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The City

Thessalonica was an important city of commerce and became a center of missionary activity. The city was declared a free city in the Roman Empire. This means that it would remain Greek in culture and citizenship. The people were free to conduct their own government, pass laws and control judicial duties.

There was a synagogue in Thessalonica, which indicates a large Jewish population. It was from this synagogue that Paul won the first converts to Christ (Acts 17:4). It appears that Paul ws here for only three weeks (Acts 17:2).

The Letter

Because he was there for such a short time, Paul felt it was important that he provide for this young church some instruction. This letter is the first of all the writings of Paul. It pre-dates most of the other letters by 8 – 10 years.

Authorship – There can be little doubt that Paul wrote the letter. It has all the marks of Paul in vocabulary, style and thought.

Date – The date is quite easy to establish. It was written after the return of Timothy from Thessalonica to Paul (3:6) and when Paul was in Corinth. It is clear that this letter was written in 50 or 51 AD.

The Doctrine

Because the letter was written early and to a brand new church, the teachings were not for the purpose of correcting error. The purpose was to give them the solid foundation needed to survive in time of persecution.

1. Sin. Paul speaks about sin among the Jews and Gentiles (2:14-16), Satan (2:18), temptation (3:5), idolatry (1:9), wrath (5:9), and fraud (4:6).

2. Gospel. Jesus was killed by Jews (2:15). God raised him from the dead (1:10). Jesus died and rose again (4:14). Jesus died for us (5:10). The message is called – Gospel (1:5); Word (1:6); Word of the Lord 1:8); Word of God (2:13); Gospel of God (2:2); and Gospel of Christ (3:3). They had received the word (1:6); they had turned from idols (1:9); they were saved (2:16). They were called believers (1:7) and their faith was known by others (1:8).

3. God. God is described as true and living (1:9). He will direct us (3:11). He is the God of peace (5:23).

4. Christ. Jesus was killed and raised from the dead (2:15; 1:10; 4:14). Jesus can direct us in the right way (3:11). Jesus Christ is the Son from heaven (1:10).

5. Second Coming. Every chapter mentions the second coming (1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:14; 5:23). This was the theme of the letter. Because of their excitement for the second coming, the second letter was required to balance their views.

The Outline

The following outline is taken from Warren W. Wiersbe. Be Ready, is his commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

Theme: The coming of Christ

Key verses: 5:9-10

1. Paul Remembers (chapters 1-3)

a. How the church was born – 1

b. How the church was nurtured – 2

c. How the church was established – 3

2. Paul Exhorts (chapters 4-5)

a. In holiness – 4:1-8

b. In harmony – 4:9-10

c. In honesty – 4:11-12

d. In hope – 4:13-5:11

e. In helpfulness – 5:12-28

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I. Salutation, 1:1

1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians [which is] in God the Father and [in] the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

discussion questions

1A. “Grace and peace” was the custom of the day.

What is the custom today? _____________________________________

1B. In the Bible there are customs (which DO change) and commands (which DO NOT change). Discuss each of the following and determine if it is - -

Custom Command

_______ ________ A. Women preaching

_______ ________ B. Holy kiss

_______ ________ C. Foot washing

_______ ________ D. Wearing a veil to worship

_______ ________ E. Men with long hair

_______ ________ F. Worship on Sunday

1C. When is a custom binding on Christians? ____________________________

________________________________________________________________

1D. Does the origin of the custom make a difference in our observance of it? ___

________________________________________________________________

1E. What is the difference in custom and tradition? _______________________

________________________________________________________________

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II. Review of the history of the Thessalonian church, 1:2-10

A. Their faithfulness, 1:2-3

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father

discussion questions

2A. Paul was always expressing gratitude. This seems to be a weakness of ours.

A. Why do few seem to appreciate and express gratitude? ____________

B. Are we really ungrateful or do we just fail to express it? _____________

2B. List some ways to show gratitude.

________________________ ____________________________

2C. Paul mentioned people and places by name. He believed in specific prayers.

Discuss: How much information should be given in public prayers?

3A. They were known for their “work of faith.”

How do “faith” and “works” function together? ______________________

3B. A “labor of love” tells us their motivation for their activity.

