True Christian love is not measured by what we feel but by what we do.” – Charles Spurgeon
Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks (vv. 16-18)
These three commands form a way of life that keeps us close to God in all circumstances.
Teaching Point: How can daily habits of rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude change our perspective?
Quote: “To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us—and He has given us everything.” – Thomas Merton
Stay Spiritually Alert (vv. 19-22)
Paul warns against quenching the Spirit and encourages testing everything to hold onto what is good.
Teaching Point: How can we remain open to God’s Spirit while discerning truth?
Quote: “We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts.” – A.W. Tozer
Trust in God’s Faithfulness (vv. 23-24)
Paul reminds the church that God will sanctify them completely and keep them blameless until Christ’s return.
Teaching Point: How does trusting in God’s faithfulness help us endure life’s challenges?
Quote: “God is too good to be unkind and too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.” – Charles Spurgeon
Final Blessing and Closing (vv. 25-28)
Paul ends with a prayer request, a reminder of the importance of fellowship, and a blessing of grace.
Teaching Point: Why is fellowship essential to our spiritual growth and encouragement?
Quote: “The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners.” – Augustine
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
‘I love humanity; it’s people I can’t stand.’ So says Linus in one of Charles M. Schultz’s Peanuts comic strips. Many Christians have their variation of that sentiment which goes along the lines of getting along fine with Jesus but struggling with the church. Wouldn’t we be better off just loving Jesus and not worrying about church? In fact, however, being a Christian is bound up with belonging to the church. The gospel which saves us as believers in Christ is also the gospel which incorporates us into the body of Christ. As individual followers of Jesus, we’re brought into the family of God (five times in this passage Paul calls us ‘brothers and sisters’), with a set of responsibilities in how we relate to each other and what we do when we meet together.
TAKE HOME
God walks with you—walk beside your friend
It seems everything we do in life is based on performance and how well we do it. The pressure put on society to be the very best at everything we do is immense. How many of us struggle because we can’t keep up with all this performance-driven stuff! The pop song “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is loved by so many. Why? Because it sends a message we each need, that someone will walk through daily life with us. If you’re married, hopefully your partner is that person who is your best and most supportive friend. I think being married to the wrong person would be hell on earth.
God walks with you today as your friend. You may have heard the poem about the man who walked along the beach and saw a second pair of footprints in the sand. He was told the second pair of footprints were God’s. But then he became angry, as he realized that there were times when only one set of footprints was there. Where was God for him then? “It was then that I carried you”, God replied.
Learning to have that trust in God is so valuable not only for our faith, but also our peace of mind. When you live knowing that you are held by the hands of God at all times, you breathe a little easier, sleep a little sounder and worry just a little less. Because you trust in God to always be there for you—and most importantly to never leave. Psalm 71:5 says: “For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence.”
SCRIPTURE RESEARCH
Respecting Church Leaders
"Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account." (Hebrews 13:17)
"The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." (1 Timothy 5:17)
Living in Peace and Mutual Support
"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
Rejoicing, Praying, and Giving Thanks
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." (Ephesians 6:18)
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Testing Prophecies and Holding to Good
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)
"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:14)
God's Faithfulness in Sanctification
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
"To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy." (Jude 1:24)
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