Timothy Returns and Reports to Paul

Introduction

Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica after being forced to leave the city due to persecution. He sent Timothy back to check on the believers and bring back news about their faith (3:1–6). Timothy’s good report greatly encouraged Paul, yet he still longs to return to strengthen them further.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 NLT
Timothy Returns and Reports to Paul
⁶ But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. ⁷ So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. ⁸ It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.
⁹ How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. ¹⁰ Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.

Examine the Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 NLT
Timothy Returns and Reports to Paul 

⁶ But now Timothy has just returned, (most likely to Corinth)

Paul had sent Timothy back to the church in Thessalonica to “find out whether their faith was still strong. Paul was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of them and that his work had been useless”. (v.5)

and

Paul wanted Timothy to encourage the Thessalonians in their faith.

Timothy had just returned from this mission. 

bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. 

• Timothy had returned to Paul with a good report.

He brought good news about their faith and love.

“Your faith” – The Thessalonians had remained faithful to Christ.

“Your love” – The Thessalonians remembered Paul’s visit with joy and wanted to see the apostles as much as they wanted to see the Thessalonians.

• Faith, love, and hope represent the core of Christian life: faith toward God, love toward others, and hope for the future. 

Paul had previously seen these qualities in the Thessalonians:

1 Thessalonians 1:3 NLT
³ As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

⁷ So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. 

The tempter had gotten the best of them.

• Hearing of the Thessalonians’ faith was a source of encouragement to Paul and his team.

In this passage Paul expresses great relief and joy after hearing good news about the Thessalonian believers from Timothy.

It is encouraging to us to see young families, who are a part of the Redeemer family, stranding firm in the Lord. 

⁸ It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.

Paul’s heart was heart is revived; the Thessalonian’s perseverance showed him that his ministry was not in vain.

Paul was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of them and that his work had been useless”. (v.5)

• The Thessalonians were standing firm in the Lord. It’s crucial that we do the same.

Stand firm in the Lord.

Other challenging words of encouragement from Paul:

2 Thessalonians 2:15 NLT
¹⁵ … stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you …

1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT
¹³ Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

Galatians 5:1 LT
^5:1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

Ephesians 6:11 NLT
¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Philippians 1:27 NLT
²⁷ Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.

Philippians 4:1 NLT
^4:1 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. 

⁹ How we thank God for you!

Paul’s joy leads to overflowing gratitude to God.

Paul thanks God for all that God had done in the church at Thessalonica.

Paul’s time at Thessalonica had been very productive.  However, Paul recognizes that it was because of what God had done, not what he had done.

Philippians 2:13 NLT (Paul speaking to the Philippians)
¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

• Every sign of faithfulness among believers is cause for worship and gratitude. 

Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 

Repeat a verse used in our previous lesson.

3 John 4 NLT
⁴ I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. 

¹⁰ Night and day we pray earnestly for you,

“Night and day …” Paul’s unceasing prayer shows his deep concern.

“… we pray earnestly for you.” –  Paul prayed with intensity.

Paul knew their faith was still young and needed strengthening.

Paul’s ministry to them continues through prayer even though he’s physically separated.

• Pastoral love involves both prayer and instruction.

Here at Redeemer, we are imitating Paul when we pray for our students.

• Your students benefit from your love, your prayers, and your instruction.

Some verses to reflect on:

Colossians 4:2 NLT
² Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

1 Timothy 2:1 NLT
^2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.

Ephesians 6:18 NLT
¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit (under the guidance, influence, and power of the Holy Spirit), at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 

asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.

Paul is not criticizing the church. He is acknowledging that they had not reached their full potential.

The Thessalonians were still maturing.

All believers have room to improve.

• Paul wanted to be with the Thessalonians, in person, so that he could “to fill in the gaps in their faith”.

• Even strong believers have areas where their faith needs to be strengthened.

• Spiritual growth is a lifelong process.

 

 

Paul’s Desire to Return to Thessalonica

Introduction

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5 is a deeply personal section where the Apostle Paul expresses his intense love and concern for the young church in Thessalonica.

1 Thessalonians 2:17- 3:5 NLT
Paul’s Desire to Return to Thessalonica
¹⁷ Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. ¹⁸ We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. ¹⁹ After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! ²⁰ Yes, you are our pride and joy.
^3:1 Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, ² and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, ³ and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. ⁴ Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. ⁵ That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.

Examine the Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 2:17- 3:5 NLT

Paul’s Desire to Return to Thessalonica 

¹⁷ Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while

Paul was forced to leave Thessalonica.

Acts 17:1-10 NLT
Paul Preaches in Thessalonica
^17:1 Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. ² As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. ³ He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” ⁴ Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.
⁵ But some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd. ⁶ Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too. ⁷ And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.”
⁸ The people of the city, as well as the city council, were thrown into turmoil by these reports. ⁹ So the officials forced Jason and the other believers to post bond, and then they released them.
¹⁰ That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.

• Paul and Silas left Thessalonica because of persecution.

This separation from the Thessalonians was not Paul’s choice.

The Thessalonians were losing their spiritual parents.

The Thessalonians had been “orphaned” by Paul’s forced departure.

This was a deep emotional loss for Paul and his co-workers. 

(though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. 

Though physically absent, Paul says he remained spiritually and emotionally close.

• Paul longed to be with the new believers in Thessalonica.

Paul had similar, but maybe not as intense, feelings toward other believers.  He says this to the Colossians:

Colossians 2:5 NLT
⁵ For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you.

In 1 Corinthians 5:3 Paul addresses the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 5:3 NLT
³ Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit.

Paul speaking to the Philippians.

Philippians 1:7 NLT
⁷ So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart.  

¹⁸ We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again,

• Paul tried repeatedly to go back to Thessalonica.

Paul’s desire to visit the Thessalonians was urgent and persistent. 

but Satan prevented us.

• Satan hindered their return to Thessalonica.

Paul attributes his inability to return not to chance or mere human opposition, but to Satan’s hindrance.

Paul knew who the enmy was:

Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT
¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 

 ¹⁹ After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! ²⁰ Yes, you are our pride and joy.

Paul looks ahead to Christ’s second coming -a key theme throughout 1 Thessalonians.

A crown was the prize in the Greek games.

• The Thessalonians are the present source of Paul’s greatest joy. There is immense joy in seeing people come to faith in Christ and grow spiritually.

Paul really cared for these Thessalonians.

