1 Thessalonians
I don't know how many time I have read 1 Thessalonians. It has become one of my favorite books of the Bible. Three church planters (Paul, Silas, Timothy) are related to this church and city through some incredibly rich relationships and experiences.
Read the five chapters without stopping to analyze, exegete, dissect, word study, or any other activity of our trade. When you complete your reading ponder this question: What was so special about this church? I think your answers will deepen your love not only for the Thessalonian church, but also for your church.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
- 1:1 = Three church planters - where did they come from? (See Acts 16-17)
- 1:2 = Prayer life of the church plant team
- 1:3 = Results of ministry through the church; notice the use of faith, love, and hope. By the way, 1 Thessalonians was written from Corinth.
Time could be spent on the following progressions: work produced by faith; labor prompted by love; endurance inspired by hope.
Questions for small-group discussion:
- What is the difference between "work produced by faith" and "faith produced by work?"
- Are other motives present which may prompt our labor in and for God? If so, are the motives healthy? How do these motives influence your labor?
- What keeps you going for Christ? Does your hope enable your dreams to exceed your reality?
- Every sermon and Bible study can be shaped by asking two questions: So what? Now what?
