I. Introduction
This week we will cover the Book of Jude; all 25 verses of it. Jude is the next to the last book found in the NT. As we normally do when starting a new study I will guide our study by answering the questions of Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
II. Who
A. Who wrote it? Two possibilities...
1. Jude, the apostle (not Judas Escariot)
2. Jude, the brother of Jesus
3. Most scholars believe it is the latter
B. To Whom Was it Written
1. It is not known to which church it was originally written
III. What
A. One of the shortest books of the bible, only 25 verses
B. It is written to warn congregants about false prophets living among them
C. False prophets may have been earliest of Gnostics
IV. When
A. Is likely one of the earliest books of the NT
B. Possibly was written around 65 AD
V. Where
A. One of the few NT books from the Palestinian Christian community
VI. Why
A. Written to warn Christians of false prophets in their midst
B. Appears to warn against early gnostics
1. Their philophy distinquishes matter as inherently evil and spirit as being good
2. The effect on Christian ethics was significant
a. antinomianism - belief that one is not under obligation to obey the moral law
b. a belief in abuse of the body to promote spirituality
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
(1) The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Second Thessalonians - Chapter 3
All,
This week we are wrapping up our study of Second Thessalonians. Thus, we need to decide on what to study next. Given that we're in the summer season and many of us are away from church for a week or two on vacation or other travels I'd like to propose we stay in the New Testament and study some of the shorter letters which are easily covered in a week or two. This way anyone who misses a week or two will not feel lost returning in the middle of a larger multi-month study. Please bring your ideas with you to Sunday School tomorrow morning.
Now, let's proceed with wrapping up Second Thessalonians.
I. Introduction
A. A Request for Prayer and a Prayer for Them
B. A Charge to Discipline the Disorderly
C. Concluding Remarks
II. A Request for Prayer and a Prayer for Them
A. First Paul requests the Thessalonians pray for him and his work
1. Asks that they pray for God to facilitate the rapid and wide dissemination of the Gospel
2. Asks that they pray for Paul's deliverance from his enemies.
a. Dr. Constable believes Paul was referencing unbelieving Jews who were causing him difficulty in Corinth.
3. Imagine how the Thessalonians must have felt when they read that their leader was asking for them to pray for him!
4. Important to note Paul was not asking selfishly for prayers about wordly things. He was asking for prayers that God might intervene to help him further advance his ministry.
a. Read James 4:2 - James gives powerful instruction on how and what to pray for and that God wants us to pray and ask.
B. After expressing confidence in them he then prays that they might have a greater appreciation of God's love for them and the patience/steadfastness of Christ
III. A Charge to Discipline the Disorderly
A. Passage is mostly about how to treat "disorderly" christians. However, Paul does briefly address the offenders in v12.
B. Issue is about congregants who had stopped working and had begun living on the generosity of the other members.
C. Paul reminds them that he himself worked while he was among them specifically for the purpose of giving them an example to imitate.
D. Clearly this was a topic that had been discussed previously.
1. Paul mentions that he taught them about this while he was among them
2. Also wrote about same topic in his first letter (see First Thessalonians 4:11) - gently encouraging them.
E. Clearly some had not gotten the hint and now stronger, more direct language was needed.
F. Why had some of the congregants stopped working?
1. Believed Lord's return was imminent. Instead of believing the Lord COULD come soon, they had come to believe He WOULD come soon.
2. In anticipation of this event they had become excited and quit their jobs
G. Paul provides direct instruction to the offenders, in effect saying, "Calm yourself down and get back to work and provide for yourselves."
H. Paul also provides instruction on how to "discipline" those who do not heed his words.
1. Basically he tells them to shun them and in this way they will be shamed into admitting the error of their ways and will fall in line with God's teaching.
