1 THESSALONIANS 1

Paul opens his first letter to the Thessalonians by listing five characteristics of the church in Thessalonica.

IT IS AN ENERGETIC CHURCH (1:1-3):

Paul gives thanks to God.

For their strong faith (1:1-3a)

For their labour of love (1:3b)

IT IS AN ELECT CHURCH (1:4):

They have been chosen by God himself.

IT IS AN EXEMPLARY CHURCH (1:5-7)

Paul's example to the church (1:5-6)

His preaching is anointed by the Holy Spirit (1:5).

His personal lifestyle is anointed by the Holy Spirit (1:6).

Their example to the world (1:7):

They are a model to all the believers in Greece.

IT IS AN EVANGELISTIC CHURCH (1:8):

Their faith in God has become known everywhere.

IT IS AN EXPECTANT CHURCH (1:9-10):

They are looking forward to the return of Jesus from heaven.

1 THESSALONIANS 2

Paul talks about the trip he took to visit Thessalonica and about his desire to go again.

PAUL'S PAST TRIP TO THESSALONICA (2:1-16):

The apostle overviews two factors concerning his visit to Thessalonica.

How the gospel was relayed to the believers there (2:1-12):

The preacher in the pulpit.

Paul the persecuted (2:1-2):

He speaks of his sufferings at Philippi just prior to coming to Thessalonica.

Paul the pattern (2:3-6, 9-10):

The apostle served as a positive role model to the church.

Concerning his words (2:3-6, 10):

Paul's preaching was bold, truthful, straightforward, and sincere.

Concerning his works (2:9):

Paul laboured long, weary hours so that he would not be a burden to the church.

Paul the parent (2:7-8, 11-12)

He fed and cared for them as would a loving mother (2:7-8).

He encouraged and comforted them as would a loving father (2:11-12).

How the gospel was received by the believers there (2:13-16):

The people in the pews.

The enthusiasm (2:13):

They accepted Paul's words as being from God.

The enemies (2:14-16):

They persevered through suffering and persecution.

PAUL'S PLANNED TRIP TO THESSALONICA (2:17-20)

Why the apostle is anxious to revisit them (2:17, 19-20)

They are his reward and crown (2:17, 19b).

They are his pride and joy (2:19a, 20).

Why the apostle has been unable to revisit them (2:18):

He has been hindered by Satan.

1 THESSALONIANS 3

Paul talks more about his visit to the Thessalonians and rejoices over the good news Timothy has brought back to him about them.

PAUL'S REVIEW (3:1-5):

The apostle calls to remembrance events both during and after his previous visit to Thessalonica.

The action during his visit (3:4):

While he was with them, Paul warned the church that they could expect future persecution because of their faith in Christ; this soon came to pass.

The action after his visit (3:1-3, 5)

Where he was (3:1):

He was in Athens, experiencing great concerns over the spiritual welfare of the church in Thessalonica.

What he did (1:2-3, 5):

He sent Timothy to minister to them.

PAUL'S REPORT (3:6-9)

The return of Timothy (3:6):

Paul informs them that Timothy has brought back the joyous news that they are growing in faith and love.

The rejoicing of Paul (3:7-9):

The apostle is greatly comforted by this news.

PAUL'S REQUEST (3:10-13):

Paul now lifts up a twofold prayer request.

For himself (3:10-11):

Paul asks God to permit him to visit the church again.

For the church (3:12-13)

That their love will both increase and overflow (3:12)

That their hearts will be strengthened in matters of holiness (3:13)

1 THESSALONIANS 4

Paul discusses the glorious rapture of the church.

THE CHALLENGES IN VIEW OF THE RAPTURE (4:1-12)

What we are to do (4:1-2):

Believers are to live their lives in a way that is pleasing to God.

How we are to do it (4:3-12)

Be holy and pure (4:3-5, 7-8).

Don't defraud another believer (4:6).

Love all believers (4:9-10).

Take care of your own business (4:11).

Earn your own living (4:12).

THE CHRONOLOGY OF THE RAPTURE (4:13-18)

The purpose (4:13, 18):

Paul explains the Rapture for two reasons:

To clarify (4:13):

He does not want them to be ignorant of God's prophetic plan.

To comfort (4:18):

This glorious event may be used to encourage each other.

The particulars (4:14-17)

The return of the Lord (4:14, 16a-c)

The saints (4:14):

All believers currently in heaven will accompany him.

The sound (4:16a-c)

A loud command (4:16a)

The voice of the archangel (4:16b)

The trumpet call of God (4:16c)

The resurrection of the dead (4:16d):

The bodies of dead believers will rise first.

The rapture of the living (4:15, 17):

The believers on earth will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.

1 THESSALONIANS 5

Paul sets forth several rules for the church in light of the coming Rapture, then ends his letter with three requests.

I.THE RULES (5:1-22)

Be watchful (5:1-10).

The action (5:1-2):

The event Paul describes here is the Day of the Lord.

The reaction (5:3-10):

There has been, is, and will be a twofold response to this terrible time of judgment.

The response by the children of darkness (5:3, 7):

In their drunken unbelief, the unsaved will believe all is quiet and peaceful until sudden destruction falls on them.

The response by the children of light (5:4-6, 8-10):

We are to put on the full armour of God, for God has saved us.

Be helpful (5:11, 14).

Build one another up (5:11).

Warn, encourage, be compassionate, and show patience with one another (5:14).

Be respectful (5:12-13):

Honour and love your spiritual leaders.

Be merciful (5:15):

Do not return evil for evil.

Be joyful (5:16):

At all times.

Be prayerful (5:17):

In all things.

Be thankful (5:18):

No matter what happens.

Be careful (5:19-22)

What not to do (5:19-20)

Don't quench the Spirit (5:19).

Don't despise prophecy (5:20).

What to do (5:21-22)

Do test everything (5:21).

Do avoid every kind of evil (5:22).

THE REASSURANCES (5:23-24)

What God will do (5:23)

At the present (5:23a):

He will sanctify us through and through.

In the future (5:23b):

He will present us blameless at Christ's coming.

Why God will do it (5:24):

Because he is faithful.