Category Archives: 1 Thessalonians

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 with Study Questions for two week’s.

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Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT) I Thessalonians 5:12-28

v. 12 We ask you also, brothers and sisters, to get to know and look after those who are working hard among you who are devoted to leading you in the Lord and teaching you. v. 13 Appreciate them with high esteem and with love because of their work. Live in peace among yourselves.v. 14 We call on you, brothers and sisters, to caution those who don’t show up or cause discontent; comfort those who are discouraged in their spirit; support those who want to give up; show patience toward everyone. vv. 15-18 Make sure nobody has repaid one hurt or offense with another. Instead run after what’s  good and run toward each other in every kind of rejoicing. Don’t stop praying. Give thanks in every circumstance. For this is what  God in Christ Jesus desires for you all. vv. 19-22 Concerning the Spirit, stop smothering the fire. Concerning words of prophecy, don’t look down on or turn your nose up. Instead, test the soundness of everything; then stick with what proved trustworthy and run from all that is hurtful and wicked. v. 23 And may God, the God is that is fully of peace, set  you apart spirit, soul, and body, wholly and thoroughly without blame and kept safe at the returning presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. v. 24 The Faithful One who calls you will make this happen. v. 25-26 Brothers and sisters, pray also for us; greet everyone in the faith with a holy kiss. v. 27-28 Give me your promise: read this letter wherever the brothers and sisters meet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go with you.

Study Notes:

v. 12 We ask you also, brothers and sisters, to get to know and look after those who are working hard among you who are devoted to leading you in the Lord and teaching you.

“Get to know” is an interesting turn here – the same word NIV uses “acknowledge”. Know your flock is the demand of the pastor; but know your pastor is essential, too. Get to know your pastor, worship pastor, small group leader, team leader. This seems like it hints at the beginnings of a laity/clergy class system; but in reality, this is the church recognizing the ministry and the time involved in that ministry and making sure he or she can continue. Honor those and lift them up if they are devoted to leading and teaching. Make sure they thrive in life and in continuing to lead and teach. Those who lead are those “who stand before you” to teach, to lead, to pray before the throne for you.

Those who are working beyond tired is the meaning of this older word to work hard.

The three-fold ministry here is: work hard, lead diligently, and teach with encouragement.

v. 13 Appreciate them with high esteem and with love because of their work. Live in peace among yourselves.

Hold them up with high regard and with love because of all that they pour into the work of God among them.  Esteem can be done from a distance; esteem with love is up close and personal. Get to know so you can esteem them. The meaning here is that people of God follow their leaders and serve alongside them. Eph4  – to lead as leaders in order to “equip the church to do the work of the ministry” – the “Everybody Gets to Play” model works.

v. 14 We call on you, brothers and sisters, to caution those who don’t show up or cause discontent; comfort those who are discouraged in their spirit; support those who want to give up; show patience toward everyone.

Live at peace with each other? Here’s how that will happen. Show up for each other. Don’t sow or give into discontent. Instead of feeding the discouragement, comfort and strengthen; when there are those with low willpower, support them instead of running them out. And patience? Yes, patience with all.

Caution is the word for admonish or redirect from a bad action. It has a military meaning – some hint of leaders dressing down a private.

Comfort, or encourage the fainthearted – discouraged in spirit.

4:11 says that some were making others’ business theirs. How does that cause discontent or discouragement?

And how does this first part of the verse cause the second part to happen? Don’t give into unruly and slack behavior. But continue to hold your cool, be patient with all. It is easier to speak truth and wisdom to someone who is weak in the spirit when we are patient and calm.

vv. 15-18 Make sure nobody has repaid one hurt or offense with another. Instead run after what’s  good and run toward each other in every kind of rejoicing. Don’t stop praying. Give thanks in every circumstance. For this is what  God in Christ Jesus desires for you all.

In a culture battle, don’t pay back, don’t wish it, don’t pray for it. Love you enemies, pray for God provision. This is our greatest weapon. Find joy in the journey. Love unconditionally. Pray without ceasing. Thank God for the outcome. Why? Because we love Jesus with all we are, then we love others with all we have to give.

What is God’s desire and design? No matter the conflict, the opposition, love unconditionally… etc. because out of that, you’ll not grow bitter, you’ll not give up, you’ll find good.

vv. 19-22 Concerning the Spirit, stop smothering the fire. Concerning words of prophecy, don’t look down on or turn your nose up. Instead, test the soundness of everything; then stick with what proved trustworthy and run from all that is hurtful and wicked.

Those things that are from God, but unexplainable, are important to our maturing. Not the unbridled spiritual weirdness that ignores the senses, but the attuned hearing of words from God’s Spirit that keep the flame alive and guides lives.