2. Also tells them to continue to love them as brothers not to treat them as enemies.
IV. Concluding Remarks
A. Another prayer for the Thessalonians
B. A confirmation of his authorship (he writes these sentences in his own handwriting instead of through a scribe)
C. Final benediction
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
(1) Notes on Second Thessalonians, 2010 Edition, Dr. Thomas L. Constable
(2) The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians, A Study Guide with Introductory Comments, Summaries, Outlines, and Review Questions by Mark A. Copeland
(3) The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary, The Iversen-Norman Associates, New York 1971
This week we are wrapping up our study of Second Thessalonians. Thus, we need to decide on what to study next. Given that we're in the summer season and many of us are away from church for a week or two on vacation or other travels I'd like to propose we stay in the New Testament and study some of the shorter letters which are easily covered in a week or two. This way anyone who misses a week or two will not feel lost returning in the middle of a larger multi-month study. Please bring your ideas with you to Sunday School tomorrow morning.
Now, let's proceed with wrapping up Second Thessalonians.
I. Introduction
A. A Request for Prayer and a Prayer for Them
B. A Charge to Discipline the Disorderly
C. Concluding Remarks
II. A Request for Prayer and a Prayer for Them
A. First Paul requests the Thessalonians pray for him and his work
1. Asks that they pray for God to facilitate the rapid and wide dissemination of the Gospel
2. Asks that they pray for Paul's deliverance from his enemies.
a. Dr. Constable believes Paul was referencing unbelieving Jews who were causing him difficulty in Corinth.
3. Imagine how the Thessalonians must have felt when they read that their leader was asking for them to pray for him!
4. Important to note Paul was not asking selfishly for prayers about wordly things. He was asking for prayers that God might intervene to help him further advance his ministry.
a. Read James 4:2 - James gives powerful instruction on how and what to pray for and that God wants us to pray and ask.
B. After expressing confidence in them he then prays that they might have a greater appreciation of God's love for them and the patience/steadfastness of Christ
III. A Charge to Discipline the Disorderly
A. Passage is mostly about how to treat "disorderly" christians. However, Paul does briefly address the offenders in v12.
B. Issue is about congregants who had stopped working and had begun living on the generosity of the other members.
C. Paul reminds them that he himself worked while he was among them specifically for the purpose of giving them an example to imitate.
D. Clearly this was a topic that had been discussed previously.
1. Paul mentions that he taught them about this while he was among them
2. Also wrote about same topic in his first letter (see First Thessalonians 4:11) - gently encouraging them.
E. Clearly some had not gotten the hint and now stronger, more direct language was needed.
F. Why had some of the congregants stopped working?
1. Believed Lord's return was imminent. Instead of believing the Lord COULD come soon, they had come to believe He WOULD come soon.
2. In anticipation of this event they had become excited and quit their jobs
G. Paul provides direct instruction to the offenders, in effect saying, "Calm yourself down and get back to work and provide for yourselves."
H. Paul also provides instruction on how to "discipline" those who do not heed his words.
1. Basically he tells them to shun them and in this way they will be shamed into admitting the error of their ways and will fall in line with God's teaching.
2. Also tells them to continue to love them as brothers not to treat them as enemies.
IV. Concluding Remarks
A. Another prayer for the Thessalonians
B. A confirmation of his authorship (he writes these sentences in his own handwriting instead of through a scribe)
C. Final benediction
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
(1) Notes on Second Thessalonians, 2010 Edition, Dr. Thomas L. Constable
(2) The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians, A Study Guide with Introductory Comments, Summaries, Outlines, and Review Questions by Mark A. Copeland
(3) The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary, The Iversen-Norman Associates, New York 1971
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Second Thessalonians - Chapter 2
THE DAY OF THE LORD
I. Introduction
A. The Lord Has Not Come Yet (v. 1-2)
B. The Wicked Man Must Come First (v. 3-12)
C. Thanks to God for the Thessalonians (v. 13-15)
D. Prayer for the Thessalonians (v. 16-17)
II. The Lord Has Not Come Yet
A. False teachings have persuaded some of the Thessalonians that their persecution and affliction is a sign that "The Day of the Lord" had already begun.
