Coachlight Bible Study – I Thessalonians (Part III)

Chapters Four And Five – Pleasing God

 

The group at Thessa­lonica was converted on Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-9). Being released from prison at Philippi, Paul then heard the “Macedonian call”.  Paul and his companions, Silas and Timothy, went south and then west to the Macedonian capital and commercial center, Thes­salonica. With much tribulation caused by Jews (Acts 17:10-15), Paul reasoned with the people from the Word of God and had to flee to Athens.  Timothy rejoined Paul at Corinth with the report that the people had taken hold of the Word of God. Paul then wrote I Thessalonians: first to commend  his faithful brethren for continuing to walk with Christ (While explaining what true evangelism is) and then to exhort them in their walk of holiness expecting Christ’s return.

Paul’s plan is seen in Paul recalling the warm reception the converts gave the Gospel and then he reminds them of the circumstances in which he brought the Word of God to them. His concern was evidenced by his willingness to part with Timothy, a key person in his team, in order to encourage the people of Thessalonica.

Some have stated that the “wrath” of I Thessalonians 1:10 & 5:9 was the persecution suffered by Christians, but the context shows us that it is judgment from which the people who have the patience of hope are saved.

 

I Thessalonians – Pleasing God

Focus – (Intention)

Giving & Receiving The Word

Exhortation

Reference

1:1---------2:1------------------3:1--------4:1---------4:13--------5:1-------5:12-------

Division – (Plan)

Receiving The Word

Characteristics of True Evangelism

Reason For Writing

Pleasing God

Dead In Christ

Day of the Lord

Holy Living

Topic

Commendation

Exhortation

Location

Written In Corinth

Time

51 A.D.

 

I. The Salutation

I Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

I Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience<5281> of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

I Thessalonians 1:4  Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. {beloved…: or, beloved of God, your election}

 

A. The letter was from Paul, Silas, and Timothy

B. The letter was to the group of people at Thessalonica


C. Paul had been praying for his “flock” without ceasing

D. Paul remembered Three Things Concerning The Thessalonians

1. Their work because of their faith

2. Their labor because they loved their brothers

3. Their perseverance because they had expectant hope – See Hebrews 12:1-12

 

5281. upomonh hupomone hoop-om-on-ay’; from 5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:— enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).

E. These fruits demonstrated they being chosen by God

 

II. The Evangelism

I Thessalonians 1:5  For our gospel<2098> came not unto you in word only, but also in power<1411>, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance<4136>; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

 

A. The Definition of the word Gospel

 

2098. euaggelion euaggelion yoo-ang-ghel’-ee-on; from the same as 2097; a good message, 2097. euaggelizw euaggelizo yoo-ang-ghel-id’-zo; from 2095 and 32; to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel:— declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).

 

B. We see what Paul’s Gospel was in the book of Acts:

 

Acts 17:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

 

C. The definition of the word power – Where we get our word dynamite

 

1411. dunamiv dunamis doo’-nam-is; from 1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):— ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.

 

D. The definition of the word assurance: - conviction

 

4136. plhroforia plerophoria play-rof-or-ee’-ah; from 4135; entire confidence:— (full) assurance.

 

III. The Reception Of The Word – Turned The World Upside Down

 

I Thessalonians 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

I Thessalonians 1:7  So that ye were ensamples<5179> to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

I Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

 

A. The meaning of  ensamples: “sign of future events” – Our word Type

 

5179. tupov tupos too’-pos; from 5180; a die (as struck), i.e. (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specifically, a sampler ("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning):— en-(ex-)ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print.

 

B. The meaning of the word “sounded out – We get our word ‘echo’

 

1837. exhceomai execheomai ex-ay-kheh’-om-ahee; middle voice from 1537 and 2278; to "echo" forth, i.e. resound (be generally reported):— sound forth.

 

1. Notice that no word needed to be spoken

2. Notice what was sounded out – The Word of God

3. Notice it wasn’t by great numbers of people

4. Notice it was from a pattern of living

5. Notice it was from receiving the Word of God

 

I Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

I Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait<362> for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath<3709> to come.

 

D. The meaning of the word “wait” – expectant endurance

 

362 anamenw anemeno an-am-en’-o - from 303 and 3306; ; v

AV-wait for 1; 1 - 1) to wait for one (with the added notion of patience and trust)

 

E. The meaning of the word “wrath”Judgment for sin – Tribulation Period

 

3709 orgh or-gay’ - frm 3713; n f  - wrath 31, anger 3, vengeance 1, indignation 1; 36

1) anger, the natural disposition, temper, character

2) movement or agitation of the soul, impulse, desire, any violent emotion, but esp. anger

3) anger, wrath, indignation

4) anger exhibited in punishment, hence used for punishment itself

4a) of punishments inflicted by magistrates

 

1. “Wrath” From Robertson’s Word Picture:

To wait for his Son from heaven  Present infinitive, linear, to keep on waiting for. The hope of the second coming of Christ was real and powerful with Paul as it should be with us.  It was subject to abuse then as now as Paul will have to show in this very letter. He alludes to this hope at the close of each chapter in this Epistle.