(we can smother or quench, we can grieve or hinder, and we can resist the Holy Spirit – all of these can shut down the activity of God’s Spirit in our hearts.)

Don’t diss prophecy – this word has both forth-telling and fore-telling potential. Both are essential. Sound Biblical grounding with relevant application and openness to God’s present guidance.

Illustration: Wilmore and Southwestern – the revival shut down. How can you smother the fire? By inattention or by over-attention. One the fire goes out completely; the other the fire becomes the reason for gathering. Jesus is our reason for gathering; but we want to give room for the fire.

Test or prove what is right and good; discard what is not. Illustration: bad pear, good pear.

This passage has such a wide interpretation: what is good, what is bad? If read in context, those things of the Spirit, those words shared in the Spirit, test and cling to what is helpful, brush off to the side what is not. “Every kind of evil” then, would be everything harmful that doesn’t pass the test of soundness. 1) Christian, respect the gifts and inspect the fruit of what is said and done. Even those who deliver a word or demonstrate a work of the Spirit, test our hearts to make sure we don’t, in our zeal to win someone over to our point of view, manipulate others to align with our word. Illustration: Naturally supernatural – when we give a word, we step back and let the Holy Spirit affirm it. We don’t have to talk louder or in KJV; we don’t have to work up emotion. God can confirm a word or a work in the heart of the one who needs it.

Paul balances the work of the Spirit in Parousia activity with truth taught and applied.

v. 23 And may God, the God is that is fully of peace, set  you apart spirit, soul, and body, wholly and thoroughly without blame and kept safe at the returning presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is a little word that means “that is” of peace. This defines God as the God that peace is the defining element.  Not the gods who bring destruction, guilt, conflict, turmoil inside; the God that is filled with, and the source of peace.

There’s Parousia again. It’s his presence, not completely but soon to be completely.

This is the hinge verse: because you are set apart, do these things. This is what it looks like for a Jesus-follower to demonstrate faith. You are spirit, soul, body, but you are one wholly kept safe.

The God of peace contrasts with the turmoil of a culture gone awry as well as other Christians who might use the things of the Spirit to get their way.

v. 24 The Faithful One who calls you will make this happen.

Literally, “faithful one calling will also do it”

Ephesians 2:13 indicates that being sanctified is being brought near to the things of the Kingdom. We who were far and set apart and brought near. Philippians 1:6 agrees that He keeps us and finishes the work.

Note: set apart and safe are the two results of our willing embrace of God’s work and word. They go together.

v. 25-26 Brothers and sisters, pray also for us; greet everyone in the faith with a holy kiss.

Now that I’ve prayed for you, pray for us also. The kiss of brotherly love is a holy greeting.

v. 27-28 Give me your promise: read this letter wherever the brothers and sisters meet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go with you.

“Grace with you” no matter where  you go.

The command here is “I adjure you, I charge  you to read this to all who are in the church.” Give me your word… let each home group get this out there.

Small Group Questions:

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28. Focus on vv. 23-28.

  1. How have you had to rely on God’s peace in your life this week?
  2. Paul reminds us that we belong to the God of peace. What ways do you make this identity of followers, or children of the God of peace, real and present in your life?
  3. What does it mean that God has sanctified you, or set you apart as His child and for His purpose, spirit, soul and body?
  4. When have you ever been called or felt blameless?
  5. How does v. 24 help us see this is a part of the “already and not yet” of being in the Kingdom (where we are, in His eyes fully complete, yet in our daily lives, we are still working on our faith walk)?
  6. What is your family practice to greet when you see each other? What do you imagine the greeting of the “holy kiss” meant in Thessalonica?
  7. How can we pray for you this week? Who do you need peace with or make things right with because of something you’ve said or done?

Small Group Questions:

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28.

  1. Have you ever had a mentor or apprenticed with someone? What were the keys to the success of this relationship?
  2. How important is it to be an encourager to those who “stand before you” and lead, teach, and pray for you? What ideas come to mind that will help  you “get to know and look after” those who work hard in the church?
  3. Discouragement is a real factor in the life of Christians. How does our passage tell us to deal with discouragement and people especially who are discouraged?
  4. How does Holy Spirit fire and the gifts of the Spirit help the church? How does it battle against discouragement? How does it help us run after Jesus together?
  5. Where in your life today do  you need Holy Spirit fire?

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes & Small Group Questions

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When Faith and Culture Collide. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

v. 1 Now about the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for explanations.

These verses connect directly to 4:13-18. The concerns the church had for those who had passed away regarding the Parousia were matched by their need to understand what happens to those who love Jesus and are alive when He returns. That’s the reason for the “Now, about that…” beginning. It almost appears they have been chatting with Paul about this already.