B. Paul categorically denies this.
C. Cautions them not to be easily misguided by false teachings
D. Paul mentions three possible ways they may have been misled
1. By someone claiming a false prophecy, or
2. By someone claiming Paul had said or preached a sermon contrary to what he had already told them , or
3. By someone claiming to have a letter written by Paul on this subject
III. The Wicked Man Must Come First
A. Paul proclaims the day of the Lord will not come until two events occur
1. the rebellion, and
2. the lawless one is revealed
B. Greek word used for first event is "apostasy"
1. We don't know meaning of that word. However, similar word "Apostasia" usually means rebellion.
2. Wycliffe's bible commentary suggests rebellion could come in one of two forms, either in a political or religious sense.
3. Easy English bible commentary suggests it means religious and more specifically a 'falling away' or turning against God.
C. Wycliffe goes on to explain further that it will be a 'marshaling of the powers of evil against the people and purposes of God
D. Several other biblical references warn against this as well
1. Matthew 24:10
2. I Timothy 4:1-3
3. II Timothy 3:1-9
4. II Timothy 4:3
E. Lawless one will only be revealed at a time and place of God's choosing (God is always in charge!)
1. Lawless one is currently being held in check and can not reveal himself because of the power of God through the Holy Spirit - this position held by Dispensationalists (ex. Scofield)
2. Many other scholars (from Tertullian on c. 200 AD) believe Paul was referring loosely to the Roman empire (i.e., government in general). Government maintains law and order thus allowing the church to carry out its work.
F. Coming of the lawless one is obviously the work of Satan.
1. He will be able to perform great miracles
2. Many will be deceived because they have not known God's love, have not loved the truth
G. Lawless one (to whom John refers to as the antichrist) will oppose God and all other religions
1. Will declare himself to be a god
2. Will seat himself in the temple
IV. Thanks to God for the Thessalonians
A. Paul gives thanks to God for the faithful Thessalonians
B. Implores the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold fast to what he has taught them through his direct (in-person) teachings or by his letters.
V. Prayer for the Thessalonians
A. Prays that God may comfort their hearts and strengthen them in good work and word
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
(1) The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Iversen-Norman Associates, 1971
(2) www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/2thess-lbw.htm
I. Introduction
A. The Lord Has Not Come Yet (v. 1-2)
B. The Wicked Man Must Come First (v. 3-12)
C. Thanks to God for the Thessalonians (v. 13-15)
D. Prayer for the Thessalonians (v. 16-17)
II. The Lord Has Not Come Yet
A. False teachings have persuaded some of the Thessalonians that their persecution and affliction is a sign that "The Day of the Lord" had already begun.
B. Paul categorically denies this.
C. Cautions them not to be easily misguided by false teachings
D. Paul mentions three possible ways they may have been misled
1. By someone claiming a false prophecy, or
2. By someone claiming Paul had said or preached a sermon contrary to what he had already told them , or
3. By someone claiming to have a letter written by Paul on this subject
III. The Wicked Man Must Come First
A. Paul proclaims the day of the Lord will not come until two events occur
1. the rebellion, and
2. the lawless one is revealed
B. Greek word used for first event is "apostasy"
1. We don't know meaning of that word. However, similar word "Apostasia" usually means rebellion.
2. Wycliffe's bible commentary suggests rebellion could come in one of two forms, either in a political or religious sense.
3. Easy English bible commentary suggests it means religious and more specifically a 'falling away' or turning against God.
C. Wycliffe goes on to explain further that it will be a 'marshaling of the powers of evil against the people and purposes of God
D. Several other biblical references warn against this as well
1. Matthew 24:10
2. I Timothy 4:1-3
3. II Timothy 3:1-9
4. II Timothy 4:3
E. Lawless one will only be revealed at a time and place of God's choosing (God is always in charge!)
1. Lawless one is currently being held in check and can not reveal himself because of the power of God through the Holy Spirit - this position held by Dispensationalists (ex. Scofield)
2. Many other scholars (from Tertullian on c. 200 AD) believe Paul was referring loosely to the Roman empire (i.e., government in general). Government maintains law and order thus allowing the church to carry out its work.