Is it possible that we do the work, but without the proper motivation? ___

Have you ever worked in a program that you resented? ______________

3C. Why is “patience” so hard for us to possess? _________________________

________________________________________________________________

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B. Their reception of the gospel exemplary, 1:4-7

4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. {beloved...: or, beloved of God, your election}.

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

discussion questions

4A. Discuss the use of the word “brethren” and “brother” in the New Testament and in our usage today.

A. Do we use the word to describe a relationship or as a title? __________

_________________________________________________________________

B. What other words are used in the New Testament to describe Christians?

________________________ __________________________

4B. Election is a biblical teaching.

A. Who “votes” in this election? ____________________________

B. What is decided? _____________________________________

5A. What is included in the term “gospel”? Check which of the following topics are included in preaching the gospel of Christ.

____ Death, burial and resurrection ____ Worship

____ Faith in God, Christ, the Bible ____ The church

____ Plan of salvation ____ Doctrines

5B. Does the Gospel have power today? ________________________________

5C. How important is a proper example? ________________________________

5D. How did you hear the gospel?

____ Radio ____ TV ____ Newspaper

____ Filmstrips ____ Mail ____ Door knocker

____ Preacher ____ Phone ____ Personal invitation

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B. Their reception of the gospel exemplary, 1:4-7

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

discussion questions

6A. Who is your example to follow? ____________________________________

Should we follow the example of men? ___________________________

How are we influenced by the example of others? ___________________

6B. Can you think of people you would NOT follow? _______________________

6C. Have you suffered physical harm or threat of harm because of you faith? ___

How would you react if threatened? ______________________________

6D. WHAT IF: It became illegal to have public gatherings to worship God? _____

_________________________________________________________________

7A. Who is watching you? ____________________________________________

7B. How far has the work and faith of Grundy Street traveled? _______________

_________________________________________________________________

7C. If every church member were a church member like me,

what kind of church would this church be?

_________________________________________________________________

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C. They had been active in sounding out the word, 1:8-10

8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

discussion questions

8A. What are some ways that we (individual Christians) can “sound forth” the word of the Lord?

___________________________________________________________

8B. List some ways available to us (as a congregation) to “sound forth” the word of the Lord.

___________________________________________________________

9A. What are others saying about Grundy Street? ________________________

A. What is the general opinion among other congregations? ___________

___________________________________________________________

B. What is the general view of the community? _____________________

___________________________________________________________

9B. What did you have to leave (give up) to become a Christian? ____________

9C. How do we serve (be a slave to) God? ______________________________

___________________________________________________________

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C. They had been active in sounding out the word, 1:8-10

10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

discussion questions

10A. How anxious are you for the Second Coming of Christ? ________________

___________________________________________________________

10B. Will Jesus return to this earth at his second coming? __________________

10C. How would you respond to someone teaching:

A. Jesus will return to Jerusalem _________________________________

B. Jesus will establish a kingdom ________________________________

C. He will reign for 1,000 years __________________________________

D. There will be a rapture _______________________________________

10D. What are the signs of the second coming? __________________________

___________________________________________________________

10E. How will we know when he is coming? ______________________________

___________________________________________________________

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III. The relationship of the writers to the church, 2:1-3:13

A. Proper motive in preaching, 2:1-4

1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

discussion questions

1A. How would you bring the gospel to a city where it had never been before?

___________________________________________________________

1B. Is it possible to preach “in vain”? ___________________________________

A. How could it become vain? ___________________________________

B. Discuss casting “pearls before swine.” (Matt. 7:6) _________________

2A. In what sense do Christians today experience - -

A. Suffering _________________________________________________

B. Shameful treatment (world) ___________________________________

C. Shameful treatment (brethren) ________________________________

D. Conflict in preaching ________________________________________

2B. Do we have the boldness of Peter? (Acts 4:13) _______________________

A. Why do we lack that boldness? _______________________________

B. Are we cowards? ___________________________________________

c. Is it a lack of confidence? _____________________________________

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A. Proper motive in preaching, 2:1-4