In ch. 4, Paul had need to write in order to help; here in ch. 5, he doesn’t have to explain in order to help. He simply encourages with the truth.

Concerning “times and seasons” can be times and opportunities or opportune moments. The two words indicate the stretch of time generally and the specific time period. And it would be that specific time where opportunity to live for the Kingdom is found.

Matthew 24 and Acts 1:7 relate directly what Jesus says. It’s not for us to know the very moment.

Illustration: Late Great Planet Earth, my experience. Click bait or worse at times. If you are interested in End Times Prophecies I recommend you read and watch with wisdom. Ask this question: does this knowledge propel me to live the Good News more effectively and fervently? Or does this knowledge only affirm my worries or concerns instead of causing me to fall in love with Jesus and live and share the Good News with more passion?

v. 2 Because you know all too well that the Day of the Lord comes like a thief during the night.

Paul likes to remind the church that “you, yourselves know…” In this case, they know very well that Jesus will come, and will come without warning.

In this set of verses, the church in our understanding is contrasted with the world who has ignored Jesus.

John 14 – Jesus goes away in order to come back and make things right.

The world is having “its day.” The Lord will come and bring His Day, His judgment, His reign.

Is there a connection between the Day of the Lord and Sunday’s worship becoming known as “the Lord’s Day.” It’s a foretaste of heaven to worship Jesus, see His grace and power poured out, etc.

Like a thief who intentionally shows up without warning, without noise, and in the night, to catch the person unawares.

v. 3 For while others might boast, “Peace, prosperity, stability,” at that very hour ruin looms suddenly;  just like a woman having a child has labor pains in her womb, it’s inescapable.

Ezekiel 13:10 and elsewhere, “they will say peace where there is no peace.” The boasts of peace and prosperity are echo chamber promises that don’t pan out. Peace and there is war; prosperity and there is want; stability and at the same time shifting sands. The verse means at the very time they proudly spout “peace” the opposition is happening.

One verb means “hanging over” and the adverb is suddenly.

v. 4 You, however, are not in the dark in such a manner that the Day should overcome you like a thief.

Since we are not walking around in the dark, we recognize the truth and see the Day coming. It will not suddenly loom as we are alert; neither will it bring pains like the sudden throes of labor. We see the thief at the stoop; we see the Day since we are children of the day.

v. 5 Because you all live as children of light and belong to the day; we do not live for the darkness and in the night.

For the Christian, the Day of the Lord will be filled with light, goodness, revelation, truth, joy; for the world, that Day will be like night, fearful, wandering aimlessly, destructive. You are sons and daughters of light.

Because we are children of light, we see, we know, we are freed from fear, our sin doesn’t haunt us, the guilt that holds others prisoners is gone in the light, the hope for a future is a product of the light.

Because we are children of light, we are ready for the Day of the Lord.

v. 6 We, then, don’t live as if we are asleep like everyone else but we keep our eyes open and  live sensibly.

Sleep is essential to life; but living as if we are asleep to the truth, to the mission of the Kingdom’s Good News, leaves us dead spiritually. We thrive when we are alive to the Good News. We live circumspectly and soberly. We keep our senses about us.

v. 7 For there are those who live like they are asleep in the night and those who are in the dark and barely aware from their drunken slumber.

Both of these images go against what people know are good healthy practices. If you live all the time as if you were asleep in the dead of night, you would not have real life. If you were drunken and lived in a stupor all day as if you had been on a binge, you would not have real life (but a real hangover.) If I did a verbatim translation: They that sleep, sleep in the night; they that are drunk, are drunk in the night.

This is juxtaposed with the following verse.

v. 8 But because we belong to the day, we should be clear-headed; since we are suited up with faith’s spiritual Kevlar, with love, and with the headgear of redemption’s hope.

Remember the earlier call to sober or mindful living. Here we are sober or clear-headed. And the reason is we live in Christ and have his protective gear on. Breastplate and helmet. Kevlar is the modern breastplate.

v. 9 After all, God has not positioned us for wrath, but instead we possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ;

God has not destined us, determined for us, positioned us for wrath. Instead, it’s salvation we have in Christ Jesus.

We have obtained, we possess salvation in Christ.

v. 10 The one who died for us so that together with Him, we might live no matter if we are alert and alive or asleep in death.

This refers back to the last chapter and those asleep in Christ (dead) will receive their reward but if we can live, we can also as alert and alive followers of Jesus still meet him.

The Gospel is Christ’s Redemptive as well as Returning work.

v. 11 That’s the reason you can encourage one another and build each other up just like you are already doing.

There is the reason for hope: He has saved us, not for wrath and punishment, but for redemption and relationship. Jesus will come again to make all things right. He will leave no one who trusts in Him behind. Edify is the word we’ve used for decades. Lift up each other. Build one another up.

