I & II Thessalonians
Preparing for the Second Coming
Introduction to I & II Thessalonians
Stratégie d'enseignement
The focus of this lesson is to introduce I & II Thessalonians. Of special note in this lesson is a review of the history of Thessalonica and the circumstances around the writing of these two letters.
Résultats de l'apprentissage des étudiants
- Know: Understand why Paul wrote I & II Thessalonians.
- Feel: Appreciate the concern Paul had for the spiritual growth of the new Christians in Thessalonica.
- Do: Grow spiritually through the teachings of Paul.
Corps de la leçon
Questions à discuter
Vous trouverez ci-dessous des suggestions de questions à utiliser pendant la partie de la leçon consacrée à la discussion guidée. Vous trouverez également des suggestions de réponses aux questions pour aider les élèves à saisir les différents concepts. Ces réponses sont fournies pour faciliter la discussion et ne sont pas considérées comme des réponses "justes ou fausses".
Located in a region known today as South Eastern Europe. It was originally built in 315 BC and named after the half-sister of Alexander the Great and wife of the Macedonian King, Cassander. It's location as a port city made it a prosperous city. It was made off several different cultures including Jews.
Paul traveled to the area in AD 51 after receiving a vision from the Lord. It was Paul's second missionary Journey (AD 49 – 52 - Acts 15 – 18). Paul spent about a month in the region with his traveling companion Silas. They experienced opposition to the work in Thessalonica from the Jews. They opposed his teachings about Jesus and stirred up a mob. They sought to have Paul arrested. To prevent additional problems for the Christians, Paul and Silas left at night and went to Berea. This prevented Paul from providing a strong foundation for these new Christians. It will be later noted that Paul praised these young Christians because of their faith.
Due to the death of some in their congregation, the young Christians were concerned about what would happen to them if they died before the Lord returned. Paul taught them that the Lord would return but he had not had an opportunity to bring this teaching to their full understanding. Paul writes this letter to comfort them and to continue teaching them on the return of the Lord and the condition of those who had died while faithful to our Lord.
Paul expressing his feelings – Paul expresses joy and gratitude for the faithfulness of the Thessalonians and their loyalty to Paul and his helpers.
Paul defends himself – Paul refutes the false accusations made against him.
He shows how these attacks were intended to cause division and weaken the church.
Paul encourages the young Christians – Paul lets them know their faith was being tested and encouraged them to remain faithful. They were commended by Paul for their faithfulness.
Paul gives further teaching – Two critical points: (1) details concerning the second coming of Christ; (2) Sanctified (holy) living.
Fellowship – Paul continues to encourage the young Christians by expressing thanks for their fellowship with him and each other. This fellowship would continue to encourage and strengthen them.
Satan knows he can't attack God directly, so he attacks us. He uses three strategies to attack us. First, he tries to prevent us from becoming Christians. If he does this, then he destroys us before we can grow spiritually. Second, he seeks to weaken the faith of those who have turned to God. In doing this he draw us away from God. Third, he seeks to destroy Christian influence. In doing this he discourages us from growing and continuing to serve God.
It is through our dedication to faithful living, growing in knowledge, application of Jesus' teachings and seeking a closer relationship with God that allows us to defeat Satan's attempts. This is at the heart of what Paul taught the Thessalonians, and through them, teaches us today.