3 For our exhortation [was] not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts

discussion questions

3A. What is “exhortation”? ___________________________________________

3B. How can the gospel of Christ be preached in deceit? ___________________

___________________________________________________________

3C. What is the “uncleanness” of this verse? _____________________________

___________________________________________________________

3D. Explain how “guile” can destroy the gospel message. ___________________

___________________________________________________________

4A. Are preachers “ordained” to preach? ________________________________

A. How was Paul “approved of God”? _____________________________

4B. Do some preachers try to please men? ______________________________

4C. How does God try the hearts? _____________________________________

___________________________________________________________

4D. How can we “try the spirits”? (1 John 4:1) ____________________________

___________________________________________________________

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B. The proper conduct in daily living, 2:5-12

5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness:

6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. {been...: or, used authority}

discussion questions

5A. Have you ever heard a preacher use flattering words? __________________

A. Why would he try to flatter others? _____________________________

B. What is flattery? ____________________________________________

5B. What is covetousness? __________________________________________

A. How is it cloaked? __________________________________________

B. Can you think of some ways that preachers are covetous? __________

_________________________ ______________________________

_________________________ _______________________________

6A. How do preachers seek glory from the church? ________________________

6B. How do men seek the glory of the world? ____________________________

6C. How can position or power be used to seek glory? _____________________

___________________________________________________________

6D. Can men be apostles today? ______________________________________

A. How would you respond to one who claimed to be an apostle? _______

___________________________________________________________

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B. The proper conduct in daily living, 2:5-12

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

discussion questions

7A. Describe how a preacher can preach as a nurse with a child? ____________

___________________________________________________________

7B. Is there a place for “hell fire and brimstone” preaching? ________________

8A. What must be imparted in the preaching of the gospel?

____ A. Death, burial and resurrection of Christ

____ B. The plan of salvation

____ C. Righteousness, judgment, and eternity

____ D. Proper Christian living, moral values

8B. Does God require us to impart our “own souls” in preaching? _____________

9A. How does preaching include - -

A. Labor ____________________________________________________

B. Travail (pain) ______________________________________________

C. Day and night _____________________________________________

9B. What is included in the “work of the preacher”?

_______________________ _______________________________

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B. The proper conduct in daily living, 2:5-12

10 Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children,

12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

discussion questions

10A. What do you look for in the life of a preacher, elder, leader? ____________

___________________________________________________________

10B. Define the following terms - -

A. Holy _____________________________________________________

B. Righteous ________________________________________________

C. Unblaemable ______________________________________________

10C. How should we “behave” in the house of God? (1 Timothy 3:15) _________

___________________________________________________________

11A. Should you call the preacher “father”? Why, or why not? _______________

___________________________________________________________

11B. Discuss the importance and use of these terms - -

A. Exhorting ________________________________________________

B. Encouraging ______________________________________________

C. Testifying ________________________________________________

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C. The preaching was the Word of God, 2:13-16

13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews:

15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: {persecuted us: or, chased us out}

16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost

discussion questions

13A. When you first heard the gospel, did you accept it? ___________________

13B. Did you try to argue with the preacher over what he said? ______________

13C. Were you hearing the words of God or men? ________________________

13D. Did you hear the sermon as it is in truth? ____________________________

13E. How does the word of God “work in us” who believe? __________________

___________________________________________________________

14A. Should we look at what other congregations are doing? ________________

14B. What is the source of our suffering? _______________________________

15A. Who killed Jesus - Jews - Romans - Apostles - Us? ___________________

15B. Did the Jews desire to please God? (Romans 10:2) ___________________

16A. Have you ever been forbidden to speak of your faith? _________________

16B. Who will punish such evil men? ___________________________________

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D. Concern for the church, 2:17-3:10

1. Paul’s desire to return, 2:17-20

17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

19 For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? {rejoicing: or, glorying}

20 For ye are our glory and joy.

discussion questions

17A. Why was Paul “taken” from them? _________________________________

17B. Why did Paul want to return? _____________________________________

17C. Why is it important to “see their face”? _____________________________

18A. Who kept Paul from returning to them? _____________________________

A. Who gave Paul a thorn in the flesh? (2 Corinthians 12:7) ___________

B. How does Satan work to hinder the church today?

________________________ _______________________________

19A. What is the real reward ( hope, joy, crown) of Paul? __________________

___________________________________________________________

19B. Does this verse teach some sense of “heavenly recognition” in the resurrection at the second coming?