• The lasting fruit of ministry—students transformed by the gospel and persevering in faith—is the teacher’s greatest reward, hope, and cause for rejoicing on the day Christ returns. 

^3:1 Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, ² and we sent Timothy to visit you.

• Paul’s emotional burden for the Thessalonians reached a breaking point; he had to know how they were doing.

Timothy returns to Thessalonica.

• Sending Timothy to Thessalonica was a sacrifice on Paul’s part.

 He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 

Timothy acted as Paul’s trusted delegate.

Timothy was a worthy substitute.

• Timothy was sent to Thessalonica to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians in their faith.

This was a big responsibility for Timothy.

Clearly, Paul thought very highly of Timothy.

Paul maintained contact with the church at Thessalonica by sending Timothy and writing letters. There is no biblical record that specifically says that Paul revisited the church at Thessalonica, however Acts 20:1-6 implies that Paul was in the area during his third missionary journey.

Refer to a map of Paul’s third missionary journey.

Acts 20:1-6 NLT
Paul Goes to Macedonia and Greece
^20:1 When the uproar was over, Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them. Then he said good-bye and left for Macedonia. ² While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, ³ where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia.
⁴ Several men were traveling with him. They were Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. ⁵ They went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. ⁶ After the Passover ended, we boarded a ship at Philippi in Macedonia and five days later joined them in Troas, where we stayed a week.

After traveling through Macedonia, he came to Greece (which included the area around Thessalonica), where he stayed for three months. While the text doesn’t explicitly state that he was in Thessalonica during this time, it is strongly inferred that he visited the churches there to encourage them. The list of companions who sailed with him from Philippi (a nearby city) to Troas includes Thessalonians, suggesting Paul had been in the area. 

³ and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 

⁴ Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. 

• Suffering for the faith is often part of a Christian’s life.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 NLT
⁶ So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 2:14 NLT
¹⁴ And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews.

• Suffering for Christ is a privilege.

Philippians 1:29 NLT
²⁹ For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.

• When your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT
⁶ So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. ⁷ These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Peter 2:21 NLT
²¹ For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

1 Peter 4:19 NLT
¹⁹ So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

⁵ That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.

Again Paul mentions “the tempter” (Satan)—connecting back to 2:18.

Satan is a powerful foe.

Satan is a strong and dangerous enemy

• Satan is constantly working against God’s purposes, trying to lead people away from truth and righteousness.

Satan is clever and deceptive.

Matthew 13:38-39 NLT
³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. ³⁹ The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.

Mark 4:15 NIV
Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT
⁴ Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

John 8:44 NLT
⁴⁴ For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 

1 Peter 5:8 NLT
tay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 

 

Final thought:

3 John 4 NLT
⁴ I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.

The Reception of the Good News in Thessalonica

Introduction

Paul’s reflections on the Thessalonians’ response to the gospel and the opposition they faced.

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 NLT
The Reception of the Good News in Thessalonica
¹³ Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.
¹⁴ And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. ¹⁵ For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity ¹⁶ as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.

Examine the Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 NLT
The Reception of the Good News in Thessalonica 

¹³ Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us,

Paul gives thanks a second time.

• Paul is thankful that the Thessalonians recognized the divine origin of the gospel message. (More about this shortly.)

The first time:
1 Thessalonians 1:2 NLT
² We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.

A third time:
1 Thessalonians 3:9 NLT
⁹ How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence.

Paul was a very thankful person, and his letters consistently show a spirit of gratitude toward God and toward other believers.

Paul is giving us some good behavior to imitate. 

(repeat)  ¹³ Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, 

you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas.

Paul was not sharing “mere human ideas”.

• Paul had received the gospel message directly from Jesus Christ, not from any human teacher or apostle.

Paul clearly says in Galatians 1:11-12

Galatians 1:11-12 NLT
Paul’s Message Comes from Christ
¹¹ Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. ¹² I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ. 

You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is.

The “word of God” here refers to the message spoken by Paul and his co-workers.

Paul praises the Thessalonians for recognizing the divine origin of the gospel message.

 

What did Paul preach?

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 NLT
⁹ For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. ¹⁰ Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. ¹¹ So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Acts 17:3 NLT
³ He (Paul) explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NLT
¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. ¹⁷ Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 

2 Thessalonians 2:14 NLT
¹⁴ He (God) called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

• Paul preached the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

• The Thessalonian Christians recognized the supernatural truthfulness of the Gospel that Paul preached as the Holy Spirit brought this conviction home to their hearts.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 NLT
⁵ For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.  

And this word continues to work in you who believe.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
¹² For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 

The Word of God deeply penetrates a person’s inner life. 

It can discern between what is merely human (soul) and what is spiritual (spirit) – what comes from our own desires versus what comes from God.

God’s Word penetrates to our deepest motives, thoughts, and attitudes, uncovering what’s hidden.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

• The gospel is not merely persuasive speech but God’s living message that changes hearts.

• The Thessalonians’ changed lives and steadfast faith are evidence of this divine work within them.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NLT
The Faith of the Thessalonian Believers
² We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. ³ As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

¹⁴ And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 

The early Jewish Christian churches in Judea were persecuted by fellow Jews who rejected Jesus as Messiah.

Acts 8:1& 3 NLT
^8:1 … Persecution Scatters the Believers
A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. ² … ³ But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

The Thessalonian believers faced opposition from their fellow citizens (Current verse 2:14)

Both groups faced persecution for their faith in Christ:

• Paul’s expresses his gratitude for the Thessalonians’ faithfulness and endurance under persecution.

Sharing in Christ’s sufferings and those of other believers shows true discipleship.

Knowing that other believers suffered for the same faith offers courage and perspective. 

Believers who follow Christ can expect persecution; this unites them with other faithful communities. 

¹⁵ For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too.

Stephen refers to this when he address the Council.

Stephen Addresses the Council

The Council was made up of chief priests, scribes, and elders

Acts 7:51-54 NLT
⁵¹ “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! ⁵² Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. ⁵³ You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.”
⁵⁴ The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage.

• Believers who follow Christ can expect persecution. 

Suffering for the gospel is not unique, but part of a larger story of faithfulness shared by all who follow Christ.

Resistance to God’s messengers has been consistent through the ages, from prophets to apostles.

Some Jews were responsible for persecution taking place in Thessalonica.

Paul can relate to this on a personal basis. 