Small Group Questions:

  1. Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met or known?
  2. Before we read our passage, what is one thing you have heard about regarding Jesus and His Second Coming?
  3. Why does this passage compare the “Day of the Lord” or Jesus’ Return to a thief and to childbirth? How does this help us be awake?
  4. What “times or seasons” do you see that makes you consider that Jesus will return soon?
  5. How can we pray and be encouraged today?

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

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Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

v. 13  Brothers and sisters, I don’t want you to be uninstructed regarding those who have died, for this very reason: you should not be sorrowful as everyone else who have no hope.

v. 14 For indeed, since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that because of Jesus, God will lead and come with those who have already died.

v. 15 Indeed, this we firmly teach you in line with the Lord’s Word: we who are alive and remain until the Presence of the  Lord fully comes, will in no way have a head start on those who have died.

v. 16 Because the Lord, Himself, with a signal  command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will come down from heaven; and then the dead in Christ will rise first.

v. 17 Only then, we who are alive and remain at the same time with them will be taken away in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; then, afterwards, will be with the Lord forever.

v. 18 Therefore, strengthen one another with these words.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

v. 13  Brothers and sisters, I don’t want you to be uninstructed regarding those who have died, for this very reason: you should not be sorrowful as everyone else who have no hope.

This verse and v. 18 are connected. We have hope because we are in Jesus. And, even if we are the ones who are here when He returns in full Presence as King and Conqueror, we will not be apart from those who have gone before us. He will gather them; then us. That is a comfort we can’t yet imagine.

They are concerned because they look to the Parousia; they are overly concerned because of insufficient teaching. Paul comes in this letter to bring clarity in line with the truth of Jesus.

“Sorrowful” in v. 13 and “strengthen” in v. 18 are paired. This is his purpose in writing.

We grieve,  yes, we grieve; but we don’t grieve from the place of despair and hopelessness. We have eternity and life in Jesus. Eph 2:12 says, without Christ, one is without hope and without God.

 v. 14 For indeed, since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that because of Jesus, God will lead and come with those who have already died.

“Because of Jesus” is “through” Jesus. What He accomplished and who we trust in are both wrapped up in “because of Jesus.”  He has fully pleased the Father by conquering death; and now He presents the trophy, those whom He has redeemed.

This verse brings together the hope that Good News of the Kingdom fills us with. We are forgiven and redeemed at the Cross, established and restored from death, take part in the resurrection, and now come with the Lord to share in His Kingdom.

v. 15 Indeed, this we firmly teach you in line with the Lord’s Word: we who are alive and remain until the Presence of the  Lord fully comes, will in no way have a head start on those who have died.

“in line” or according to the Word of the Lord would indicate this is a universal doctrinal point, even though there are dozens of variations on how he will return. As this is not a quote or referred to specifically in the Gospels, we can assume that the Spirit revealed this to Paul for this very purpose. The big point: the Parousia. The little point: His reward comes with him, first to the faithful who sleep, then for those alive at his appearing. They were concerned that those who had died had somehow dropped in priority in the Father’s plans, or worse, had lost their place.

“Presence of the Lord” comes fully can also be translated more simply Appearing or Return; but the word has such a Kingdom note from the Gospels that suggests all He is and brings comes in His Presence.

v. 16 Because the Lord, Himself, with a signal  command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will come down from heaven; and then the dead in Christ will rise first.

This verse doesn’t chronologically follow the previous verses; these two verses summarize them in a new way. 1) Those who have died are with Christ already resurrected from the dead and will be with Him. This could refer to the joining of body with spirit. 2) Those remaining will be “collected” into the throng of heaven’s beauty. We know in part.

Romans 8:28 – nothing can part us from the Savior who loves us.

v. 17 Only then, we who are alive and remain at the same time with them will be taken away in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; then, afterwards, will be with the Lord forever.

This is the great “Rapture” verse. It indicates a snatching or catching away from what did occupy or threaten those believers alive into the most secure place: surrounded by God’s army.

v. 18 Therefore, strengthen one another with these words.

Again, instead of being uninformed or confused about what happens to those who have died, be strengthened with the truth.

Small Group Questions:

  1. What (or Who) has brought extra hope into your life this week?
  2. Read through 4:13-15. What are the worries or concerns the church in Thessalonica had that these verses answer?
  3. What does it mean to have hope for eternity? What does it mean to have no hope (and have you ever felt this)?
  4. This passage talks about Jesus returning for those who choose to trust and follow Him. What words come to mind when you think about Jesus coming back for you personally?
  5. How can pray for you?

