1. Auditorium Class Fall 2013

2. Audience: Thessalonian Christians Location of writing: Corinth Date of letter: A.D. 51 or 52 Historical Setting: Second Missionary Journey Purpose: Encourage newly converted Christians Setting

3. Paul gave thanks to God always for them for their faith, labor and hope. (1:2-3) They were converted in spite of great affliction. (1:6) They now serve as examples for others. (1:7) I Thessalonians 1:1-10

4. Paul reminded them of his motives in teaching them the gospel. Paul wanted to please God and faithfully relay God’s word. (2:4) Paul reminded them of his affection toward them, his personal sacrifice and his desire as like a father that they walk worthy of God. (2:8-12) Paul continued to give thanks for them for their receptiveness of God’s word. (2:13) I Thessalonians 2:1-16

5. I Thessalonians 2:17-20, 3:1-13

6. 2:17-20 Paul was taken from the Thessalonians (but he was still with them in heart). Paul worked hard to come and see them, but Satan hindered him. Paul boasted and gloried of the Thessalonians and would even wear them like a crown of rejoicing when the Lord came. What did God allow Satan to do in verse 18? What does verse 19 imply about these brethren?

7. I Thessalonians 2:17-20, 3:1-13 3:1-5 Paul could not bear wondering how the Thessalonians fared. So Paul sent Timothy that he might stablish and comfort them in their afflictions. These trials were something that Paul had told them they must suffer. Of what in verses 3-4 had Paul made these brethren aware was part of their “job description” as a Christian? From verse 5, what could have been the case with these brethren, but was not?

8. I Thessalonians 2:17-20, 3:1-13 3:6-10 After Paul heard from Timothy about how well the Thessalonians were doing, he was comforted. The good news had revived Paul in all of his afflictions. Paul prayed that he could see them again and fill up what was lacking in them. In verses 7-8, what do we see that these “students” did for their “teacher” Paul?

9. I Thessalonians 2:17-20, 3:1-13 3:11-13 Paul wanted God and Jesus to direct his way to them. Paul wanted the Lord to make them increase in love toward him even as Paul’s love was toward them. Paul wanted God to strengthen them so that they would be blameless before God. What was God able to do for Paul in spite of Satan (11)? What was God able to do for these brethren (12-13)?

10. Lessons - On Affliction Affliction is inevitable. 1 Thessalonians 3:3 We are appointed to affliction. 1 Timothy 3:12 All who live godly... shall suffer persecution

11. Lessons - On Affliction We can overcome in spite of afflictions (ref. 2:19, 3:12-13) A marksman aims for the target in spite of the distance and the wind These brethren were staying the course through their afflictions 1 Thessalonians 3:6 Timothy brought “good tidings of your faith and love.” The Thessalonians stood fast (8) and were not moved (3) by their affliction.

12. Lessons - On Affliction God is still in control God allows affliction 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Satan hindered us 1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 we are appointed thereunto

13. Lessons - On Affliction God is still in control God can strengthen us 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 God could make them increase, abound and be established 1 Thessalonians 5:23 God could preserve them Jude 24 God can keep us from falling

14. Lessons - On Affliction God is still in control Though we may not understand the problems that we face, God cares. Isaiah 55:8-9, Job 13:15 1 Thessalonians 3:5 Don’t let Satan’s devices destroy us James 1:2-4 Let trials strengthen us Luke 8:12-15 Keep the word and bring forth fruit with patience

15. Lessons - On Faith Paul sought to strengthen the faith of others 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 sent Timothy… to establish you 1 Thessalonians 3:10 praying… perfect that which is lacking Luke 22:32 strengthen thy brethren Hebrews 10:23-25 provoke unto love

16. Lessons - On Faith Paul was strengthened by the faith of others 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than t hear that my children walk in truth Paul feared the worst for these brethren (3:5). He knew what Satan was capable of doing (Galatians 1:6, 3:1, 5:7). But the Thessalonians comforted even Paul in his afflictions (2 Corinthians 23-28) 1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 we were comforted... we live Proverbs 25:25 Gen 45:27-28 the spirit of their father revived

17. Schedule 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18