1 Thessalonians 1:1-7

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Paul Greets and Commends the Thessalonian Believers

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The proof of conversion is faith, love, and hope.

  2. The proof of the gospel is power and changed lives.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Do your friends imitate Christ when they imitate you?

QUESTIONS

  1. What is another name for Silvanus?

  2. Are Paul’s letters to the churches in the New Testament in chronological order?

  3. When did Paul write his first letter to the Thessalonians?

  4. How does Acts 17:1-9 relate to this letter?

  5. How many Sabbaths did Paul preach to the Jews at the synagogue in Thessalonica?

  6. What was the response to Paul’s message?

  7. Who said, “These men have turned the world upside down”?

  8. Why did Paul and his team move on to Berea?

  9. Why did Paul write this letter?

ANSWERS

  1. Silas

  2. No.

  3. Between 50-51 A.D. It was one of his first letters, maybe even the first.

  4. It gives the background of the church at Thessalonica, which was founded during Paul's second missionary journey.

  5. Three.

  6. It was mixed. Some Jews and Greeks were persuaded, but some Jews became envious. They took evil men from the market place, gathered a mob, and set the city in an uproar.

  7. The envious Jews.

  8. Because of the persecution in Thessalonica.

  9. To commend the Thessalonian believers for their steadfast faith in the midst of trial, and also to give further teaching and instruction concerning godly living.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. The marks of a Christian’s proof of conversion are faith, love, and hope. Do you display these marks? Concerning faith, refer to John 6:28-29, Ephesians 2:8-9, and 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9. Regarding a labor of love, see 1 Thessalonians 1:7 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-2. Concerning patience of hope, the sure hope of their eternal future resulted in the endurance and steadfastness of the Thessalonian believers. What an example! Do you know individuals who demonstrate this kind of faith, love, and hope today?

  2. When the Apostle Paul preached the gospel in Thessalonica, it was more than just a new philosophy or new world view. The gospel came with power of the Holy Spirit. Do you know Christians today who exhibit this dramatic change in their lives? Are you proof of the power of the gospel to change a life?

CHALLENGE

  1. Paul, Silas, and Timothy had been such good models to the Thessalonian believers that by imitating them in their lifestyle, they were imitating Christ. Could this be said of you?

KEY VERSES

  • “ We remember without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. ” - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

  • “ Our gospel came to you in word and in power and in the Holy Spirit. ” - 1 Thessalonians 1:5

  • “ You became followers of us and of the Lord... so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. ” - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7



1 Thessalonians, Talks, New TestamentDeb Harms1 Thessalonians 1:1-7