Teacher's Guide

I & II Thessalonians

Preparing for the Second Coming

No other book of the Bible gives a clearer sequence and detail of the events surrounding the glorious return of Jesus Christ than the two letters Paul writes to a young church at Thessalonica (Greece) who fear that their departed loved ones will be left behind when that great day comes.
Series
2 of 12

Genuine Conversion

In the opening section of his letter Paul, the Apostle, describes the attributes that reveal a genuine conversion to Christ.

Teaching Strategy

The focus of this lesson is on Paul’s greeting and words of comfort to the young Christians in Thessalonica. Of special note in this lesson are indicators of genuine conversion.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Know: Develop a deeper understanding of the second coming of Jesus.
  • Feel: Express confidence in our salvation.
  • Do: Live faithfully according to the teachings of Jesus in order to be ready for His return.

Body of the Lesson

1.1 - Salutation – I Thessalonians 1:1
1.2 - Thanksgiving – I Thessalonians 1:2-10
1.3 - Summary

Discussion Questions

Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson.  There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts.  These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.

1. Summarize the environment and conditions that led Paul to write to the Thessalonians.

Thessalonica was a port city in Macedonia. Paul established a community of believers there in 51 AD and remained with them approximately one month before being forced to leave. Paul received a report from Timothy concerning the faithfulness of these Christians, but they were experiencing areas of doubt and needed encouragement to continue to grow spiritually.

2. Review I Thessalonians 1:1 and answer the following questions:
What is significant about the order of names in this verse?

Normally, individuals are listed in order of prominence. In this case, Paul is the leader of this effort both as his role as an apostle and having led the effort to establish this congregation. Silvanus assisted Paul in this effort. Timothy is a young protégé of Paul.

What is significant in Paul's use of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ in the same sentence?

Paul is equating the Son with the Father. This will be emphasized in following verses.

Describe the relationship between grace and peace as Paul uses them in the salutation of his letter.

Grace and peace are normal ways Paul begins his letters. Grace is what God grants us. As a result, the more we understand this, the greater the peace we feel from confidence in our salvation. Peace is among the spiritual blessings guaranteed by the Holy Spirit to those reconciled to God.

3. Outline the phrases Paul uses to describe the Thessalonians from verse 1:2-4. What is the likely effect on these young Christians?

He gives thanks to God for them. Mentions them in His prayers, sees their work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in Christ in the presence of God the Father Who has chosen them.

This should have the effect of not only seeing Paul's deep affection for these brethren, but provided them with encouragement. As they began to face reality of the world around them and perhaps erroneous or false teaching, doubts and misunderstandings crept in. Paul assures them through these words that their place before God is not lost or in jeopardy.

A fair question would be, would Paul describe us in this way if we were receiving this letter today?

4. Where did Paul state his message was from and why is it important that he express this to the Thessalonians?

Verse 1:5 – Paul states that his message comes through the power of the Holy Spirit both in word and power so as to provide conviction of its truthfulness. Furthermore, Paul reminds them that they know he, Silvanus and Timothy are from God, therefore, they can be believed.

Verse 1:6 – The message they received brought about a change in them. This change is evidence of the truthfulness of their words and of the sincere conversion of these people.

5. How does I Thessalonians 1:7-10 apply to us?

We too should be an example to the community around us and to those with whom we come into contact. We should see a change in our lives from who we were to who we are becoming, like Christ. We should be turning away from the things in our previous life that drew us away from God. This is sometimes a gradual and difficult change, but it should be evident to us and others as well.

6. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?

We use the word conversion to describe the change a person makes in committing to following Jesus. It is not a one-time event. Conversion means to change from one form to another. We should see this continual change in our lives as we grow spiritually.

Paul expresses confidence in the conversion of the Thessalonians because he sees their faith in action. He sees it though their lives and the impact they have on those around them. Paul wants to encourage the Thessalonians to stay faithful.

This is the message for us as well. Just like the young Christians in Thessalonica, we also experience doubt and perhaps look to return to our former lives. We must continue to resist this and stay faithful. This is what our Lord asks of us, not perfection, but faithfulness.

Series
2 of 12