They (referring to some of the Jews) fail to please God and work against all humanity  

¹⁶ as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. 

But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.

Simply put:

• • • Persistent opposition to God’s work ultimately brings judgment.

“the anger of God has caught up with them at last.” likely refers to God’s present and impending judgment on unbelief.

Some see it as pointing to a foretaste of judgment already experienced, such as national turmoil or persecution.

Others see it as prophetic, anticipating the coming destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

It might even refer to the ultimate and universal judgment by God at the end of time — when every person, living and dead, will stand before God to give an account of their life.

However you interpret this, the phrase emphasizes that continued opposition to God’s work inevitably brings judgment.

 

 

Paul Remembers His Visit to Thessalonica

1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 NLT
⁷ As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. ⁸ We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
⁹ Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you. ¹⁰ You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. ¹¹ And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. ¹² We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. 

Examine the Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 NLT
Paul Remembers His Visit to Thessalonica 

⁷ As apostles of Christ

Paul’s calling:

Galatians 1:1 NLT
¹ This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.

Galatians 1:15-16 NLT
¹⁵ But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him ¹⁶ to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

Silas and Timothy were co-workers, fellow soldiers, brothers, or messengers. Don’t get hung up on the word apostles.  In a broader sense an apostle could be referring to a person being sent out to share the Gospel.  

we certainly had a right to make some demands of you,

In this section, Paul continues defending his ministry among the Thessalonians.

Apostles had the authority to request support.

1 Corinthians 9:3-14 NLT
³ This is my answer to those who question my authority. ⁴ Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? ⁵ Don’t we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does? ⁶ Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?
⁷ What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? ⁸ Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? ⁹ For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? ¹⁰ Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.
¹¹ Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? ¹² If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.
¹³ Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. ¹⁴ In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. 

• Paul rightfully could have expected the church at Thessalonica to support his team financially. 

but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.

ESV  But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 

NKJV  ⁷ But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

• Paul and his team treated the new believers at Thessalonica much like a mother cares for her children.

Intimate, patient, loving and selfless.

Jesus talking to the disciples:

Matthew 20:25-28 NLT
²⁵ But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. ²⁶ But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. ²⁸ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Paul and his team chose to minister rather than to be ministered to. 

⁸ We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.

Paul’s team loved the believers in Thessalonica.

• The apostles’ ministry was not just about delivering a message. They gave themselves—their time, energy, resources, emotions, and even faced persecution—for the sake of the believers.

The gospel and their lives were inseparably linked.

• Genuine ministry involves vulnerability and love, not just teaching.  

⁹ Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you.

2 Thessalonians 3:8 NLT
⁸ We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. 

Acts 18:3 tells us that Paul was a tentmaker.

• Paul’s love was shown by his long hours of manual labor. He worked hard to pay his own expenses rather than depend on the Thessalonian believers for support.

• Ministry is about giving, not taking. 

¹⁰ You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers.

Paul called on both the Thessalonians (human) and God (divine) to affirm his holy conduct in the ministry.

2 Corinthians 1:12 NLT
¹² We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you.

• Paul called on both the Thessalonians and God to affirm his holy conduct in the ministry.

Paul’s life reflected his preaching. 

¹¹ And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. 

Having used the metaphor of a mother (v. 7), Paul now uses a father image.

• The Thessalonians were Paul’s children in the faith.

• A loving father disciples (guides, instructs, encourages, and holds accountable) his children.

Ministry involves both nurturing tenderness (mother) and guiding discipline (father).

• Ministry involves both nurturing tenderness and guiding discipline. 

¹² We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy.

Pleaded
Encouraged
Urged
Implored
Exhorted
Begged
Comforted
Charged

The personal touch of a loving father.

Strong positive appeals.

Verses for us to consider:

Colossians 1:9-10 NLT
9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

Ephesians 4:1-3 NLT
4 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Colossians 4:5 NLT
⁵ Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 

For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. 

Colossians 1:13-14 NLT
¹³ For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, ¹⁴ who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Ephesians 5:8 NLT
⁸ For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!

Romans 8:17-18 NLT
¹⁷ And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

Colossians 1:27 NLT
²⁷ For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

 

• We have been called to share in God’s Kingdom and glory.

 

Paul Defends His Ministry to the Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 NLT
^2:1 You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not a failure. ² You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. ³ So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery.
⁴ For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. ⁵ Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! ⁶ As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.

Examine the Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 NLT

Paul Defends His Ministry to the Thessalonians 

^2:1 You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not a failure. 

• Paul is reflecting on his ministry among the Thessalonians. He reminds them that his preaching was neither empty nor useless but carried eternal significance.

In spite of all the positive comments in our previous lesson one, Paul felt that he needed to defend his ministry and his conduct.

Paul’s words suggest that people outside the church were charging him with unworthy motives and improper conduct.

Paul seems to spend a great deal of energy defending his ministry.

You yourselves know 

• Paul begins by appealing to the Thessalonians’ own memory.

Paul’s (along with Silas and Timothy) ministry was effective and fruitful.

The Thessalonians had “turned away from idols to serve the living and true God”. (1 Thessalonians 1:9)

People were saved.

A vibrant church was planted.

The church grew and flourished after Paul left.

You yourselves know

• Never forget the good things God does for you.

Psalm 103:2 NLT
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    may I never forget the good things he does for me.

Psalm 105:1&5 NLT
¹ Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.
⁵ Remember the wonders he has performed,
his miracles, and the rulings he has given,

Psalm 78:4 NLT
⁴ We will not hide these truths from our children;
we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
about his power and his mighty wonders.

John 14:26 NLT
26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

 ² You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there.

Acts 16:16-24 NLT
Paul and Silas in Prison
¹⁶ One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. ¹⁷ She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.”
¹⁸ This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.
¹⁹ Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. ²⁰ “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. ²¹ “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.”
²² A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. ²³ They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. ²⁴ So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. 

(This is followed by the conversion of the Philippian Jailer and his family.)

• Paul and his companions were often treated badly because of their faith and ministry. The New Testament records many hardships they faced, including persecution, imprisonment, beatings, and rejection. 

Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. 

1 Thessalonians 1:5 NLT
⁵ For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. …

• The ministry of Paul, Silas, and Timothy was God-empowered courage, not human ambition.

• Our ministry is God-empowered. 

³ So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery.

Paul clarifies his motives.

Paul is defending his ministry.

Acts 17:5 NLT
⁵ But some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd.  