F. Coming of the lawless one is obviously the work of Satan.
1. He will be able to perform great miracles
2. Many will be deceived because they have not known God's love, have not loved the truth
G. Lawless one (to whom John refers to as the antichrist) will oppose God and all other religions
1. Will declare himself to be a god
2. Will seat himself in the temple
IV. Thanks to God for the Thessalonians
A. Paul gives thanks to God for the faithful Thessalonians
B. Implores the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold fast to what he has taught them through his direct (in-person) teachings or by his letters.
V. Prayer for the Thessalonians
A. Prays that God may comfort their hearts and strengthen them in good work and word
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
(1) The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Iversen-Norman Associates, 1971
(2) www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/2thess-lbw.htm
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Second Thessalonians - Chapter 1
I. Overview
A. Greetings
B. Thanksgiving & Encouragement
C. The Judgement at Christ's Coming
II. Greetings
A. Compare v. 1-2 to opening verses of First Thessalonians
1. Some use the fact that they are virtually identical to suggest someone else penned Second Thessalonians at a much later date, using Paul's name and his words to support authenticity.
2. However, also read opening verses of many other letters written by Paul. Almost all use very similar words.
III. Thanksgiving & Encouragement
A. Thanksgiving - always gives thanks to God for their growing faith
B. Offers Encouragement for them to continue to be faithful in the face of persecution by boasting of their faith to other churchs
III. Judgement at Christ's Coming
A. Greetings
B. Thanksgiving & Encouragement
C. The Judgement at Christ's Coming
II. Greetings
A. Compare v. 1-2 to opening verses of First Thessalonians
1. Some use the fact that they are virtually identical to suggest someone else penned Second Thessalonians at a much later date, using Paul's name and his words to support authenticity.
2. However, also read opening verses of many other letters written by Paul. Almost all use very similar words.
III. Thanksgiving & Encouragement
A. Thanksgiving - always gives thanks to God for their growing faith
B. Offers Encouragement for them to continue to be faithful in the face of persecution by boasting of their faith to other churchs
III. Judgement at Christ's Coming
A. Thessalonicans had suffered through persecution
1. Paul says God's coming judgement is right
2. God will judge the Thessalonicans and they will be seen to have had faith
3. They will 'pass the test' and spend eternity with God and Jesus
B. God will Judge and Punish Evil
1. God's justice will ultimately prevail
2. Persecutors and unbelievers will face God's wrath
C. Jesus Coming from Heaven
1. Coming with powerful angels and fire
2. His followers will be reunited with him in the sky
3. Jesus will send unbelievers away from Him and God forever
D. Paul Expresses Confidence Thessalonicans will be Among those Called to Spend Eternity with Him
1. Believe the message and you will be among those who are saved.
Bibiolograhpy:
(1) www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/2thess-lbw.htm
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Introduction - Second Thessalonians
Next Sunday, June 13th, we will begin our study of Second Thessalonians. This week, to get us started I will be providing an overview of the book. As I've done in the past, I will accomplish this by answering the 5 'W' questions: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
I. Who
A. Who Wrote It?
1. As always there is a difference of opinion as to whether the letter was actually written by Paul.
2. However, most experts do believe it was written by Paul
B. To Whom was it Written?
1. No doubt here, it was written to the early Christians at Thessalonica
2. Primarily Gentiles, but some Jews
II. What - Three Key Topics Contained in the Letter
A. Encouragement in the face of continuing persecution
B. Clarify events concerning the day of the Lord
C. Instructed church on how to deal with lazy Christians
III. When
A. People who believe it wasn't written by Paul - suggest it was written late in the first century about the same time as Revelations.
B. People who believe it was written by Paul - suggest it was written within a year of when Paul wrote First Thessalonians.
