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.

Paul’s Final Instructions and Greetings

This is the conclusion to Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

This passage includes personal greetings, commendations, instructions, and final remarks. This passage reveals a great deal about the early Christian community, Paul’s relationships, and the collaborative nature of ministry.

Paul’s ministry was not solo — it was a team effort, and these men were a “comfort” to him, especially as he faced hardship.

Notice the number of people Paul specifically names and commends.

Tychicus
Onesimus
Aristarchus
Mark
Justus
Epaphras
Luke
Demas
Nympha
Archippus

Note the diversity among the people mentioned.  Each one contributing to the Christian community.

Colossians 4:7-18 NLT
Paul’s Final Instructions and Greetings
⁷ Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. ⁹ I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here.
¹⁰ Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. ¹¹ Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been!
¹² Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. ¹³ I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
¹⁴ Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas. ¹⁵ Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.
¹⁶ After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.
¹⁷ And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”
¹⁸ HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL.
Remember my chains.
May God’s grace be with you.

Examine the Scriptures:

Colossians 4:7-18 NLT
Paul’s Final Instructions and Greetings

⁷ Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. 

A native of Asia Minor.

A Gentile convert.

A member of Paul’s ministry team. (Traveled with Paul and also mentioned in Ephesians, Acts, 2 Timothy and Titus)

Reliable and capable leader.

He delivered this letter to the Colossians.

He also delivered the letters Ephesians and Philemon. (2 Timothy 4:12)

Ephesians 6:21 NLT
Final Greetings
²¹ To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work.

He communicated news about Paul.

• Paul described Tychicus as “ a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. 

He was sent “to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you”. 

• Tychicus was a trusted colleague, capable of explaining Paul’s situation and encouraging the Colossians. 

⁹ I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here.

The runaway slave mentioned in the book of Philemon.

Philemon’s converted bondservant.

• Paul calls Onesimus “a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people”. 

Onesimus was sent by Paul to tell the Colossians “everything that’s happening here”. 

¹⁰ Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, 

A longtime associate of Paul, now in prison with him. Paul’s companion in travel. (Acts 19:29)

Scripture does not specifically state that Aristarchus was a prisoner.  He may have been a prisoner for preaching the Gospel or he may have been in prison with Paul voluntarily to assist him with his ministry.

In Philemon 24 Paul describes Aristarchus as “my co-worker”.

This reveals the personal sacrifices made by those who stood alongside Paul.

• Aristarchus is a longtime associate of Paul, now in prison with him. 

and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. 

John Mark.

He went with Paul on his first missionary journey but left suddenly.  (Acts 13:13)

Paul refused to take Mark on his second missionary journey.

He is now more mature and is working with Paul. Clearly reconciliation and restoration took place between Paul and Mark.

2 Timothy 4:11 NLT
¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.

• Despite an earlier conflict, Paul speaks positively of Mark, saying he is “useful to me for ministry”, showing that they reconciled. 

The instructions to “make Mark welcome” may reflect lingering concerns about his past. 

¹¹ Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings.

• Very little is known about Justus. 

These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been!

Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus were Jews, 

¹² Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. 

Epaphras may have been the founder of the Colossian church (cf. Col. 1:7)

Epaphras likely had a leadership role in the three churches mentioned (Colosse, Laodicea and Hierapolis) 

¹³ I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Two important cities in the area.

Two churches close to the church at Colosse.  Both of these churches had good relationships with the church at Colosse.

• Epaphras was a man of prayer. 

¹⁴ Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings,

Luke. The author of Luke and Acts. (Wrote about Paul in Acts)

A physician.

He traveled a lot with Paul.

Apparently Luke was with Paul during his imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome.

Most likely a Gentile. 

• Luke was a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul, mentioned in several of Paul’s letters. He appears to have stayed with Paul during his imprisonments and missionary journeys. 

and so does Demas. 

A fellow worker.

Demas later deserted Paul.

• Demas was a fellow worker who later deserted Paul. 

¹⁵ Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, 

and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.

A leader who hosted a church in her home, showing the vital role of women in early church life.

House churches were common during his period of time. 

• Nympha hosted a church in her home. 

¹⁶ After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.

• Paul’s letters were intended to be circulated and read publicly in the churches.

The letter to the church at Laodicea has been lost.

¹⁷ And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”

Philemon 2 NLT
² and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.

Son of Philemon ??

Apparently he was facing discouragement or not doing what God had asked him to do, and Paul was urging him to fulfill his calling — a reminder that ministry requires endurance.