Paul’s message was not deceptive, it was truth.

Paul’s motivation was pure.

Paul’s method was straightforward and transparent.

⁴ For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News.

• God uses faithful messengers to share the Good News. (That’s us.) 

Our purpose is to please God, not people. 

• Paul and his companion’s aim was to please God alone. 

Galatians 1:10 NLT
¹⁰ Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. 

Acts 5:29 NLT
²⁹ But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 

Colossians 3:23 NLT
²³ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 

Matthew 5:16 NLT
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Romans 12:1-2 NLT
^12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. ² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

• Our purpose should be to please God, not people. 

He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 

• God knows the motives of our hearts.

Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

⁵ Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know.

Flattery and greed were common among traveling teachers in Paul’s day.

• Flattery is deceitful and manipulative

Proverbs 29:5 NLT
⁵ To flatter friends
is to lay a trap for their feet.

Proverbs 28:23 NLT
23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
    far more than flattery.

Psalm 12:2-3 NLT
2 Neighbors lie to each other,
    speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts.
3 May the Lord cut off their flattering lips
    and silence their boastful tongues.
And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! 

God is our witness.

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he had every right to claim respect and honor as an apostle, but he did not seek such recognition.

Apostles were entitled to be supported by the church.

1 Thessalonians 2:9 NLT
⁹ Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you.

2 Thessalonians 3:8 NLT
⁸ We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you.

1 Corinthians 9:3-14 NLT
³ This is my answer to those who question my authority. ⁴ Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? ⁵ Don’t we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does? ⁶ Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?
⁷ What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? ⁸ Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? ⁹ For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? ¹⁰ Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.
¹¹ Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? ¹² If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.
¹³ Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. ¹⁴ In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.

⁶ As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.

Traveling philosophers and orators were common in the Roman Empire.  They traveled from place to place, entertaining others for personal fame and fortune. Paul and his companions had nothing in common with such men.

Instead of demanding status, Paul and his companions chose humility and service.

The Thessalonians’ Example to All Believers

1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 NLT
⁶ So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. ⁷ As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia.
⁸ And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, ⁹ for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. ¹⁰ And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

Examine the Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 NLT
The Thessalonians’ Example to All Believers 

⁶ So you received the message

The Thessalonians received the Gospel.

The Thessalonians believed the Gospel.

John 3:16 NLT
¹⁶ “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Review 1 Thessalonians 1:5 NLT
  ⁵ For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. 

• The Holy Spirit convinced the hearers that the message of the Gospel was true. 

with joy from the Holy Spirit 

• The Thessalonians experienced deep inward joy given by the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit convinced the hearers that the message was true. (repeated)

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NLT (repeated from previous lesson)
⁴ And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. ⁵ I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy relied on the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13 NLT
¹³ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. 

John 14:26 NLT
²⁶ But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything (give a deeper understanding of Jesus’ words) and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Galatians 5:16-25 NLT (selected verses)
Living by the Spirit’s Power
¹⁶ So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. …
²² … the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. …
²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. ²⁵ Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.  

in spite of the severe suffering it brought you.

The Thessalonians were persecuted by both Jews and Gentiles.

Acts 17:5-9 NLT
⁵ But some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd.  ⁶ Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too. ⁷ And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.” 

1 Thessalonians 2:14 NLT
¹⁴ And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 

• The Thessalonians experienced the joy of salvation in spite of the trials they were experiencing.

Joy in Christ can coexist with hardship.

• When people take a stand of faith in God, they should expect to encounter difficulties.

Romans 8:17-18 NLT
¹⁷ And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

1 Peter 4:12-14 NLT
Suffering for Being a Christian
¹² Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. ¹³ Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
¹⁴ If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

• Joy in the midst of suffering is evidence of the reality of salvation.

Following Jesus doesn’t mean an easy life. The Thessalonian believers faced opposition, but the Spirit gave them joy that suffering couldn’t take away.

Our hardships can actually become testimonies when we endure them with hope-filled joy.

Matthew 5:11-12 NLT
¹¹ “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. ¹² Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Philippians 2:17 NLT (Paul)
¹⁷ But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 

In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 

• The Thessalonians lived lives that imitated Paul, Silas, and Timothy and more importantly the Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:16 NLT
¹⁶ So I urge you to imitate me. (Paul)

1 Corinthians 11:1
¹ And you should imitate me, just as I (Paul) imitate Christ.

1 Peter 2:21 NLT
²¹ For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 

Imitate your spiritual parents.  (Students imitate their teachers.) 

⁷ As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia.

To those in the north (Macedonia)

And those in the south (Achaia).

• The Thessalonians faithful response to the gospel turned them into examples for other believers.

⁸ And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia,

Remember, Thessalonica was located on a busy seaport and was a key crossroads situated on the Via Egnatia.

for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God.

Much like:

Acts 1:8 NLT
⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

• A genuine faith, even under pressure, has a ripple effect beyond one’s local community.

Matthew 5:14-16
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

Ephesians 5:8 NLT
⁸ For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 

• The Thessalonians had an authentic faith that was visible to others. 

We don’t need to tell them about it,  

⁹ for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. 

Thessalonica was full of idol worship, but the believers made a radical break, a complete reorientation of life—serving the living and true God instead of dead idols.

• The Thessalonians turned away (repented) from idols to serve the living and true God.

Turned away

Matthew 3:1-2 NLT
3 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, ² “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Acts 2:38 NLT
³⁸ Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 20:21 NLT Paul speaking
²¹ I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

Turned away “from idols to serve the living and true God”. 

Turning from (repentance) and turning to (faith).

In a pluralistic religious environment, the call to forsake the ancestral gods was unusual. 

¹⁰ And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus,

A major theme found in 1^st and 2^nd Thessalonians is the return of Christ.

• The Christian life is not only about turning and serving but also about waiting in hope. 

whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.

• The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the core of the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NLT
³ I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. ⁴ He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

1 Thessalonians 4:14 NLT
¹⁴ For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 

John 14:1-3 NLT
^14:1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. ² There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? ³ When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 

“The coming wrath” points to final judgment, but believers have assurance of rescue in Christ.

• The Thessalonians show us what authentic Christianity looks like— turning from idols, serving God faithfully, imitating Christ, rejoicing in hardship, testifying boldly, and waiting in hope for Jesus’ return.