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes: When Faith and Culture Collide. Part Three

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Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (PRT)

2:17-18 Still, brothers and sisters, we were saddened to be apart from you for a brief season (apart in person, but not in heart); out of our great desire to see your faces, we made every effort and then some because we wanted to come to you. In fact, I, Paul made attempt after attempt, but Satan held us up.

vv. 19-20  For surely what do we look forward to or find joy in or wear as a token of pride and rejoicing when I stand before the Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? For you are our honor and our joy.

3:1-2 So then, since we could no longer endure this separation, we determined it would be best to stay behind in Athens on our own and send Timothy, our brother and partner in God’s work for the sake of the Good News of Christ in order to strengthen you and encourage you in your faith.

v. 3 all this is so that no one will be shaken by the pressures and persecution; for you know that we are destined for these kinds of  things.

v. 4 And in fact, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we would suffer troubles, and you well know it happened.

v. 5 . For this very reason I could no longer endure this pressure, I sent Timothy so we could be assured of your faith and that in no way the Tempter could have somehow trapped you and our work among you would be useless.

v. 6 Just now, however, Timothy has arrived here with good news after being with you. He has told us of your faith and love and that you hold good memories of us, greatly desiring to see us just like we desire to see you.

v. 7 Brothers and sisters, we were encouraged by this report, because of your faith through the hardships and persecutions.

v. 8 For the present, if you stand firm in your faith , we continue to breathe easier.

v. 9 For how thankful we are to God concerning you. We rejoice with all possible joy before our God because of you!

v. 10 Around the clock, we pray increasingly that we might see your face and restore what is needed in your faith.

vv. 17-18 Still, brothers and sisters, we were saddened to be apart from you for a brief season (apart in person, but not in heart); out of our great desire to see your faces, we made every effort and then some because we wanted to come to you. In fact, I, Paul made attempt after attempt, but Satan held us up.

When the culture wars come, we need each other. We miss one another. Things happen that keep us from seeing each other’s faces.

Read this as a continuing of the thoughts of v. 12.

Paul didn’t want his absence to be seen as uncaring. He is unified with them and love this church. He was resolved to visit them.

“Saddened” has at its root grief, or being ripped away from them. It’s the only time he uses this word and it could mean to be “orphaned” in their relationship (though this doesn’t seem to fit the meaning so much as forced into a grief.} They have great memories in their hearts; but it’s not the same as seeing face to face.

Paul uses family as the metaphor of church life. Fathers, mothers, orphaned, baby. Here, the separation felt like being orphaned. The separation made them love and long to be with them even more.

Their plans were trashed as they planned to return after a short season. God’s plans and ours aren’t always the same.

The Enemy cut in on, or “hijacked” his plans to return to this community of small groups. He upped his efforts and still could not make it happen. He was “stuck” in Athens, so he preached in Athens and Corinth.

vv. 19-20  For surely what do we look forward to or find joy in or wear as a token of pride and rejoicing when I stand before the Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? For you are our honor and our joy.

For Paul, it was because he saw so many of them come to Christ. He invested in them.

The “crown of glory” or token of pride is an idiom for the victor’s wreath after running the race successfully. This is not Paul stealing God’s glory and honor; it is Paul lavishing value on the church for their faith and steadfastness in the face of persecution. He finds joy inside and respect from without because of their success and faith.

The wreath circle the winner’s crown when the race is done and we stand before the Father in the Kingdom. It’s the Parousia.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-10 (PRT)

3:1-2 So then, since we could no longer endure this separation, we determined it would be best to stay behind in Athens on our own and send Timothy, our brother and partner in God’s work for the sake of the Good News of Christ in order to strengthen you and encourage you in your faith.

He, and the team, could no longer stand “not knowing” and “not seeing their faces” that they determined a Plan B. He longed for new, so much so, that he pulled out all stops after being blocked by the Enemy. And he sent a stand in: Timothy, who was integral along with Silas in the planting of this church. Paul and his team stayed back and sent Timothy.

This coincides with Acts: Paul and his team left Thessalonica under cover of dark to escape the vicious beatings that they experienced in Philippi. They traveled to Berea and then Athens; but Paul needed to hear news to know he was on course in the work and sent Timothy (and probably Silas) to reconnoiter. They returned to him at Corinth with the good news about their faith.

The ”partner in God’s Work” is fellow-laborer in the ministry of the Good News of the Kingdom.

v. 3 all this is so that no one will be shaken by the pressures and persecution; for you know that we are destined for these kinds of  things.

The pressures are real, the persecution, the tribulation, the stress points affect us. Paul understands the persecution and pressures when one lives for the Kingdom. He can genuinely say, I know what you go through.

v. 4 And in fact, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we would suffer troubles, and you well know it happened.

No surprise. In fact, when we don’t have a sense of pressure, a longing, an urgency, we may not be in a great place. Illust. One who would catch a vision for a nation or people group.