• Paul encouraged Archippus to carry out the ministry the Lord gave him to do.

¹⁸ HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL.

Paul often dictated letters but signed the conclusion himself as a mark of authenticity.

Timothy was most likely Paul’s secretary up to this point.

Remember my chains.

A reminder of the cost of discipleship and Paul’s deep commitment to the gospel. 

May God’s grace be with you. 

The Christian life is sustained by God’s grace.

 

Summary:

The Christian life is communal, collaborative, and dependent on prayer and encouragement.

Ministry is a team effort

There is diversity in the church.

Each person mentioned, from trusted colleagues to former slaves, played a part in the early Christian movement. Their contributions, however big or small, were significant.

Paul highlights the importance of mutual encouragement and the fervent prayers of individuals like Epaphras in sustaining the church.

Paul continues his teachings on Christian living.

An Encouragement for Prayer.

Living wisely among non-believers.

Colossians 4:1-6 NLT
An Encouragement for Prayer
^4:1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.
² Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. ³ Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. ⁴ Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
⁵ Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. ⁶ Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Examine the Scriptures:

Colossians 4:1-6 NLT
An Encouragement for Prayer 

^4:1 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves.

This verse is a continuation of the theme in verses 18-25 of chapter 3.

Today this addresses employers or those in authority over others.

• Employers, be just and fair to your employees.

Slaves or bondservants made up 1/3 of the population (or more) according to some commentators.

Paul’s words to masters are striking for their time. In a culture where slavery was a normal part of social and economic life.  Slaves were often treated as property. It was unusual for a writer to urge masters to consider the wellbeing of their slaves, much less treat them with justice and fairness.

This is a call to humility, empathy, and godly leadership.

• Christ-centered living transforms every relationship. 

Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.

This tells those in authority today to treat those under their care with justice and fairness, always mindful that they themselves are accountable to God.

This is a call for mutual respect and justice in any and all relationships.

We live in a society where everyone is accountable to someone in one way or another.

Romans 13:1 NLT
^13:1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

• Justice in leadership reflects God’s heart.

Think about Colossians 4:1 in terms of 1 Corinthians 12.

1 Corinthians 12 NLT
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 (some are employers and some re employees). But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. 

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.”

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.

 ² Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 

• Believers should be devoted to prayer,

Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.

Other thoughts about prayer:

Prayer should be continual.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT
¹⁷ Never stop praying.

Romans 12:12 NLT
¹² Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Pray with an alert mind.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 NLT
⁶ So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

Ephesians 6:18 NLT
¹⁸ … Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Pray with a thankful heart.

Philippians 4:6 NLT
⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
¹⁸ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Be watchful in light of Christ’s return. (Stay alert)

Matthew 24:42 NLT
⁴² “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.

Mark 13:35-37 NLT
³⁵ You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. ³⁶ Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. ³⁷ I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”

Revelation 16:15 NLT
¹⁵ “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.” 

• Persistent, thankful prayer needs to be a part of our daily lives. 

³ Pray for us, too,

• Paul frequently asked individuals and churches to pray for him.

that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 

“his mysterious plan”

Colossians 1:26-27 NLT
²⁶ This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 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. 

Ephesians 6:19 NLT
¹⁹ And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.

• Pray for opportunities to proclaim the Good News.

2 Corinthians 2:12 NLT
¹² When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me.

Paul, imprisoned at the time, does not ask for release—but for open doors to share the gospel.

This reflects a deep gospel-centered mindset.

Ephesians 6:18-20 NLT
¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
¹⁹ And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. ²⁰ I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. 

2 Thessalonians 3:1 NLT
^3:1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. 

⁴ Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

Romans 1:14 NLT
¹⁴ For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike.

Proclaim the gospel at an age-appropriate level.

• Pray for boldness and clarity in sharing the gospel. 

⁵ Live wisely among those who are not believers, 

James 3:13, 17 NLT
¹³ If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT
¹¹ Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. ¹² Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. 

• Wise conduct with non-believers can win hearts. 

• Your conduct can either open or close doors for the gospel. Time is short—live intentionally. 

and make the most of every opportunity. 

• Make the most of every opportunity God gives you to share the Good News and to serve others.

Think of the following in terms of being a teacher at RDS:

Colossians 1:28 NLT
²⁸ So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.

2 Timothy 4:2 NLT
² Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 

⁶ Let your conversation be gracious and attractive (seasoned with salt – NIV) so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Kind, loving, patient, respectful

Engaging, wise, life-giving

Powerful

Wholesome

Well-chosen words

Salt is both a seasoning and a preservative.