Jesus which delivereth us from the wrath to come  It is the historic, crucified, risen, and ascended Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who delivers from the coming wrath.  It is eschatological language, this coming wrath of God for sin (#1Th 2:16; Ro 3:5; 5:9; 9:22; 13:5). It was Paul’s allusion to the day of judgment with Jesus as Judge whom God had raised from the dead that made the Athenians mock and leave him (#Ac 17:31). But Paul did not change his belief or his preaching because of the conduct of the Athenians. He is certain that God’s wrath in due time will punish sin. Surely this is a needed lesson for our day. It was coming then and it is coming now.


 

2. “Wrath” From JFB

 

10. This verse distinguishes them from the Jews, as #1Th 1:9 from the idolatrous Gentiles. To wait for the Lord’s coming is a sure characteristic of a true believer, and was prominent amidst the graces of the Thessalonians (#1Co 1:7,8). His coming is seldom called his return (#Joh 14:3); because the two advents are regarded as different phases of the same coming; and the second coming shall have features altogether new connected with it, so that it will not be a mere repetition of the first, or a mere coming back again.

 

C. Wrath to Come – Two other Scripture References

 

1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

 

Colossians 3:6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

 

IV. Chapter Two – The Characteristics of True Evangelism

 

Characteristics Of True Evangelism

I. True Evangelism is rooted in the Truth

I Thessalonians 2:1

II. True Evangelism is “Confident in Spirit”

I Thessalonians 2:2

III. True Evangelism’s Confidence Is Not Out Of Deceit

I Thessalonians 2:3

IV. True Evangelism Is By God And To Please God Not Man

I Thessalonians 2:4

V. True Evangelism Is Not Ostensibly For Greed

I Thessalonians 2:5

VI. True Evangelism Does Not Glorify Any Man Or The Evangelist

I Thessalonians 2:6

VIII. True Evangelism Finances Itself

I Thessalonians 2:7

IX. True Evangelism Is, By Example, A Holy Walk

I Thessalonians 2:8-9

X. True Evangelism Is Discipling – As Both Mother & Father

I Thessalonians 2:11

XI. True Evangelism Has An Aim

I Thessalonians 2:12

XII. True Evangelism Includes The Reception Of The Word

I Thessalonians 2:13-14

XIII. True Evangelism Takes Hold Even In Persecution

I Thessalonians 2:15-18

XIII. True Evangelism (Discipling) Has It’s Reward

I Thessalonians 2:19-20

 

V. Chapter 3 – Paul Sends Timothy To The Thessalonians

 

A. Paul had to flee to Athens – Chapter 3, verse 1

B. Paul wanted to “Know their faith” – Chapter 3, verses 2-5

C. Timothy returned  with an encouraging report – Chapter 3, verses 6-10

D. Paul desired to visit the Thessalonians

 

VI. Chapters 4 & 5 - Exhortation to Please God

 

A. Pleasing God with Your Walk - Sanctification

 

1 Thessalonians 4:1  Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. {beseech: or, request} {exhort: or, beseech}

1 Thessalonians 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

 

1. Remember the Commandments of Christ?

 

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Matthew 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

Matthew 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

 

2. Abstain From Fornication

 

1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

1 Thessalonians 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

1 Thessalonians 4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

 

3. Abstain From Defrauding Your Brother

 

1 Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. {defraud: or, oppress, or, overreach} {in…: or, in the matter}

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

1 Thessalonians 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. {despiseth: or, rejecteth}

1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

1 Thessalonians 4:10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

 

4. Continue With Your Normal Everyday Work While Expecting Christ

1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

1 Thessalonians 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. {of…: or, of no man}

 

B. Pleasing God by Comforting One Another With Revelation

 

1. Comfort Concerning The Rapture

 

1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:14  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. {prevent: or, come before, or, anticipate, or, precede}

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. {comfort: or, exhort}

 

2. Comfort Concerning The Day of the Lord

 

1 Thessalonians 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

1 Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Thessalonians 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. {comfort: or, exhort}


C. Pleasing God In Everyday Living

 

1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. {exhort: or, beseech} {unruly: or, disorderly}

1 Thessalonians 5:15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:20  Despise not prophesyings.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1 Thessalonians 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us.

1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

1 Thessalonians 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. {charge: or, adjure}

1 Thessalonians 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.