N EW T ESTAMENT C HURCH T HE C HURCH AT T HESSALONICA

I NTRODUCTION Established on the 2 nd journey of Paul – Acts 17:1-9 A great seaport town of Macedonia Anciently called “ Therma. ” Gave its name to bay on which it was situated Residence of the Roman proconsul, who governed the province for Macedonia, and the Questor who has care for the emperor’s revenues located here.

I NTRODUCTION The metropolis of that district, it was the seat of the court of justice Carried on extensive commerce through its merchants Remarkable for the number, wealth, and learning of the inhabitants. Paul journeyed to Thessalonica from Philippi.

I TS E STABLISHMENT Paul’s 2 nd tour Paul as was his custom went to the Jewish synagogues Jews first… – Acts 13:44-46 “Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.”

I TS E STABLISHMENT Reason for this Jews been prepared by the law for the coming gospel Already believers —not converted from idolatry Prejudice the problem – Acts 13:47 “ For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.”

I TS E STABLISHMENT His message always the same Jesus is the Christ Courage to preach a message contrary to their understanding Boldly-gently – Acts 17:3 “ Explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”

I TS E STABLISHMENT Jesus is the Christ Results… Means – Paul’s own labors (1 Thess.2:9) – Other churches (Phil.4:15,16) – Acts 17:4 “ And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.”

I TS C HARACTER Trinity of graces – Work of faith – Labor of love – Patience of hope – Three great motives to Christian life and character – 1 Thessalonians 1:3 “ Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father. ”

I TS C HARACTER Endure much persecution – 1 Thessalonians 1:6 – 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 “…For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men. ”

I TS C HARACTER An example in influence upon many others “City on Hill”— Matthew 5:14 – 1 Thessalonians 1:7 “ So that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. ”

I TS C HARACTER Evangelistic Recognized its duty to others, and carried them out dutifully – 1 Thessalonians 1:8 “ For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. ”

I TS C HARACTER Converted men out of idolatry Wholehearted conversion to the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 1:9 – 1 Thessalonians – 2:13 “ For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. ”

I TS C HARACTER Growing in spiritual strength – 2Thessalonians 1:3-6 “ We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other. ”

I TS C HARACTER Worthy of Paul’s confidence – 2Thessalonians 3:4 “ And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. ”

E RRORS C ORRECTED & E XHORTATIONS G IVEN Possess own vessel in honor. – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 “ For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor.”

E RRORS C ORRECTED & E XHORTATIONS G IVEN Walk with them without correctly. – 1 Thessalonians 4:11,12 “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.”

E RRORS C ORRECTED & E XHORTATIONS G IVEN One won’t work—should not eat. – 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.”

E RRORS C ORRECTED & E XHORTATIONS G IVEN Practice church discipline. – 2 Thessalonians 3:6 “But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.”

E RRORS C ORRECTED & E XHORTATIONS G IVEN Stand fast. – 2 Thessalonians 2:15 “ Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.”

S ECOND C OMING OF C HRIST Most disturbed by false teaching about 2 nd coming of Christ Divine vengeance on ungodly – 2 Thessalonians 1:7,8 “And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

S ECOND C OMING OF C HRIST Most disturbed by false teaching about 2 nd coming of Christ Coming for his own – 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

S ECOND C OMING OF C HRIST Most disturbed by false teaching about 2 nd coming of Christ Dead in Christ raised first – 1 Thessalonians 4:15,16 “ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep...”

S ECOND C OMING OF C HRIST Most disturbed by false teaching about 2 nd coming of Christ Dead in Christ raised first Personal coming of Christ – 1 Thessalonians 4:15,16 “ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.”

S ECOND C OMING OF C HRIST Most disturbed by false teaching about 2 nd coming of Christ His coming will unexpected —as thief – 1 Thessalonians 5:2 “ For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”

S ECOND C OMING OF C HRIST Most disturbed by false teaching about 2 nd coming of Christ Some thought He was coming immediately! – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 “Not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first...”

S ECOND C OMING OF C HRIST Most disturbed by false teaching about 2 nd coming of Christ Warns not loving truth may believe a delusion – 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 “And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie...”

E RRORS C ORRECTED & E XHORTATIONS G IVEN Admonished to be respectful toward those laboring among them. – 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13 “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”

E RRORS C ORRECTED & E XHORTATIONS G IVEN Admonished the disorderly, support the weak and fainthearted – 1 Thessalonians 5:14 “ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”