___________________________________________________________

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2. Timothy sent to help them, 3:1-5

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. {there unto: or, to sufferings, or, to persecution}

discussion questions

1A. Where would you like to be left alone in the world? _____________________

1B. Have felt like you just could not stand it any more? _____________________

2A. What do you know about Timothy? _________________________________

___________________________________________________________

2B. What was his mission? ___________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

3A. What would “move” one away from Christ? ___________________________

___________________________________________________________

A. Examine the list given in Romans 8:37-39.

B. Honestly, which of these things could send you away from Christ?

___________________________________________________________

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2. Timothy sent to help them, 3:1-5

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

discussion questions

4A. Would you rather know what to expect in the future? ___________________

4B. Study these passages which warn of danger.

A. Matthew 10:16-22.

B. Luke 21:12-17.

C. 2 Timothy 3:12.

D. 1 Peter 4:12-14.

5A. How could Paul learn of their faith? _________________________________

A. What if someone came to Grundy Street to learn of our faith? ________

B. If you were sent on such a mission, what would you look for? ________

___________________________________________________________

5B. What are the tools of Satan to tempt us? ____________________________

___________________________________________________________

5C. How could Paul feel that his labor was in vain? _______________________

___________________________________________________________

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3. Timothy’s report, 3:6-10

6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you:

7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

discussion questions

6A. If you were to report on the faith of this church, what would your report say?

___________________________________________________________

6B. How is your memory?

A. What sermon topic did you hear last Sunday? ____________________

B. What was your Bible class studying last Wednesday night? _________

C. Do you remember the topic of this class last week? ________________

7A. How can one be comforted in time of affliction? ________________________

___________________________________________________________

7B. List some ways we can “comfort” one another.

________________________ _______________________________

7C. How does their faith comfort Paul? _________________________________

8A. What does stand “fast” mean? ____________________________________

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3. Timothy’s report, 3:6-10

9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

discussion questions

9A. What is joy? ___________________________________________________

A. Where does this joy come from? ______________________________

B. How do get more of this joy? __________________________________

C. Can we lose this joy? ________________________________________

9B. Should Christians be happy? ______________________________________

A. Is it OK to tell jokes? ________________________________________

B. Should worship be a “joyous” celebration or “sober” funeral? _________

10A. How can one pray “always”, never ceasing, night and day? _____________

___________________________________________________________

A. Can you pray while driving a car? ______________________________

B. What is required for us to pray without ceasing? __________________

10B. What is “perfect faith”? How is our faith perfected? ____________________

___________________________________________________________

10C. SELF-EXAMINATION: What is lacking in your faith? __________________

___________________________________________________________

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E. Paul’s prayer, 3:11-13

11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. {direct: or, guide}

12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you: 13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. {saints: or, holy ones, or, angels}

discussion questions

11A. Paul prayed that God would “direct” his way. We often pray for God to “guard, guide, and direct us.” Are these proper requests to make in prayer?

___________________________________________________________

11B. When God answers such a prayer, is this a miracle or providence? _______

12A. How can God help us to grow in love? ______________________________

___________________________________________________________

12B. What is the importance of the word “abound” in this verse? _____________

___________________________________________________________

12C. Pay attention to WHOM this love should be directed.

A. One another. ______________________________________________

[NOTE: See John 13:34; 1 Peter 1:22.]

B. All men. __________________________________________________

[NOTE: See Galatians 6:10; 2 Peter 1:7.]

13A. Is it possible to be “unblamable in holiness”? ________________________

___________________________________________________________

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IV. Instructions about how to live, 4:1-5:11

A. The problem of sexual immorality, 4:1-8

1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more. {beseech: or, request} {exhort: or, beseech}

2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

discussion questions

1A. What does Paul mean when he says that we must learn how to walk? _____

___________________________________________________________

1B. What is required to please God? ___________________________________

___________________________________________________________

2A. Whose commandments did Paul give them? __________________________

A. Does this include the 10 Commandments of the Old Testament? _____

B. Where do we get our commandments? _________________________

3A. What is sanctification? ___________________________________________

A. Is sanctification different from salvation? _________________________

B. Are you sanctified? How do you know? __________________________

3B. What is fornication? _____________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

A. Can a non-Christian commit this sin? ___________________________

B. How can one avoid this sin? __________________________________

C. What is the difference in fornication and adultery? _________________

___________________________________________________________

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A. The problem about sexual immorality, 4:1-8

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

discussion questions

4A. “Every one of you” places the responsibility on each person. To what extent can be blame others, society, environment, etc. for our fornication?