The Faith of the Thessalonian Believers

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 NLT
¹ This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
May God give you grace and peace.
² We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. ³ As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
⁴ We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. ⁵ For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 

Examine the Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 NLT

The Faith of the Thessalonian Believers 

¹ This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, 

to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

This is a profound statement about the identity of this group of Thessalonians. It means their existence and community are rooted in their relationship with God and Jesus. Unlike other greetings of the time, this phrasing is distinctively Christian and suggests a close, intimate connection to the divine.

Paul makes it clear that this was not a Jewish assembly.

To “belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” shows union with both Father and Son.  This was not true of the Jews (for the most part).

Acts 17:2-3 NLT
² As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. ³ He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.”

Judaism does not recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah or as the Son of God in the way Christianity does.

This was a strong encouragement to believers who were surrounded by pagan cults and emperor worship.

• The Thessalonian believers were reminded that their true identity wasn’t rooted in the city’s political power or in pagan worship, but in the living God and His Son.

Paul’s words drew a contrast between belonging to Rome and belonging to Christ. 

• A believer’s true identity is rooted in the living God and His Son Jesus Christ. 

May God give you grace and peace. 

More words of encouragement to new, persecuted believers.

“Grace and peace”
In a city bustling with trade and politics, “peace” usually meant Roman order maintained by military might. Paul offers a deeper, spiritual peace that comes only from God’s grace.

• Grace is God’s free and undeserved gift of love, forgiveness, and power, made fully known in Jesus Christ.

• Peace is the wholeness, harmony, and well-being that comes from a reconciled relationship with God—made possible through Christ.

The combination of these two words underscores that true peace comes from the grace of God.

***These are words of encouragement for all believers.

Romans 1:7 NLT
⁷ I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

The Faith of the Thessalonian Believers 

² We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.

• Paul regularly prayed for the churches he started (and even some he didn’t personally found). His letters show that prayer was a central part of his relationship with the congregations.

Taking time to pray for others benefits the person or persons being prayed for as well as the person doing the praying.

• As we pray, God not only hears and acts on behalf of the other person, but He also works in us — giving us compassion, insight, patience, or even prompting us to be part of the answer to that prayer (a word of encouragement, a helping hand, forgiveness, etc.). 

 ³ As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

More powerful words of encouragement.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy rejoiced together for what God had done in the lives of the Thessalonian converts.  The Thessalonians were a constant source of joy to them.  The Thessalonians served as a model for all Christians.

Similar words to the church at Colossae.
Colossians 1:4-5 NLT
⁴ For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, ⁵ which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.

Things that made Paul, Silas, and Timothy thankful:

The triad of faith, hope, and love.

Faithful work (work produced by faith).
Genuine faith shows itself in action.

Loving deeds (labor prompted by love for Christ).
Love involves effort, even sacrifice.

Enduring hope (hope in Christ).
Hope gives endurance during trials.

These things that last forever.

1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT
¹³ Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

These three virtues (faith, hope, and love) stood out in the lives of the Thessalonian believers.

Galatians 5:6 NLT
⁶ … What is important is faith expressing itself in love.

A description of a believer.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT
⁸ But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

The Thessalonians had exercised faith when they believed the Gospel. (past)
The Thessalonians were loving Christ (and others) in the present.
The Thessalonians were hoping for Christ’s return in the future.

The Thessalonians were living lives focused on Christ.

• The Thessalonians’ faith, love, and hope demonstrated the authenticity of their conversion. (The same should be true about us.)

*** Do others think of our faithful work, our loving deeds, and the enduring hope we have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

⁴ We know, dear brothers and sisters, 

• Paul treated the Thessalonians as equals, as brothers and sisters.

Gentiles were his equals before God. 

Remember our 1^st devotional: The Church is one body with many parts (like the human body) that are designed to work together as a single unit. 

that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.

Verses about being chosen by God.

Ephesians 1:4-5 NLT
⁴ Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
⁵ God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

Colossians 3:12 NIV
¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

• Christians are God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved. 

More verses about being chosen by God.  

Romans 9:15-16 NLT
¹⁵ For God said to Moses,
“I will show mercy to anyone I choose,
and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.”
¹⁶ So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.

Colossians 1:11-14 NLT
¹¹ We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, ¹² always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. ¹³ For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, ¹⁴ who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. 

2 Thessalonians 2:13 NLT
¹³ As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 

 ⁵ For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.

• The Holy Spirit convinced the hearers that the message of the Gospel was true.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NLT
⁴ And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. ⁵ I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. 

John 16:8 NLT
⁸ And when he (the Spirit)  comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

The Spirit makes the gospel alive—changing hearts, breaking addictions, bringing new life.

Romans 1:16 NLT
¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.

We do have a part in this.

Our work

John 6:29 NLT
²⁹ Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” 

Romans 10:9 NLT
⁹ If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

John 3:16 NLT
¹⁶ “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Joshua 24:14-15 NLT
¹⁴ “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. ¹⁵ But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT
¹⁹ “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! ²⁰ You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This^[a] is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” 

And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were living lives that were consistent with what they were preaching.

Paul reminds them that he and his companions lived with, so their lives matched their preaching.

• People are often convinced by what they see in us more than by what we say.

 

Greetings from Paul.

Introduction to the book of 1 Thessalonians.

Review “commentary” vs. “scripture”.

1 Thessalonians 1:1 NLT
Greetings from Paul
¹ This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
May God give you grace and peace.

Examine the Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 1:1

¹ This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. 

• The letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

Silas, and most likely Timothy, had been with Paul when the church was founded in Thessalonica, and their presence in the letter’s greeting emphasizes a shared ministry and love for the community.

The church in Thessalonica was founded by the Apostle Paul, along with Silas (and likely Timothy), during Paul’s second missionary journey around A.D. 49–50.

It appears that Timothy had joined Paul in Acts 16.

• Paul is the author. (Widely accepted as authentic by most scholars)

Silas and Timothy are co-senders.

Throughout the book Paul uses the word “we”.

Paul is communicating the thoughts of others.

The inclusion of Silas and Timothy emphasizes that the gospel work was a team effort and that the Thessalonians already knew and trusted these men.

Silas may have written the words at Paul’s dictation, but the text itself does not specify who held the pen. 

are writing to the church in Thessalonica, 

• The letter was written to the Church in Thessalonica.

First Thessalonians is one of Paul’s earliest epistles.  (Some say Galatians was his first letter. We really don’t know.)

