CROSSING The ‘T’s TTUF STUDY - 1st THESSALONIANS

 

Impressed by the faithfulness of the Thessalonians in the face of persecution, Paul wrote to encourage the Christians in that community with the goal that they would continue to grow in godliness. Paul knew that the people had been exposed to errant teaching from those in opposition to the way of Jesus Christ and the grace of God. And Paul also understood that unless the young church continued to mature in its faith, the danger would only increase over time.

With that in mind, Paul taught the people that any spiritual growth would ultimately be motivated by their hope in the ultimate return of Jesus Christ. Paul was never interested in simply telling people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, for he knew that what ultimately inspired change was a life of consistently walking in the power of God’s Spirit. And so to a group of young Christians with questions and uncertainties, Paul offered the hope of Christ’s return, providing both comfort in the midst of questions and motivation to godly living.

OUTLINE:

PART ONE: The Commendatory Section
    Chapter 1.
    (1) the salutation: vs. 1.
    (2) the commendation of the church:
        (a) for its faith and loving service: vs. 2-4
        (b) for the spiritual receptivity: vs. 5-6
        (c) for exemplary influence: vs. 7-8
        (d) for abandonment of idolatry and for spiritual hope: vs. 9-10

PART TWO: The Reminiscence Section
    Chapter 2.
        (1) As courageous, sincere, God-fearing, truthful, and unselfish: vs. 1-5.
        (2) As humble, gentle, affectionate, industrious, irreproachable, and paternal: vs. 6-12.
        (3) He refers to the teachableness and sufferings of the church: vs. 13-15.
        (4) References to the apostle’s desire to visit the church and his glorying in them as his
    crown of rejoicing: vs. 16-20.

PART THREE: The Messenger Section
    Chapter 3.
        (1) The sending of Timothy to strengthen the church: vs. 1-5.
        (2) The favorable report of his messenger and its comforting and joyful result: vs. 6-9.
        (3) Paul’s earnest prayer that he might visit the church and aid them in their spiritual  development: vs. 10-13.

PART FOUR: The Hortatory (Exhortations) Section
    Chapter 4.
        (1) Exhortations concerning personal and social purity: vs. 1-8.
        (2) Exhortations in respect to brotherly love and industry: vs. 9-12.

PART FIVE: The Future Hope Section
    Chapter 4 cont’d. The LORD’s Coming
        (1) The comforting hope for the bereaved: vs. 13-14.
        (2) The order of the resurrection/rapture: vs. 15.
        (3) The manner and accompanying events of Christ’s appearance: vs. 16-18.
    Chapter 5.
        (4) The time of the Advent is unknown: vs. 1-2.
        (5) Unexpected by unbelievers: vs. 3.
        (6) Children of light should be ready: vs. 4-8.
        (7) Safety for believers at this time: vs. 9-11.

PART SIX: The Duty Section
    Chapter 5 cont’d. & Conclusion
        (1) Exhortations concerning the practical duties of Christian life: vs. 12-22.
        (2) The closing charge and benediction: vs. 23-28.

CROSSING The ‘T’s TTUF STUDY - 1st THESSALONIANS
Study #1 - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 - Introduction & The Commendatory Section

CROSSING The ‘T’s TTUF STUDY 1st THESSALONIANS

Study #2 - 1 Thessalonians 2 - The Reminiscence Section

CROSSING The ‘T’s TTUF STUDY 1st THESSALONIANS
Study #3 - 1 Thessalonians 3 - The Messenger Section

CROSSING The ‘T’s TTUF STUDY 1st THESSALONIANS

Study #4 - 1 Thessalonians 4 - The Hortatory (Exhortations) Section

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