IV. Where
A. Recall from our study of First Thessalonians that Thessalonica is located in present day Greece
1. Located at intersection of two major Roman roads
a. one leading from Italy eastward (Ignatia Way)
b. other from the Danube to the Aegean
2. Port city
3. Roman provincial capital of Macedonia
B. Like First Thessalonians - it is believed Paul wrote Second Thessalonians from Corinth
V. Why
A. To offer additional encouragement to the church who faced continued persecution
B. To dispel false teaching about the second coming of the Lord
C. To correct behavior resulting from this false teach - specifically people not working because they were sure Jesus was coming soon.
Bibliography:
(1) www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/2thessalonians.pdf
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Thessalonians
(3) www.bibleplaces.com/thessalonica.htm
I. Who
A. Who Wrote It?
1. As always there is a difference of opinion as to whether the letter was actually written by Paul.
2. However, most experts do believe it was written by Paul
B. To Whom was it Written?
1. No doubt here, it was written to the early Christians at Thessalonica
2. Primarily Gentiles, but some Jews
II. What - Three Key Topics Contained in the Letter
A. Encouragement in the face of continuing persecution
B. Clarify events concerning the day of the Lord
C. Instructed church on how to deal with lazy Christians
III. When
A. People who believe it wasn't written by Paul - suggest it was written late in the first century about the same time as Revelations.
B. People who believe it was written by Paul - suggest it was written within a year of when Paul wrote First Thessalonians.
IV. Where
A. Recall from our study of First Thessalonians that Thessalonica is located in present day Greece
1. Located at intersection of two major Roman roads
a. one leading from Italy eastward (Ignatia Way)
b. other from the Danube to the Aegean
2. Port city
3. Roman provincial capital of Macedonia
B. Like First Thessalonians - it is believed Paul wrote Second Thessalonians from Corinth
V. Why
A. To offer additional encouragement to the church who faced continued persecution
B. To dispel false teaching about the second coming of the Lord
C. To correct behavior resulting from this false teach - specifically people not working because they were sure Jesus was coming soon.
Bibliography:
(1) www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/2thessalonians.pdf
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Thessalonians
(3) www.bibleplaces.com/thessalonica.htm
Saturday, May 29, 2010
1 Thessalonians Chapter 5
This week we will complete our study of First Thessalonians. Then it is on to Second Thessalonians. So let's get started.
I. Introduction
A. Chapter V - final chapter in letter
B. Divided into three main parts
1. First part continues topic from chapter 4 - The Coming of the Lord
2. Second part discusses life in a community of believers
3. Third part - Paul concludes remarks and gives benediction
II. The Coming of the Lord
A. Paul reminds them of what they already know - no one knows when God will send Jesus back to earth.
B. "Day of the Lord" does not literally mean a day.
1. Rather, means the entire period of the end times.
2. Time when God will set-up his Kingdom on earth.
C. Paul says that time will be like a "thief in the night."
1. Those who do not know the Lord and are walking in darkness will be totally taken offguard.
2. Paul also likens it to a woman going into labor - no warning, no stopping it
D. Paul reminds them they have nothing to fear because they are "children of the light."
1. They have heard God's message and accepted His gift
2. Light represents life and goodness. Children of the light are those who are living God's life.
3. Paul reminds them that because they are children of the light that they should not fall asleep, i.e., should guard against backsliding. They know the truth about how they ought to live
4. He also reminds them to remain in control of themselves. Do not be like the people of darkness who drink to excess and lose control of themselves.
E. Paul goes on to explain how Christian life is like a battle and how they must dress themselves accordingly. Faith, hope, and love are their battle dress
1. Battle helmet - hope of salvation
2. Clothes - guard their hearts and minds and keep them safe
3. Faith, hope, and love give Christians strength to overcome their troubles
III. Life in a Community of Believers
A. Respect and listen to your chosen leaders
1. Leaders have a hard task. Must admonish and correct those who go astray.
2. Must also keep the peace.
3. Paul asks the people to be considerate and respectful of people who are in leadership positions.
4. Be mindful of why they are correcting you. Love you and don't want you to fall away.
B. Various Christian Duties
1. Warn those who won't work
2. Encourage those who are weak in the spirit
3. Do not return evil for evil
4. Always be joyful - even in times of trouble
5. Pray without ceasing
a. means have an attitude of prayer
b. make it a regular part of your life
c. God wants to have a dialogue with you
6. Do not put out the fire of the Spirit
a. Be 'on fire' for the Lord
b. Use the gifts He gave you
7. Do not refuse to accept prophecies
1. Early christians did not have the benefit of having the new testament to guide them
2. While they knew to be wary of false prophets, Paul reminds them that this doesn't mean to dismiss all prophecy out of hand.