Date and place: Early — likely ca. AD 50–51, from Corinth on Paul’s second missionary journey.

(As I already said, Paul founded the church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey).

2 Thessalonians was written about 6 months later. (Most likely from Corinth)

This is one of the earliest uses of the word “church” to describe a local Christian body.

This body was recognized as a true church. (More about this later)

Background:

During Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

Timothy joins the team.

Acts 16:1-4 NLT (Luke)

^16:1 Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. ² Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, ³ so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. ⁴ Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.

According to the account in the book of Acts (Acts 17:1-10), Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, traveled to Thessalonica from Philippi. He initially preached in the Jewish synagogue for three consecutive Sabbaths.

Acts 17:1-10 NLT (Luke)
Paul Preaches in Thessalonica

^17:1 Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis  and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. ² As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. ³ He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” ⁴ Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.
⁵ But some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd. ⁶ Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too. ⁷ And Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.”
⁸ The people of the city, as well as the city council, were thrown into turmoil by these reports. ⁹ So the officials forced Jason and the other believers to post bond, and then they released them.
Paul and Silas in Berea
¹⁰ That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.  ¹¹ And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 

Paul’s ministry was cut short when a mob of hostile Jews stirred up a riot and forced him and his companions to leave the city under the cover of night. He then traveled to Berea and later to Athens.

• Paul’s stay in Thessalonica was relatively short.

While Paul’s stay in Thessalonica was relatively short—some scholars suggest it was only a few weeks, while others argue for a slightly longer period of two to three months—his ministry was highly effective. He was able to convert a number of Jews, a large group of God-fearing Greeks, and many prominent women.

Thessalonica (The city):

During the time of the apostle Paul (around 50 A.D.), Thessalonica was a large and important city in the Roman province of Macedonia. With an estimated population of 200,000), it was the most populous city in the region and was a major economic hub.

Study maps of the area.

• Thessalonica was a major Macedonian city with an estimated population of 200,000..

Strategic Location:

Ideal location.

• Thessalonica was a key crossroads. It was situated on the Via Egnatia, (Eg nat i a).

This was a major Roman road connecting Italy and Rome with the eastern provinces.

This road was a crucial trade and military route for the Romans.

This road was a major commercial and cultural route, facilitating trade and the exchange of ideas.

The Apostle Paul traveled along the Via Egnatia during his missionary journeys.

Thessalonica had a large natural harbor.

It also had a large, natural harbor (Thermaic (ther ma ic) Gulf), making it a prominent port for trade in the Aegean Sea. This strategic position made it a very wealthy and influential city

• Thessalonica was a chief seaport of the Roman province of Macedonia. 

Political and Strategic Importance:

Thessalonica prospered as a political and commercial center.

 

Capital of Macedonia:

Thessalonica was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia and served as the residence for the Roman proconsul.

As the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, it held a special status as a “free city.” 

“Free City”:

As a reward for its loyalty to Rome, Thessalonica had been granted the status of a “free city.” This meant it had a degree of self-governance, including the right to mint its own currency, codify its own laws, and be governed by its own officials. This freedom meant there was no Roman garrison stationed there.

To remain a “free city” it was important to keep the Romans happy! 

Diverse Population:

The city had a cosmopolitan population that included Greeks, Romans (many of the Romans who settled there became wealthy), and a significant Jewish community (wherever commerce flourished in the ancient world one would find Jewish businessmen) with its own synagogue. The diverse populace engaged in various trades and crafts. 

Religious Environment:

Thessalonica was a center for pagan worship, with temples dedicated to various gods, with a variety of pagan cults and deities worshipped. This included traditional Greek and Roman gods like Dionysus (Di o ny sus), Zeus, and Apollo,

as well as a strong tradition of emperor worship.  This loyalty to the emperor was an important part of maintaining the city’s “free” status.

The Jewish community provided a base for Paul’s initial ministry, though his message also quickly spread to a large number of “God-fearing Greeks” and prominent women. 

The Thessalonian believers were surrounded by pagan cults and emperor worship.  To declare allegiance to “the Lord Jesus Christ” was countercultural and potentially dangerous, since “Caesar is Lord” was the expected confession.

The church in Thessalonica:

The church in Thessalonica was a young Christian Community:

Paul’s stay in Thessalonica was relatively short, likely only a few weeks to a few months.

Paul’s ministry in the city, though short, led to the formation of a vibrant and devout Christian church. Most of the converts in Thessalonica were Roman or Macedonian Gentiles (NLT Study Bible).
His message about Jesus as the Messiah and a new king challenged the existing religious and political order. This quickly led to a negative reaction.

The new believers faced immediate persecution and hostility from both the local Jewish community and some Gentiles, who accused them of defying Caesar by proclaiming another king, Jesus.

Persecution:

1 Thessalonians 1:6 NLT
⁶ So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 2:14 NLT
¹⁴ And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews.

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 NLT
³ and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. ⁴ Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.

Despite this, the church in Thessalonica was known for its faith and devotion, and it became a model for other Christian communities in the region.

Purpose of the letter:

Paul was writing to new believers.

Many were Gentile converts.

The book of 1 Thessalonians was a letter full of encouragement, reassurance, and hope.

Paul had multiple reasons for writing to the church at Thessalonica.

The primary purpose of the letter was to encourage the young church, comfort a persecuted flock,

express his joy in their faith,

defend his ministry,

and provide instruction on living a holy life while they awaited Christ’s return,

address questions about believers who have died;

and correct disorderly behavior and idleness.

 

Since Paul’s time in Thessalonica had been so short, the Christians had not received all the teaching they needed and they did not have mature leadership to oversee the church (NLT Study Bible).  Paul later sent Timothy back to the Thessalonian Church to strengthen the believers.

1 Thessalonians 3:1,2, 5 NLT
^3:1 Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens,
² and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, …
⁵ That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.

 

to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

This is a profound statement about their identity. It means their existence and community are rooted in their relationship with God and Jesus. Unlike other greetings of the time, this phrasing is distinctively Christian and suggests a close, intimate connection to the divine.

Paul makes it clear that this was not a Jewish assembly.

To “belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” shows union with both Father and Son.  This was not true of the Jews (for the most part).

This was a strong encouragement to believers who were surrounded by pagan cults and emperor worship.

This reminded believers that their true identity wasn’t rooted in the city’s political power or pagan worship, but in the living God and His Son.  It drew a contrast between belonging to Rome and belonging to Christ. 

