LESSON #31 (Week ending 08/01/10)

1 & 2 Thessalonians

AUTHOR & DATE:

Paul wrote both of these epistles from the city of Corinth between 50 – 54 AD after visiting them and establishing a church there during his second missionary journey (see Acts 17).

PURPOSE:

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to encourage them as they faced persecution from zealous Jews and to give further doctrinal teachings to the young and growing church.

1 Thess. 1: Great Faith Appreciated

Ø Paul lists three things (verse 3) for which he is thankful about the Thessalonians. What are they and what can we learn from them?

Ø In what ways did the Thessalonians demonstrate by their lives the impact the Gospel had on them?

Ø Is the response given by the Thessalonians to the Gospel normative? Application?

1 Thess. 2: Reminders of Paul's Ministry with the Thessalonians

Ø Did Paul face opposition while sharing the Gospel in Thessalonica?

Ø What was Paul's proclaimed reason for sharing the Gospel?

Ø Did Paul and the others with him share the Gospel by their words only? Application?

1 Thess. 3: Timothy's Great Report

Ø How did Paul multiply his ability to minister?

Ø Did the church grown in spite of persecution?

Ø What powerful "tool" did Paul use to minister to the Thessalonians while he was not with them?

1 Thess. 4 & 5: More Teaching and Questions Answered

Ø Is it important to live lives that please God? Why or why not?

Ø What was God's will for the Thessalonians (vs. 3-12)? Is it the same for us?

Ø In verses 4:13-5:11 what does Paul teach about death of believers and what will happen to believers who are alive when Jesus returns for His own?

Ø Is Paul referring to Christ's final return to earth or something else?

Ø How should this teaching affect the Church of Jesus Christ (vs. 5:11)? Does that apply to us also?

Ø In 5:12-22 Paul lists several "works" that should be a part of the believer's life. What are they and how do they apply to us?

2 Thess. 1: Prayer of Thanksgiving

Ø For what is Paul thankful here?

Ø When will God make right all the "wrongs" the church has suffered over the years?

Ø Verses 11-12 give us a wonderful example of a prayer we can use for our loved ones.

2 Thess. 2: More Teachings

Ø What must occur before the Lord returns to set up His Kingdom on earth?

Ø What will Satan use to deceive?

Ø What is the reason many will perish?

Ø Verse 2:13 gives a clear indication of how salvation takes place. Who is the author and finisher of salvation?

2 Thess. 3: Request for Prayer, Additional Warnings, and Final Greetings

Ø Why did Paul ask for prayer? Should we ask others to pray for us?

Ø Paul talks about idleness which means being unfruitful. How does Paul view idleness?

Ø How did Paul tell his readers to relate to someone who did not obey his teachings?

Ø Does this apply for us today?