3. Must weigh what is being said in the prophecy against what the Lord has already said. No true prophecy will supercede what Jesus said.
4. True prophecy also will never hurt the church.
IV. Closing Remarks and Benediction
A. Paul prays that they may remain holy and free from sin
B. Closes by asking them to pray for him, to greet each other with a 'holy kiss'.
C. Asks that the letter be read to the entire church
Bibliography:
(1) https://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/1thess-lbw.htm
(2) http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=52&c=5
I. Introduction
A. Chapter V - final chapter in letter
B. Divided into three main parts
1. First part continues topic from chapter 4 - The Coming of the Lord
2. Second part discusses life in a community of believers
3. Third part - Paul concludes remarks and gives benediction
II. The Coming of the Lord
A. Paul reminds them of what they already know - no one knows when God will send Jesus back to earth.
B. "Day of the Lord" does not literally mean a day.
1. Rather, means the entire period of the end times.
2. Time when God will set-up his Kingdom on earth.
C. Paul says that time will be like a "thief in the night."
1. Those who do not know the Lord and are walking in darkness will be totally taken offguard.
2. Paul also likens it to a woman going into labor - no warning, no stopping it
D. Paul reminds them they have nothing to fear because they are "children of the light."
1. They have heard God's message and accepted His gift
2. Light represents life and goodness. Children of the light are those who are living God's life.
3. Paul reminds them that because they are children of the light that they should not fall asleep, i.e., should guard against backsliding. They know the truth about how they ought to live
4. He also reminds them to remain in control of themselves. Do not be like the people of darkness who drink to excess and lose control of themselves.
E. Paul goes on to explain how Christian life is like a battle and how they must dress themselves accordingly. Faith, hope, and love are their battle dress
1. Battle helmet - hope of salvation
2. Clothes - guard their hearts and minds and keep them safe
3. Faith, hope, and love give Christians strength to overcome their troubles
III. Life in a Community of Believers
A. Respect and listen to your chosen leaders
1. Leaders have a hard task. Must admonish and correct those who go astray.
2. Must also keep the peace.
3. Paul asks the people to be considerate and respectful of people who are in leadership positions.
4. Be mindful of why they are correcting you. Love you and don't want you to fall away.
B. Various Christian Duties
1. Warn those who won't work
2. Encourage those who are weak in the spirit
3. Do not return evil for evil
4. Always be joyful - even in times of trouble
5. Pray without ceasing
a. means have an attitude of prayer
b. make it a regular part of your life
c. God wants to have a dialogue with you
6. Do not put out the fire of the Spirit
a. Be 'on fire' for the Lord
b. Use the gifts He gave you
7. Do not refuse to accept prophecies
1. Early christians did not have the benefit of having the new testament to guide them
2. While they knew to be wary of false prophets, Paul reminds them that this doesn't mean to dismiss all prophecy out of hand.
3. Must weigh what is being said in the prophecy against what the Lord has already said. No true prophecy will supercede what Jesus said.
4. True prophecy also will never hurt the church.
IV. Closing Remarks and Benediction
A. Paul prays that they may remain holy and free from sin
B. Closes by asking them to pray for him, to greet each other with a 'holy kiss'.
C. Asks that the letter be read to the entire church
Bibliography:
(1) https://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/1thess-lbw.htm
(2) http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=52&c=5
Saturday, May 15, 2010
I Thessalonians - Chapter 4
All,
It's been a couple of weeks since we've had a solid lesson so the plan for tomorrow is to briefly recap what Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians is all about then delve into Chapter 4.