May God give you grace and peace. 

More words of encouragement to new believers.

“Grace and peace”

In a city bustling with trade and politics, “peace” usually meant Roman order maintained by military might. Paul offers a deeper, spiritual peace that comes only from God’s grace.

Grace is God’s free and undeserved gift of love, forgiveness, and power, made fully known in Jesus Christ.

Peace is the wholeness, harmony, and well-being that comes from a reconciled relationship with God—made possible through Christ.

The combination of these two words underscores that true peace comes from the grace of God.

 

These are words of encouragement for all believers.

Romans 1:7 NLT
⁷ I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Introduction:

1 Corinthians chapter 12

The Church is one body with many parts (like the human body) that are designed to work together as a single unit.

This passage certainly addresses us as individuals, but I want us to be sure that we don’t miss what this passage is saying to us as a body.  Look around. This passage is also speaking to us as a unit.

One final introductory comment.  It is simply impossible to cover everything in 1 Corinthians 12 this morning.  Forgive me for skipping some parts that may have peaked your interest.

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 NLT

Different Spiritual Gifts

¹ Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. ² You know that when you were still pagans, you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols. ³ So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.
⁴ There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. ⁶ God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
⁷ A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. ⁸ To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. ⁹ The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. ¹⁰ He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. ¹¹ It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

The Church as One Body with Many Parts

¹² The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. ¹³ Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
¹⁴ Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. ¹⁵ If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
¹⁸ But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. ¹⁹ How strange a body would be if it had only one part! ²⁰ Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.  ²¹ The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
²² In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. ²³ And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, ²⁴ while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. ²⁵ This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
²⁷ All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.²⁸ Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:
first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.
²⁹ Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? ³⁰ Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! ³¹ So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.

But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

Examine the scriptures:

Spiritual Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 NLT

¹ Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. 

It appears that Paul is addressing a question the Corinthians had asked him. 

• Special abilities are given to us by the Holy Spirit. (More about this in verses 7-11)

I don’t want you to misunderstand this. ² You know that when you were still pagans, you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols. 

• The special abilities given to us by the Holy Spirit can easily be misunderstood and misused.

Example: “Those who speak in unknown languages.” (Speaking in tongues.)

Misused or abused.

Let’s not get hung up on the parts of the passage we don’t understand, rather, let’s focus on, and apply, the parts we do understand.

The Corinthian church was strongly influenced by their surrounding culture and the presence of false teachers.

 2 Peter 2:1-2 (NLT) The Danger of False Teachers¹ But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. ² Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 

• Paul wanted to encourage and disciple the Corinthians to use their spiritual gifts correctly.

• Christians need to learn how to use their spiritual gift(s) correctly to bring glory to God. 

³ So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God (controlled by the Holy Spirit) will curse Jesus,

and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.

This may refer to speaking in tongues?

This certainly addressws the Lordship of Jesus.

What are some things that we do know?

Acts 1:8 NLT
⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Luke 12:12 NLT
¹² for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

Luke 21:14-15 NLT
¹⁴ So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, ¹⁵ for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!

The Holy Spirit csn be a very powerful positive influence in our lives.

⁴ There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, 

but the same Spirit is the source of them all.  

⁵ There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.  

⁶ God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

God works in different ways in each of us.

• Individuals serve the Lord and His Church in various ways. 

⁷ A spiritual gift is given to each of us

Spiritual gifts were given to the Corinthians. 

• All Christians have at least one spiritual gift. 

so we can help each other. 

• Spiritual gifts are given to each of us so we can help others and bring glory to God.

⁸ To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. ⁹ The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. ¹⁰ He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 

 

Various Biblical passages that list spiritual gifts include:

1 Corinthians 12:28-31

**Romans 12:6-8 NLT
⁶ In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. ⁷ If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. ⁸ If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT
¹⁰ God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. ¹¹ Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 4:11 NLT
¹¹ Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.

• We don’t all have the same spiritual gifts. 

¹¹ It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

• We do not choose our spiritual gift(s).

• The Holy Spirit determines which gift or gifts each believer should have.

 

The Church as One Body with Many Parts 

¹² The human body 

Scripture uses the human body as an analogy for the Church of Christ.

has many parts,

Necessary diversity. 

but the many parts make up one whole body.

Many parts working together.

Dependent on each other.

One unit.

So it is with the body of Christ. 

Many diverse gifts working together.

Dependent on each other. 

¹³ Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. 

But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, 

• At salvation all believers receive the Holy Spirit and become a part of Christ’s body, the church.

John 1:12 (NLT) ¹² But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

Romans 8:14-17 (NLT) ¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.¹⁵ So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. 

and we all share the same Spirit. 

¹⁴ Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.  

¹⁵ If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? 

• No part of the body is any less than any other part of the body.

• No believer should think of himself or his gift as inferior to another believer’s gift. 

¹⁸ But our bodies have many parts,

and God has put each part just where he wants it.  

• God has put each part of the body just where he wants it.

God carefully arranged the body to be just how he wanted it to be.

Our God is a God of order.

• Every believer has the gift(s) that God wants him to have.

We should not want to be something that we are not.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) ¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Psalm 139:14 (NIV) ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,    I know that full well.

Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT) ²⁶ Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”²⁷ So God created human beings in his own image.    In the image of God he created them;    male and female he created them. 

¹⁹ How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 

 ²⁰ Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 

• Many different parts make up one body.

Challenge:

• Help other believers identify their spiritual gift(s).

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 

Tell other believers how you see God working in their lives.

Pray for each other.

Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT)⁹ So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. ¹⁰ Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

Use Your Spiritual Gift(s) Correctly

²¹ The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 

This may have been a problem in the Corinthian church. (Flaunting spiritual gifts.) Some in positions of leadership were looking down on others in the church.

• Every spiritual gift is important.

• No part of the body is any less than any other part of the body.

• No believer should think of himself or his gift as inferior to another believer’s gift. (repeated)

• We need each other!

Each part is necessary.

We are dependent on each other.

²² In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. ²³ And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 

Paul may have been referring to those in the church with “behind the scenes” responsibilities. (Today it might be the assistants.)

• Some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. (Carefully protect those parts.)

• Some spiritual gifts are more “public” than others.

²⁴ while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. 

So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 

God, not man, assigned the gifts.  (Repeating verse 18)

• God has put each part just where he wants it. (repeated)

• Every believer has the gift(s) that God wants him to have. (repeated)

• God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it.

