1. The First Epistle to the Thessalonians An Encouraging Expectancy

2. 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Philemon Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Pastoral Epistles Prophetic Epistles Prison Epistles Foundational Epistles Christ & the congregation Christ & second coming Christ & the church Christ & the cross

3. GREECE ASIA MINOR Thessalonica 

7. Purposes for the Epistle The Problem of Persecution: For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews (2:14). Encouragement in Holy Living: For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God (3:3-5).

8. Purposes for the Epistle Establishing a Christian work ethic: Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; 12 so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need (4:11-12). Comfort for the Death of Loved Ones: But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope (4:13).

9. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

10. A shared salvation history God’s choice of you (1:2-5). Your imitation of Christ (1:6-8) Your turning to God (1:9-10) Chapter 1

11. A shared salvation history The manner of his ministry (2:1-12) The result of his ministry (2:13-16) The joy of his ministry (2:17-20). The reconnection of his ministry (3:1-8) The prayer of his ministry (3:9-13) Chapter 1 Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica Chapters 2-3

12. A shared salvation history The principle stated (4:1) Sexual purity (4:3-8) Responsible work (4:9- 12). A Promise of Comfort in the face of Death (4:13- 18). Chapter 1 Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica Chapters 2-3 Exhortation to walk in a worthy manner Chapter 4

13. A shared salvation history Living in light of the Day of the Lord (5:1-11). Attitudes toward Christians workers (5:12-13). Closing instructions (5:14-28). Chapter 1 Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica Chapters 2-3 Exhortation to walk in a worthy manner Chapter 4 Living in light of Christ’s return Chapter 5 What God has done in our lives How we are to live as a result of what God has done