1 Thessalonians

“1 Thessalonians has a double thrust: godly living within an awareness of Christ’s coming”

Acts 17:1-10

Central Theme:

1 Thessalonians

The Second Coming of Christ

Other themes:

1 Thessalonians

Portrayal of healthy, growing church

Notable characteristics:

1 Thessalonians

• It is intimate, heart-to-heart. • Its tone is gentle, affectionate, “a

classic of Christian friendship.” • The epistle is simple, basic.

Notable characteristics (cont.):

1 Thessalonians• There is an air of expectancy, especially

concerning Christ’s return. • The epistle gives one of the earliest

pictures of the primitive New Testament church.

• There are no quotations from the Old Testament.

Outline: The Lord’s Coming is…

1 Thessalonians

An inspiring hope for the young convert (ch. 1) An encouraging hope for the faithful servant (ch. 2) A purifying hope for the believer (ch. 3) A comforting hope for the bereaved (ch. 4) A rousing hope for the sleepy Christian (ch. 5)

Key words: “holy”1 Thessalonians

“so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God

and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” — 1 Thes. 3:13

Key words: “always”1 Thessalonians

“always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always”

— 1 Thes. 5:15b–16)

Key words: “faith”1 Thessalonians

“Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.”

—1 Thes. 1:8b

Key words: “coming”

1 Thessalonians

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your

whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord

Jesus Christ.” —1 Thes 5:23

Key words: “know”

1 Thessalonians

“for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.”

—1 Thes 4:2

Key words: “comfort”

1 Thessalonians

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are

doing.” —1 Thes 5:11

1 Thessalonians