Matthew 5:13 NLT
¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

Ephesians 4:29 NLT
²⁹ Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 

Colossians 3:8 NLT
⁸ But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

• Christians should be known for speaking truth with grace. Wisdom in speech can both challenge and attract.

Paul’s instructions for Christian households.

Wives and husbands
Children and fathers
Slaves and masters
Employees and employers

The overarching theme is that all relationships within a Christian context should be governed by the principles of love, respect, and a recognition of Christ’s Lordship over all aspects of life.

Colossians 3:18-25 NLT
Instructions for Christian Households
¹⁸ Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.
¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
²⁰ Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. ²³ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ²⁴ Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. ²⁵ But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

Examine the Scriptures:

Colossians 3:18-25 NLT
Instructions for Christian Households 

¹⁸ Wives, submit to your husbands,

The word “submit” in this context refers to a willing, respectful, and cooperative attitude, not inferiority.

In the current culture, many wives were treated as “property”.  This kind of submission would be a new concept for many of the current husband/wife relationships at this point in time.

Note:

1 Corinthians 11:3 NLT
³ But there is one thing I want you to know: The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Submission is not a bad thing.

Christ submits to the Father.

This is not a one-way street.

Verses 18 & 19 go together. 

as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.

“Fitting” means “appropriate” or “suitable” for someone who follows Jesus.

A wife is not obligated to follow her husband’s leadership if it conflicts with Biblical principles.

The same principle found in Ephesians.

Ephesians 5:21-24 NLT
²¹ And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
 (mutual submission)

²² For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. ²³ For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. ²⁴ As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

• Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.

This submission is not blind obedience or inferiority, but rather a relational posture that reflects Christ-centered humility. It’s within the context of mutual love and respect, not domination. 

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.

The husband’s role is not authoritarian but one of love and sacrifice (echoing Ephesians 5:25).

The husband’s love must be gentle, not overbearing or cruel.

At the time this was written, husbands had legal and societal authority, Paul balances the prior verse with a call to love. The Greek word for love here is agapao—sacrificial love. It challenges cultural norms by demanding gentleness and respect, reflecting Christ’s love for the Church.

Violence, threats, and unkind words are not acceptable in a Christian home.

Ephesians 5:25-29 NLT
²⁵ For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her ²⁶ to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. ²⁷ He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. ²⁸ In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. ²⁹ No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church.

• Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church.

• The relationship between husbands and wives is meant to mirror Christ and the church—a dynamic of love, honor, and mutual care. 

²⁰ Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 

Ephesians 6:1-3 NLT
^6:1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. ² “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: ³ If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” 

Exodus 20:12 NLT
¹² “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 

• Children should be taught to honor and obey their parents.

This obedience assumes that the parents are acting within the bounds of Christian love and wisdom. Obedience does not extend to things that contradict God’s commands. 

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

²¹ Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

Ephesians 6:4 NLT
⁴ Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

This principle applies to both parents.

• Fathers, do not provoke or frustrate your children by the way you treat them.

Paul is not saying to avoid correction or discipline. Rather, he encourages a balance—discipline guided by love, patience, and affirmation.

• Overly strict or unfair treatment can crush a child’s spirit, leading to resentment or apathy. 

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do.

Colossians 4:9 NLT
⁹ I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here. 

Note:
Most likely Paul wrote Philemon at the same time as Colossians and sent it to Colosse with the same travelers, Onesimus and Tychicus. He apparently wrote both letters from prison.
Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, a believer in Colosse who, along with others, was a slave owner. One of his slaves, Onesimus, had apparently stolen from him and then run away, which under Roman law was punishable by death. But Onesimus met Paul and through his ministry became a Christian. Now he was willing to return to his master, and Paul writes this personal appeal to ask that he be accepted as a Christian brother.

Ephesians 6:5-9 NLT
Slaves and Masters
⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. ⁶ Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. ⁷ Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ⁸ Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
⁹ Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

• Obey those in authority over you with deep respect and fear.

• Christian faith establishes relationships that change the nature of the social structure.

Philemon 15-16 NLT
¹⁵ It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. ¹⁶ He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. 

Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you.

• True integrity means working diligently even when no one is watching. 

Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. ²³ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

This is a powerful reminder that our ultimate Master is Jesus, not earthly authorities. 

• Our ultimate Master is Jesus, not earthly authorities. 