___________________________________________________________

4B. Who is responsible for the actions of this body? _______________________

___________________________________________________________

4C. How can we “possess” our vessel (body)? ___________________________

___________________________________________________________

4D. What does sanctification and honor have to do with controlling our body? ___

___________________________________________________________

5A. What is “concupiscence”? ________________________________________

A. What is lust? ______________________________________________

B. “God made man with this passion, therefore he must be permitted to express it.” How would you respond?

___________________________________________________________

B. How does such a sin deny that we know God? ___________________

___________________________________________________________

5B. What is the difference in know knowing God and never knowing God? _____

___________________________________________________________

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A. The problem about sexual immorality, 4:1-8

6 That no [man] go beyond and defraud his brother in [any] matter: because that the Lord [is] the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. {defraud: or, oppress, or, overreach} {in...: or, in the matter}

7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. {despiseth: or, rejecteth}

discussion questions

6A. What does it mean to “go beyond” (transgress) in this verse? ____________

___________________________________________________________

6B. Why does Paul mention defrauding a brother? ________________________

___________________________________________________________

6C. Who is the “avenger”? ___________________________________________

7A. How has God called us? Into what condition are we called? ______________

___________________________________________________________

A. Not uncleanness. ___________________________________________

B. But holiness. ______________________________________________

8A. What does it mean to “despise” in verse 8? __________________________

___________________________________________________________

8B. When we reject God we also are rejecting whom? _____________________

___________________________________________________________

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B. The problem of social conduct, 4:9-12

9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing. {of...: or, of no man}

discussion questions

9A. What is the difference in “brotherly love” and “agape love”? _____________

___________________________________________________________

9B. Can love be commanded? ________________________________________

10A. What is the link between congregations in a local area? _______________

11A. What are the three commands in verse 11?

1. _________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________

11B. What does “quiet” mean here? ___________________________________

11C. Is Paul saying, “Mind your own business”? __________________________

12A. Who are “those without”? _______________________________________

12B. In what sense do we lack nothing as Christians? _____________________

12C. How can we walk honestly toward others? __________________________

________________________________________________________________

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C. The problem about those who had died, 4:13-18

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. {prevent: or, come before, or, anticipate, or, precede}

discussion questions

13A. What does “asleep” mean? ______________________________________

13B. Should Christians ever feel sorrow? _______________________________

13C. How important is hope in our feelings of sorrow? _____________________

_________________________________________________________________

14A. What will God “bring with him”? ___________________________________

14B. Who is “God” in this passage? ____________________________________

14C. What is the connection between the death and resurrection of Jesus and our own resurrection?

_________________________________________________________________

15A. Will we be alive when Jesus comes? _______________________________

15B. Explain the word “Prevent” vs. “Precede” - __________________________

_________________________________________________________________

15C. Who are those “asleep in Jesus”? _________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

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C. The problem about those who had died, 4:13-18

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. {comfort: or, exhort}

discussion questions

16A. List the events which will occur at the second coming. _________________

_________________________________________________________________

16B. Will the wicked dead remain in the ground? _________________________

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17A. Will Jesus return to earth and set up a kingdom? _____________________

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17B. Is this verse a “rapture” text? _____________________________________

17C. Why? or Why not? _____________________________________________

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17D. Where will be meet the Lord? _____________________________________

17E. Will we ever return to earth with Christ? ____________________________

17F. What is the simplest way to prove the theory of a 1,000 year reign to be incorrect?

