1 Thessalonians: How To Wait For Christ

Book: 1 Thessalonians

Background:

Paul, Silas, and Timothy came to Thessalonica after being persecuted
in Philippi (Acts 16; 17:1ff). On three Sabbaths, Paul reasoned with
the Jews in the synagogue, 1) that the OT predicted a Messiah who
would suffer, die, and rise again, and 2) that Jesus fulfilled these
prophecies (17:3). Many Jews, and some wives of Gentile authorities,
believed (17:4). The missionary team was forced to leave the city
prematurely, however, when some jealous and angry Jews hired a
mob and
put the city in an uproar (5). They finally sent Timothy back to
encourage them in their affliction, and find out about their faith
(3:1-5). When Timothy returned with a good report, Paul sent this
letter (3:6-10).

Content:

Chapter 1 expresses thankfulness for their faith, hope, and love.
2:1-12 recounts the blameless character of their teachers, and
2:13 -
3:10 the persecution they endured for their faith. 3:11 - 5:28 gives
practical instructions about excelling in love. Each chapter relates
its contents to the return of Christ for the church (1:10; 2:19;
3:13;
4:13-18; 5:1-11, 23).

Purpose:

To encourage them to wait for Christ's return (1:1-10), by respecting
their teachers (2:1-12), enduring opposition (2:13 - 3:10), and
abounding in love (3:11 - 5:28).

Theme: Wait for Christ

Outline:

Introduction (1:1-10)
1. By respecting godly teachers (2:1-12)
2. By enduring opposition (2:1 - 3-10)
3. By abounding in love (3:11 - 5:28)

--
Have you heard Christ died for our sins, and God raised Him
from the dead? Did you know God saves you from hell and
gives you eternal life through faith in this finished work alone,
not your merits (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Thess.
1:8-9)? This is so man cannot boast, and God alone gets the
glory (Eph. 2:8-9).
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