²⁴ Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 

• All Christians, both slave and free, serve a higher master, Christ, whose will is paramount. 

²⁵ But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

• God holds us accountable for our actions.

God judges fairly, regardless of status—there is accountability for everyone.

 

Christ-centered living transforms every relationship.

Authority should be exercised with love and responsibility. 

• All relationships within a Christian context should be governed by the principles of love, respect, and a recognition of Christ’s Lordship over all aspects of life.

 

Putting on the New Life

Review:

Colossians 2:13-14 NLT
¹³ You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. ¹⁴ He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.

Previously:

Colossians 3:5 NLT
⁵ So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.

Current lesson:

Colossians 3:12 NLT
¹² … clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  

This lesson tells us how we should live because of what God has done for us.

 

Colossians 3:11-17 NLT
Putting on the New Life
¹¹ In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
¹² Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ¹³ Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. ¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
¹⁶ Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Examine the Scriptures:

Colossians 3:11-17 NLT

Putting on the New Life

¹¹ In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free.

Galatians 3:28 NLT
²⁸ There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Romans 11:17 NLT
¹⁷ But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.

Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

• Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

All previous social, ethnic, and cultural divisions are erased.

• Christ transcends all barriers and unifies people from all cultures, races, and nations.

Jesus binds all Christians together in equality.

Christ defines our identity. 

¹² Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves,

Chosen by God.

Loved by God.

Holy – set apart for God.

• As Christians, we are chosen by God, set apart for God (holy), and loved by God.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves,   you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  

• Christians are instructed to clothes themselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience

¹³ Make allowance for each other’s faults,

and forgive anyone who offends you.

Believers must be willing to forgive others.

Grudges have no place in a Christian’s life for they lead to the sins listed in verses 8-9.

Colossians 3:8-9 NLT
⁸ But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. ⁹ Don’t lie to each other, …

• Forgive anyone who offends you. 

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 

Ephesians 4:32 NLT
³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Forgiving others graciously and freely.

• Forgiveness is central to Christian living.

Matthew 6:14-15 NLT
¹⁴ “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Note: Forgiveness is not a condition for Salvation.  Salvation is a gift.

When Christians sin, it disrupts their daily relationship with God. Confessing sins and seeking forgiveness, both from God and from those we have wronged, is necessary to restore that fellowship and right relationships.

If we truly understand God’s mercy, we should naturally extend that same mercy to others.

Unforgiveness can lead to bitterness and broken relationships.

If we expect God to forgive us but refuse to forgive others, we are being hypocritical. 

¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love,

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

Matthew 22:34-40 NLT
³⁴ But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. ³⁵ One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
³⁷ Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Love is presented as the ultimate virtue, the “perfect bond of unity” that holds everything together. 

• Love is the glue that ensures harmony and completeness in the Christian life. 

¹⁵ And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 

The peace of Christ is to rule in our hearts, fostering unity and harmony.

One evidence of God’s peace ruling in our hearts is harmonious relationships with other believers.

• Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. 

And always be thankful.

Colossians 1:11-12 NLT
¹¹ … 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. 

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

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
¹⁸ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

More in verses 16 – 17.

• Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

¹⁶ Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.

Here it would refer to the teaching about Christ as well as his own words passed on orally to the early Christians.

For us it refers to the Scriptures.

Psalm 119:11 NLT
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. 

Psalm 119:105 NLT
¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.

Joshua 1:8 NLT
⁸ Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT
¹² For the word of God is alive and powerful. 

• Scripture should permeate every aspect of the believer’s life and control every thought, word, and deed. 

 Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. **

• Believers need to be filled with the truth of God’s Word, using it to teach and encourage one another.

Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 

Ephesians 5:15-20 NLT
Living by the Spirit’s Power
¹⁵ So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. ¹⁷ Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. ¹⁸ Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, ¹⁹ singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. ²⁰ And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Music is a powerful form of communication.

Songs can often be more powerful than spoken words because they combine multiple elements—melody, rhythm, and lyrics—to evoke emotions and create a deeper, more lasting impact.

• Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 

¹⁷ And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,

• We are Christ’s ambassadors.

2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT
²⁰ So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

• We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Matthew 5:13-16 NLT
¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. …
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world …  ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT
³¹ So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

• So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Every aspect of a believer’s life should be lived as an act of worship to Christ.

• Teachers, stand in front of your classrooms as a representative of the Lord Jesus. **

 giving thanks through him to God the Father. 

Here again the theme of thankfulness is being repeated. 