These troubles are not personal but a result of their passion for Jesus and for their community. We may feel pressures because of our own mistakes or life issues; these troubles or pressures are different, though all very real. Persecution or pressures like Paul reminds us is from the choice we make to live the Good News, share the truth, and adopt what is on the Father’s heart as our own.

v. 5 For the very reason I could no longer endure this pressure, I sent Timothy in order to be assured of your faith so that in no way the Tempter had somehow trapped you and our work among you would be useless.

This was early, early in his mission work. One of the first in Europe. And his first letter to one o his church plants. He was concerned. He knew the tempter was working to destroy the works of the Kingdom. His pressure is for the faith of the Jesus-followers he left in and fell in love with in Thessalonica. Their pressure is to see him again and to represent Jesus well in a culture at odds with the Good News of the Kingdom.

The Tempter, Satan, the Adversary, works through his minions to seek to stifle God’s work and discourage the faith of believers. He is real, but he is not omni.

v. 6 Just now, however, Timothy has arrived here with good news after being with you. He has told us of your faith and love and that you hold good memories of us, greatly desiring to see us just like we desire to see you.

Don’t you like how Paul time-jumped here? He sent Timothy and, oh  wait, he’s back. The relief he felt when he heard of their faith from the report Timothy brought back must have reassured him to keep on with the mission. By now, he is in Corinth, and the ministry there was both longer and fruitful; and with opposition.

This passage shows what surrounds a move from God. 1) The Good News is shared with success and evidence of the work of God. 2) An expectation, a movement of prayer and worship, and a unity grow. 3) The culture opposes. 4) The faith of the Christ-followers is strengthened. 5) Churches send others to the work of the Kingdom.

v. 7 Brothers and sisters, we were encouraged by this report, because of your faith through the hardships and persecutions.

The surprise – in the hardship, we stand. Again, there is the inner hardships we bear and the opposition we face when we stand for the Good News of the Kingdom. Note here that opposition comes, not because Paul or the Christ-followers in Thessalonica sought it but because the repented, they discarded idols, they chose to live by a new code, one of love for other and peace and joy inside. The opposition is because the Enemy wants the status quo, wants a culture that makes it easy to ignore God.

v. 8 For the present, if you stand firm in your faith , we continue to breathe easier.

Keep in mind that, for Paul, this Good News of the Kingdom was for all; and here, he is concerned that how they share it is validated. This is Europe’s first exposure to the Good News. The word for “breathe easy” is “to live” – as in, they can really live again and get back to real life. It’s like Paul has been holding his breath as he waited for the report.

Illust. I catch my breath when I get a call or visit from a church family member.

v. 9 For how thankful we are to God concerning you. We rejoice with all possible joy before our God because of you!

Thankfulness is the response when we hear of someone’s faith strengthening, not thankfulness for the persecution, but thankfulness in the persecution. We don’t rejoice that someone faces pressure; we rejoice that God is strong and faith continues in the pressures.

Joy-joy. It’s not just joy, but joy upon joy that he experiences in the report.

v. 10 Around the clock, we pray increasingly that we might see your face and restore what is needed in your faith.

Prayer both night and day and in increasing measure are the results of the news of the continued revival in Thessalonica, along with a longing to see them face-to-face and continue their discipling.

The “restore” is a word that comes from “mending the nets.” The Thessalonians had a solid net, but with more attention and training, it would be stronger.

Small Group Study Questions:

  1. When have  your plans been “hijacked” by the Enemy? What was on the other side when your plans changed? (vv. 17-18)
  2. In this passage, Paul writes about Satan “hindering” his return and the Tempter trying to destroy their faith (2:17-18, 3:5). How real do you think Satan is? What evidence do you see of his being real?
  3. Paul writes that he missed the “faces” of the Thessalonian Christ-followers. How important is being “present” in others’ lives to the Christian? What “substitutes” does our culture offer that fall short of this?
  4. What pressures from within or trials from without concern you personally?
  5. What is your biggest need today regarding your faith? How can we pray for you and strengthen you as you choose to live the Good News and share truth in love (v. 10)?

When Faith and Culture Collide: Part Three

1 Thessalonians, Pastor Rick's Study Notes, Small Group Study Questions, , , , , ,

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Background: Thessalonica formerly known as Therme in Macedonia found at the top point of the gulf that juts into Greece and Macedonia on the Aegean Sea. Still there. Capital of Macedonia region and declared a “free city” a century before the church was founded. The half-way point on the great highway from Rome to Constantinople. This is a city for the nations.

It’s an international city, a free city with its own constitution and laws, a wealthy and diverse city, and a beach town.

This would be the key city from which to take the Good News throughout Macedonia.

