FIRST THESSALONIANS

(Read through the entire Epistle, comparing Acts 17:1-9).

Theme: The first reading of this Epistle will reveal the fact that there is one theme that stands out above all others - the second coming of the Lord. It will be noticed that each chapter ends with a reference to that event. Paul deals with this truth more in its practical than doctrinal aspect, applying it directly to the attitude and life of the believer. So we may sum up the theme of this Epistle as follows: The coming of the Lord in relation to the believer's encouragement, comfort, watchfulness, and sanctification.

Why Written: The Epistle was written for the following purposes:

1. To comfort the believers during persecution. 3:1-5.

2. To comfort them concerning some of their dead who had died in the faith (4:13). The Thessalonians feared that the departed ones would lose the joy of witnessing the Lord's return.

3. It seemed that some, in expectation of the Lord's soon coming had fallen into the error of supposing that it was not necessary to work. 4:11, 12.

When Written: Written from Corinth shortly after Paul's departure from Thessalonica.

Contents:

Mr. Robert Lee, of London, gives the following helpful outline:

The coming of the Lord is -

I. An inspiring hope for the young convert. Chap. 1.

II. An encouraging hope for the faithful servant. Chap. 2.

III. A purifying hope for the believer. 3:1 to 4:12.

IV. A comforting hope for the bereaved. 4:13-18.

V. A rousing hope for the sleepy Christian. Chap.5.

Paul with true humility and Christian courtesy mentions his co-workers, placing them on a level with himself (1:1).

1. For what three things did Paul commend the believers (v. 3, compare I Corinthians 13:13 and contrast the first words of Revelation 2:2)?

2. How did Paul preach the Gospel to these believers (v. 5)?

3. Of whom did they become followers (v. 6, compare I Corinthians 11:1)?

4. How did they receive the gospel (v. 6, compare Acts 13:50-52)?

5. What was their relation to the other churches (v. 7)?

6. What was their relation to the evangelization of the surrounding country (v. 8)?

7. What attitude on their part in relation to sin and to GOD secured their salvation (v. 9)?

8. What was their present attitude (v. 10)?

9. To what event does Paul have reference in 2:2? Acts 16:19-40.

10. What is said concerning his motives in preaching the Gospel (vv. 3-6)?

11. What is said concerning his attitude toward these believers (vv. 7-12)?

12. Could Paul, as an apostle, have claimed financial support? I Corinthians 9:6, 14?

13. Why did he not require it from the Thessalonians (2:6, 9)?

14. What testimony should every true minister of the Gospel have (v. 10)?

15. How did the Thessalonians receive the Gospel (v. 13)?

16. With whom does Paul compare them (v. 14)?

17. What did he say was the culminating sin of the Jewish nation (v. 16, compare Matthew 23:13)?

18. What was Paul's desire when he was at Athens (v. 18, compare Acts 17:15)?

19. What will be a source of rejoicing of the minister of the Gospel in heaven (v. 19)?

20. Who joined Paul at Athens (3:1, 2, compare Acts 17:15)?

21. Why did Paul send Timothy from there to the Thessalonians (3:2, 3)?

22. What had Paul told them to expect (v. 4, compare Acts 14:22)?

23. What did he fear (v. 5)?

24. What news did Timothy bring back (v. 6)?

25. What was very life to the apostle (v. 8)?

26. What was his earnest desire (v. 10)?

27. His prayer (vv. 11, 12)?

28. Was that in verse 12 an important prayer (John 13:34, 35; Romans 13:9; I Corinthians 13:13; Galatians 5:6)?

29. What would be the consummation of their love (v. 13)?

30. Against what sin common among the Gentiles, does Paul warn them (4:1-7)?

31. What does Paul say concerning his authority (v. 8)?

32. By what power does he exercise his authority (v. 8, compare Acts 15:28)?

33. What truth should a believer know naturally as a child of GOD (v. 9, compare I John 3:18)?

34. To what command does Paul have reference in verse 11 (II Thessalonians 3:10)?

35. For what two reasons was this command given (v. 12)?

36. Where did Paul learn the truths set forth in vv. 13-18 (v. 15)?

37. How will the day of the Lord come in relation to the unbeliever (5:1-3)?

38. Will it come as a thief in the night to the believer (v. 4)?

39. Though we may not know the exact time of the Lord's coming, may we know when it is "at the door"? Matthew 24:32.

40. To what does Paul liken the sinful condition of the world (v. 7)?

41. What relation has v. 9 to the teaching that the church will pass through the tribulation?

42. What is to be the believer's attitude toward their leaders (vv. 12, 13)?

43. What admonition is given to those who might be inclined to suppress the genuine manifestations of the Spirit (v. 19)?

44. What admonition is given to those who would exalt manifestations above the preaching of the Word (v. 20)?

45. What is to be our attitude toward prophesyings and messages in other languages (v. 21)?

46. What is GOD's perfect plan for every believer (v. 23)?

47. When will that work be consummated (v. 23, compare Philippians 3:21; I John 3:2)?

48. What makes possible of fulfillment the prayer uttered in v. 23 (v. 24)?

~ end of I Thessalonians ~