²⁵ This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 

All of the pars of the body are essential.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)
Divisions in the Church
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

Philippians 2:2-4 (NLT)
² … make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

1 Corinthians 10:24 (NLT)
²⁴ Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. 

• There should be no division in the body, its parts should have equal concern for each other.

²⁶ If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

A stomach ache affects the entire body.

²⁷ All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

• We are Christ’s body.

²⁸ Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:
first are apostles,*
second are prophets,*
third are teachers,*
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.

God appointed gifts.

*These may have been considered to be a lesser role by the Corinthians.
The Corinthian Church may not have respected their spiritual leaders appropriately.

²⁹ Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? ³⁰ Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 

³¹ So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. 

Meaning: Stop desiring the showy gifts. 

• Use your spiritual gift correctly.

1 Corinthians 14:12 (NLT)
… seek those (special abilities the Spirit gives) that will strengthen the whole church.

 Ephesians 4:11-13 (NLT)
¹¹ Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. ¹² Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. ¹³ This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 

• Spiritual gifts should be used to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

Something greater than spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians chapter 13

Love should prevail.

2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT
Paul’s Final Greetings
¹¹ Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

• Special abilities are given to us by the Holy Spirit.
• The special abilities given to us by the Holy Spirit can easily be misunderstood and misused.
• Individuals serve the Lord and His Church in various ways.
• All Christians have at least one spiritual gift.
• Spiritual gifts are given to each of us so we can help others and bring glory to God.
• We don’t all have the same spiritual gifts.
• We do not choose our spiritual gift(s).
• The Holy Spirit determines which gift or gifts each believer should have.
• At salvation all believers receive the Holy Spirit and become a part of Christ’s body, the church.
• No part of the body is any less important than any other part of the body.
• No believer should think of himself or his gift as inferior to another believer’s gift.
• God has put each part of the body just where he wants it.
• Every believer has the gift(s) that God wants him to have.
• Many different parts make up one body.
• Help other believers identify their spiritual gift(s).
• Every spiritual gift is important.
• We need each other!
• Some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.
• Some spiritual gifts are more “public” than others.
• God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it
• There should be no division in the body, its parts should have equal concern for each other.
• We are Christ’s body.
• Use your spiritual gift correctly.
• Spiritual gifts should be used to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Be still, and know that I am God!

This passage was addressed to Israel and was talking about Jerusalem, but the principles do apply to everyone who has been adopted into God’s family.  This is also a picture of God’s presence and protection in our lives.

Psalm 46 NLT
For the choir director: A song of the descendants of Korah, to be sung by soprano voices.
¹ God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
² So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
³ Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude
⁴ A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
⁵ God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
⁶ The nations are in chaos,
and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
and the earth melts!
⁷ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
⁸ Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
⁹ He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
¹¹ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude

Examine the Scriptures:

Psalm 46 NLT
For the choir director: A song of the descendants of Korah, to be sung by soprano voices.

This passage is addressed to Israel.

The principles apply to everyone who has been adopted into God’s family. 

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.

We are living in challenging times.

Our lives are surrounded with chaos and turmoil.

However, the people of God are secure, even in chaotic times, because God is their refuge and strength.

• God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 

² So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
³ Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude

No matter what happens:

Natural disasters
or
life’s overwhelming challenges.

Isaiah 41:10 NLT
¹⁰ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Romans 8:38-39 NLT
³⁸ And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. ³⁹ No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ. 

• Do not fear when hard times come, God is with you. 

⁴ A river brings joy to the city of our God,

Jerusalem has no river.  Here the “river” serves as a metaphor for the continual outpouring of the sustaining and refreshing blessings of God.

Romans 15:13 NLT (A prayer of Paul.)
¹³ I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

• God is able to fill his people with joy and peace.

the sacred home of the Most High. 

⁵ God dwells in that city; 

This can certainly be interpreted as Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God, but better yet this can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of God dwelling with His people.

In the New Testament, the Church is described as the Body of Christ, a living organism through which Christ continues His work on earth.

Ephesians 2:19-22 NLT
A Temple for the Lord
¹⁹ So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. ²⁰ Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. ²¹ We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. ²² Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit. 

• God dwells in His people. 

Hebrews 13:5 NLT
⁵ … God has said,
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.” 

it cannot be destroyed. 

 From the very break of day, God will protect it.

Matthew 16:18 NLT
¹⁸ Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 

• God’s church cannot be destroyed. 

⁶ The nations are in chaos,
and their kingdoms crumble!

We are surrounded with political upheaval.

God’s voice thunders,
and the earth melts!
⁷ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; 

This title for God is repeated in verse 11.

This powerful name emphasizes God’s authority and power as the commander of heavenly armies, signifying his ability to protect and deliver his people.

Jesus’ (God the Son) title in Revelation. 

Revelation 19:16 NLT
¹⁶ On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 

 the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude 

This theme is introduced in verse 1.

God is all powerful.

God is with us.  Immanuel, “God with us”.

• God is more than able to protect His people. 

⁸ Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
⁹ He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.

An invitation to observe God’s power and triumph over the nations.

Psalm 78:7
So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
not forgetting his glorious miracles … 

¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God!

Be still.

As individuals or as nations.

Stop striving. 

Don’t worry about anything. (Philippians 4:6)

Release your anxieties and trust in God’s power and plan.

Acknowledge God’s supreme authority and power.

In our busy, noise-filled lives, this passage of scripture is a powerful reminder to intentionally create moments of stillness to connect with God and experience “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.

The call to “be still” is particularly important in our fast-paced and anxiety-ridden society, urging us to find moments of quiet contemplation and to trust in God’s sovereignty.

• Take time to be still and recall and reflect on all the things you already know about God.

(We will come back to this in a minute.)

I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”

• God’s mission will be accomplished. 

¹¹ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; 

Repeated from verse 7. 

 the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude

• As people of God, we are secure, even in chaotic times, because God is our refuge and strength.

 

Activity:

Share something (one thing) with the group that you know, and value, about God.
This passage alone lists numerous attributes of God.

Examples:

God is sovereign.

Be still and acknowledging God’s sovereignty amidst the chaos in the world around us.

God, the creator of heaven and earth, who is all-powerful, sovereign, and holy, is in control.

God is in control over nature, nations, and history.

The people of God are secure, even in chaotic times, because God is their refuge and strength. (V. 1)

ETC. ETC.