Paul and Silas along with Timothy visited and planted the church in Thessalonica in Act 17:1ff. This is where Aristarchus was from and probably became a believer during the 2nd missionary journey. He was with Paul all the way to Rome through several cities as his companion.

The likelihood is that Paul and his team would be in Thessalonica for several months – at least six – perhaps as a home base from which to travel.

When the Jewish jealousy led to a mob riot, Paul and much of his team left for Berea a small near-by town. They were productive in planting churches there as well as in Thessalonica, but the Jewish authorities from Thessalonica traveled to Berea to stir up riots there, too.

The church in Thessalonica is more one from all the nations than Jewish (hence the “turn from idols” reference) even though he started at the Synagogue (Acts 17).

These two letters to the believers in Thessalonica are Paul’s earliest and, though he couldn’t attend to their growth because of the danger of harm to their leaders because of his presence, he wrote, prayed, and sent Timothy. Paul was able to return there at least three times; probably more often since it was on the main highway from West to East.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-13  (PRT)

v. 1 For our arrival to you, as you know, brothers has not been a hollow exercise.  

v. 2 You know that we suffered and were treated with outrageous hostility and abuse in Philippi. Still, we spoke the Good News to you in a boldness from our God even in the middle of the conflict.

v. 3 For our appeal to you was not an illusion, nor was it sneaky or sullied by impure motivations.  

v. 4 With God’s stamp of approval, we have been entrusted with the message of the Good News; because of this, we speak from hearts scrutinized for approval by God and not for the accolades of people.

v. 5 God can back us up that at no time did we come to you with an empty and fawning word of flattery nor use that word as an excuse to manipulate you for personal gain; of course, you know this, too.

v. 6 We didn’t come seeking praises from people; neither did we weigh you down by exerting our authority as apostles on you or others.

 v. 7 Instead, when we were in the middle of your lives, we were gentle with you just like a nursing mother would care for her own children.

 v. 8 That’s why in our affectionate longing for you we not only shared the message of God’s Good News but also our very own lives; that’s how much we love you.

v. 9 For you remember our hard work and laboring round the clock that we engaged in so we wouldn’t be a burden to any of you as we proclaimed God’s Good News to you.

 v. 10 You as well as God can testify how we lived toward you who believe; we were devoted, upright, and blameless.

 vv. 11-12 You know, it’s just as you would be like a father who would draw his children alongside, we do the same to encourage and comfort and urge you to live in a manner that is worthy of God who invites you into His Kingdom and glory.

Teaching Notes:

v. 1 For our arrival to you, as you know, brothers has not been a hollow exercise.  

The trip and time spent with this church has been fruitful and not just a hollow or empty exercise. These first 12 verses describe the fruitfulness of the Apostle’s work in this city. The Gospel’s impact left them totally changed in relation to their culture.

Illustration: God knows my name and my bent, how I act, respond, deal with difficulties and difficult people. He doesn’t compare me to anyone else but Jesus and that’s why grace and mercy are needed each day. I don’t meet the ideal. I am his child. Some people just seem to be made for a life of “extra” – they are extra kind, extra patient, extra loving, extra faithful, etc. – God’s Spirit poured out shows kindness beyond their “extra.” And He pours out kindness through you, through who you are. I’ve know some quite crusty people and kindness from the Spirit is in their context (crustiness.) We each wear the Holy Spirit’s evidences uniquely and at the same time marked by His character. Don’t try to be someone else. Be you in His fruitfulness.

Not empty, but filled with fruit. Like a fruit bowl. Culture conflict when all around are self-centered, unfaithful, devalue life. The work, the labor, the energy invested in chapter one is securely effective in chapter two.

“Our arrival” is important – Paul and his companion not long before were pushing on toward the north and into Asia. And they were blocked “by the Holy Spirit.” That’s when a dream came pleading for Paul to come to Macedonia: Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea. His arrival was providential.

v. 2 You know that we suffered and were treated with outrageous hostility and abuse in Philippi. Still, we spoke the Good News to you in a boldness from our God even in the middle of the conflict.

The word for “treated with insults and abuses” is one word that indicated they crossed the line morally, legally, ethically. They treated them with outrage, indignity, and violence. Acts 16-17. In Philippi they were beaten and imprisoned; in Thess. they were facing the same, except they weren’t where the mob looked and escaped to a neighboring city. They faced pain, rejection, legal action, persecution. They preached the truth with boldness even though it followed them to harm them.

v. 3 For our appeal to you was not an illusion, nor was it sneaky or sullied by impure motivations.

Sneaky, deceptive or manipulative. Sullied by impurity, uncleanness. This word is used for sexual impurity, too. The idea is this: what we preached or appealed to you was neither over-the-top nor deceptive. We didn’t manipulate you or give false expectations.