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D. The certainty of Christ’s coming, 5:1-11

5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

discussion questions

1A. What are the signs of Christ’s second coming? ________________________

1B. Who knows when this event will take place? __________________________

1C. Who does not know when Jesus is coming again? _____________________

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2A. In what way is the coming of Christ like a thief in the night? ______________

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2B. Does this mean that he will NOT come in the daytime? __________________

3A. Why do we fail to take the second coming seriously? ___________________

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3B. How will the second coming be sudden “destruction”? __________________

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3C. List all who will escape the coming of Christ. __________________________

4A. What is the darkness mentioned here? ______________________________

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4B. How can Christians avoid being taken by surprise at the second coming? ___

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D. The certainty of Christ’s coming, 5:1-11

5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

discussion questions

5A. In what ways are Christians children of light? _________________________

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5B. Explain the contrast between - night and day, darkness and light. _________

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5C. How can you tell if one of the darkness or night? ______________________

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6A. What does “sleep” mean in this verse? ______________________________

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6B. Why are many Christians so indifferent to the world? ___________________

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6C. In what ways should we watch for the coming of Christ? _________________

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6D. How does a “sober” Christian act? __________________________________

7A. Why does evil like darkness and night? ______________________________

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D. The certainty of Christ’s coming, 5:1-11

8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. {comfort: or, exhort}

discussion questions

8A. Why is a breastplate mentioned here? _______________________________

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8B. How will “faith and love” protect us? _________________________________

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8C. How does the helmet of hope help us? ______________________________

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9A. Unto what have we been appointed? ________________________________

9B. Explain 2 Peter 3:9 and 1 Timothy 2:4. ______________________________

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10A. What do “wake or sleep” mean in verse 10? _________________________

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11A. List some ways we can exhort one another. _________________________

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11B. How can we build each other up? _________________________________

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V. General Exhortations, 5:12-22

A. Appeal for harmony among Christians, 5:12-15

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.

discussion questions

12A. What does “beseech” mean? _____________________________________

12B. Who are “over you”? ____________________________________________

12C. What are the three terms used for this office? What do they mean?

Elder - ______________________________________________________

Bishop - ____________________________________________________

Pastor - _____________________________________________________

12D. How do they admonish us? ______________________________________

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13A. How should we treat the men who serve the church in this office? ________

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13B. Should we respect for the office even if we disagree with a decision

they make? _______________________________________________________

13C. How can members of the local congregation help the elders and lighten the

burden they carry? _________________________________________________

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A. Appeal for harmony among Christians, 5:12-15

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. {exhort: or, beseech} {unruly: or, disorderly} 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].

discussion questions

14A. List some ways a brother could be “unruly”. __________________________

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14B. Why do you think some are so unruly? _____________________________

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14C. Who are feebleminded in the church? ______________________________

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14D. Does Paul refer to the physically weak or spiritually weak? ______________

14E. How long must we be patient? ____________________________________

15A. Contrast the old law (eye for eye) with the command here. _____________

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15B. To whom must we follow this advice? ______________________________

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15C. What is included in the word “evil” in this passage? ___________________

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B. Appeal for steadfastness, 5:16-22

16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

discussion questions

16A. When should Christians be happy? ________________________________

16B. Does this verse forbid us to ever be sad? ___________________________

17A. When is it NOT appropriate to pray? _______________________________

18A. For what should be give thanks? __________________________________

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18B. Is there anything for we should not be thankful? ______________________

19A. How do Christians “quench” the Spirit? _____________________________

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20A. Does this verse apply to us today? _________________________________

20B. Why do people “despise” the Bible? ________________________________

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21A. Is giving “book, chapter and verse” and requiring Biblical authority for all that

is done in religion important? _________________________________________

22A. What does “abstain” mean? ______________________________________

22B. What is included in “appearance of evil”? ___________________________

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VI. Conclusion, 5:23-28

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it]. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. {charge: or, adjure} 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

discussion questions

23A. What are the three parts of man? _________________________________

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24A. Can you always depend on men, friends or family? ____________________

24B. Can you always depend on God to do what he says? __________________

25A. Should Christians ask for the prayers of their brethren? ________________

25B. Why don’t we do this more often? _________________________________

26A. What does “salute” mean in this verse? _____________________________

26B. Is the “holy kiss” a binding command? _________ Why or why not? ______

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27A. Is this a private letter or is it public? ________________________________

27B. Should this letter be read aloud to the church? _______________________

28A. What does “Amen” mean? _______________________________________

28B. Can we say “Amen” at times other than the close of a prayer? ___________

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