 

 

Living the New Life

This lesson contains repetition of content from previous lessons.

This lesson has numerous reminders of familiar Biblical principles.

This lesson presents a huge challenge.

Colossians 3:1-4 NLT
Living the New Life
^3:1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. ² Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. ³ For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Examine the Scriptures:

Colossians 3:1-4 NLT
Living the New Life 

^3:1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ,

• The Colossians were Christians (believers).

Colossians 1:6 NLT
⁶ This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

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.

Colossians 2:5 NLT
⁵ For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

As Christians, the Colossians have been raised to new life with Christ.

• Believers experience a spiritual resurrection, a new life, through faith in Christ.

Colossians 2:12-13 NLT
¹² For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
¹³ You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.

Colossians 1:13 NLT
¹³ For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 

Romans 6:4 NLT
⁴ For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 

Philippians 3:20 NLT
²⁰ But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. 

• Christ lives in believers.

Ephesians 1:3 NLT
Spiritual Blessings
³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 

Galatians 2:20 NLT
²⁰ My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.  So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

set your sights on the realities of heaven, 

The challenge: 

• As Christians we need to be developing a mindset and lifestyle that focuses on eternal values.

We need to be shifting our mental and spiritual focus from the temporary, earthly concerns to the eternal, heavenly ones.

We need to think about and meditate on the nature of heaven, its promises, and its realities, recognizing that our true home is in heaven. 

where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

• Christ is in a position of authority and honor.

Luke 22:69 NLT
⁶⁹ But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.

1 Peter 3:22 NLT
²² Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

Hebrews 1:3 NLT
³ The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

Believers have a connection to Christ, who is seated in heaven.

What is Christ doing for us?

Romans 8:34 NLT
³⁴ Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. 

interceding for us. (ESV, NIV) 

Heaven is the place we, as believers, will be with Christ for all of eternity.  It certainly merits our attention. 

² Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.            

Two options. 

The contrast between “things of heaven” and “things of earth” highlights the fundamental choice believers face.

This reinforces the previous verse (“set your sights”), emphasizing the need for a conscious and deliberate focus on spiritual matters.

It’s not just about outward action but an inward mindset. The heart and thoughts should be oriented towards God’s purposes, values, and kingdom, rather than being consumed by earthly desires or anxieties.

Christians are encouraged to cultivate a mindset fixed on eternal realities, which influences how they live in the present.

• The believer’s focus should be on eternal, spiritual matters, rather than earthly concerns. 

Romans 12:2 NLT
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.

Philippians 4:8 NLT
⁸ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  

Matthew 6:19-34 NLT
Teaching about Money and Possessions
¹⁹ “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
^…
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? ²⁷ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
²⁸ “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, ²⁹ yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. ³⁰ And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
³¹ “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ ³² These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. ³³ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
³⁴ “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

1 John 2:15-17 NLT
Do Not Love This World
¹⁵ Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. ¹⁶ For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. ¹⁷ And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

³ For you died to this life,

Romans 6:5-11 NLT
⁵ Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. ⁶ We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. ⁷ For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. ⁸ And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. ⁹ We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. ¹⁰ When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. ¹¹ So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
¹⁷ This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Galatians 6:14 NLT
¹⁴ As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.

Believers are united with Christ.
Their penalty of sin was paid.
They arose with Christ in new life.

• Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 

A believer’s security and identity are in Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:17 NLT
¹⁷ But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

2 Peter 1:4 NLT
⁴ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

John 10:28 NLT
²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,

Hebrews 7:25 NLT
²⁵ Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

1 Peter 1:4 NLT
⁴ and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

• Believers have “died” to their old, sinful nature. Their true life is now secure, hidden in Christ. This speaks of both security (protected in God) and mystery (our full identity in Christ is not yet fully revealed). 

⁴ And when Christ, who is your life, 

When Christ who is your life ESV & NIV

• “Christ who is your life” reiterates that Christ is the source and essence of the believer’s life.

Christ is the one who gives spiritual life and sustains it.

Believer’s identity, hope, and purpose are rooted in Him.

The believer’s life is to reflect His character, values, and love. 

⁴ And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 

When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ESV & NIV

Revelation 19:11-16 NLT
The Rider on the White Horse
¹¹ Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. ¹² His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. ¹³ He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. ¹⁴ The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. ¹⁵ From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. ¹⁶ On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

This looks forward to Christ’s return, when believers will fully share in his glory.

• When Christ returns believers will share in all his glory.