This is the key verse: the appeal was not a vaporous illusion or mirage, it was not motivated by sneaky or suspicious intent, neither was this pure truth tainted by a manipulative desire. This is the integrity. They knew this to be true and the lives of those who now represent the Good News to their culture know it too. Something changed them!

v. 4 With God’s stamp of approval, we have been entrusted with the message of the Good News; because of this, we speak from hearts scrutinized for approval by God and not for the accolades of people.

God gives his approval even as he careful searches our hearts and word. We don’t do this so people will be pleased and happy with us. He is testing our words and the heart from whence they come.  God is testing us.  His stamp of approval is on us because He has examined our hearts and our treatment of the message. The “approval” as at its base a sense of being tested, like an evaluation process. That shows up later in the verse.

v. 5 God can back us up that at no time did we come to you with an empty and fawning word of flattery nor use that word as an excuse to manipulate you for personal gain; of course, you know this, too.

The flattery that might seeks to make someone like us or, even worse, the words that might manipulate someone to give their resources to us – these are both false examples of what it means to be faithful with the truth. The word extort is used here: that is the manipulative word that seeks gain. This verse applies to the outward – flattering lips, and the inward, manipulative heart.

There’s was a culture of  manipulation, empty word (throwing flowers), plans to extort and deflect from truth. The Gospel, and their lives, are the opposite. The collision is coming – their culture could not stand up to such a powerful truth.

v. 6 We didn’t come seeking praises from people; neither did we weigh you down by exerting our authority as apostles on you or others.

We didn’t claim the authority over you because we are apostles.  We didn’t play the apostle card to get praise or power. Not driven by ambition but by the selfless lifting up of others. When one life is changed by the Good News, the whole culture is lifted up.

v. 7 Instead, when we were in the middle of your lives, we were gentle with you just like a nursing mother would care for her own children.

We weren’t heavy-handed; we were gentle in our ministry and preaching to you. Instead of distancing from and discarding the values of one’s life, we became gentle, like a nursemaid. Cultural conflict here is that weak equals discarded.

v. 8 That’s why in our affectionate longing for you we not only shared the message of God’s Good News but also our very own lives; that’s how much we love you.

This verse mainly says you are loved; we have come to call you beloved. This word for love is the deep affection of a mother toward a child.

They gladly gave away the Good News and their very souls. For souls here, probably represents the total life.

v. 9 For you remember our hard work and laboring round the clock that we engaged in so we wouldn’t be a burden to any of you as we proclaimed God’s Good News to you.

Burden as in causing extra toil or weight on their part. Night and Day, or around the clock. Paul didn’t want to exact additional toll from them as they considered the redemptive message. This verse could be our work and hard work that we worked.

They worked to provide for their needs. They did so in order to keep them from resenting their presence. They knew the Apostle wasn’t there for private gain; his rough hands calloused from the goat’s hair cloth that served as tent material proved. While people needed to see and hear the Good News, he preached; when they slept, he completed his tent orders.

v. 10 You as well as God can testify how we lived toward you who believe; we were devoted, upright, and blameless.

These three words are relational. We lived holily or devoted to God and to you. We lived righteously and upright around you. We lived blameless and without fault in our intents toward you. God witnessed this; they testify to this, too.

vv. 11-12 You know, it’s just as you would be like a father who would draw his children alongside, we do the same to encourage and comfort and urge you to live in a manner that is worthy of God who invites you into His Kingdom and glory.

Paul is drawing a parallel: you know how a daddy come alongside his kids so they will live honorably, we are doing the same to bring you toward a life that honors your Daddy in heaven, too. Invites as in he calls us to life in the value of His nature and His Kingdom. Interesting that they were gentle and loving with the  heart of a mother; they were models and encouragers like a father. There is the sense of both encouraging and warning as a dad would his son leaving for college or his first job.

v. 13 And through all this, we also constantly give thanks to God since you have heard from us and taken as your own this message, and not from man but from God since it is truly from Him; and this message is at work inside of you who believe.

They believe it and God is at work demonstrating the fruit of this belief. And it is at work in those who keep on believing.

Small Group Study Questions:

  1. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. As you read, choose a verse from this passage that means the most to you. Why does this verse stand out for you personally?
  2. We are discussing what happens When Faith and Culture Collide. When culture seems to feed on deceptions, what can Christ-followers do to counter this?
  3. This passage talks about how the Good News is shared. What words stand out as you look at these verses that show the integrity of the Good News?
  4. V. 7 talks about mothers and v. 12 talks about fathers. How do these two images reflect our choice to live the Good News and share the Good News in the face of a culture that is broken and deceptive?
  5. When have you felt like a relationship was harmed because integrity was broken? How can we pray for you today for healing the relationship?