Below is the lesson outline:
I. Overview
A. Recap book - (Who, what, when, where, and why)
B. Read and study Chapter 4
1. How you ought to live (v.1-8)
2. How you ought to love (v.9-12)
3. About those who have died (v.13-18)
II. Recap of First Thessalonians
A. Who
1. From Paul (with input from Timothy and Silas)
2. To Thessalonicans (mainly Greek gentile converts, some Jews)
B. What - short letter with more encouragement than teaching or correcting
C. When - between 50-54 AD (after Timothy returns from visiting Thessalonicans)
D. Where - written while Paul was in Corinth
E. Why - four main reasons for writing the letter
1. To express joy Paul felt after hearing Timothy's report on how the Thessalonicans were doing
2. To tell the Thessalonicans how much he loved and cared for them and to encourage them to continue to be faithful
3. To provide a rebuttal of the accusations others had made against him
4. To address questions about the status of people who died before Christ's return and to talk about how Christ would return.
III. Chapter 4
A. How You Ought to Live
1. Paul reminds them his instruction comes from the Lord and that God wants them to be holy
2. Passage primarily focuses on sex and God's expectations with regard to sexual conduct
3. Recall Thessalonica is under Roman rule in Greece. Neither the Romans or the Greeks had very high moral standards regarding sex. Fornication was openly practiced and accepted.
4. Paul reminds them God has a much higher standard.
5. Reminds them they have to rule their own bodies in a holy way (see also 1 Corinthians 6:19)
B. How You Ought to Love
1. Paul praises them for loving one another and those around them and encourages them to love even more, to continually strive for greater love
2. In v. 11 he changes course and encourages them to "live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work with your hands". This passage reminds me of the Quakers. They live quiet unassuming lives, mind their own business, and provide for themselves. What does this passage mean to us as mainline Christians today? How do we live out this instruction in this day and age?
C. About Those Who Have Died
1. Christians in Thessalonica were worried about those who already died before Christ's return. Would they share the same benefits as those who were alive when He returns?
2. The Greek word Paul uses for death means sleeping. Commentator I read said Paul is implying that this type of sleep is not a normal type of sleep (duh!). Rather, they are alive with the Lord Jesus in a different world. They have left their bodies and went to be with him.
3. When Jesus returns they (the dead) will awake to new life and will do so in a new body (see 1 Corinthians 15:35-49). Then those still living will rise to meet him and those just risen from the dead.
4. v.16 - Paul begins describing exactly what will happen in the moment of Christ's return.
a. Christ will begin to descend from heaven with a shout of command from an archangel, and a blast from the trumpet of God. The dead will be called from the grave and those who are still alive will join them in the clouds.
5. In the twinkling of an eye all will be given new bodies suitable for living with Jesus for eternity
Bibliography:
(1) Free Bible Commentary - www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/1thess-lbw.htm
(2) Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=52&c=4
It's been a couple of weeks since we've had a solid lesson so the plan for tomorrow is to briefly recap what Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians is all about then delve into Chapter 4.
Below is the lesson outline:
I. Overview
A. Recap book - (Who, what, when, where, and why)
B. Read and study Chapter 4
1. How you ought to live (v.1-8)
2. How you ought to love (v.9-12)
3. About those who have died (v.13-18)
II. Recap of First Thessalonians
A. Who
1. From Paul (with input from Timothy and Silas)
2. To Thessalonicans (mainly Greek gentile converts, some Jews)
B. What - short letter with more encouragement than teaching or correcting
C. When - between 50-54 AD (after Timothy returns from visiting Thessalonicans)
D. Where - written while Paul was in Corinth
E. Why - four main reasons for writing the letter
1. To express joy Paul felt after hearing Timothy's report on how the Thessalonicans were doing
2. To tell the Thessalonicans how much he loved and cared for them and to encourage them to continue to be faithful
3. To provide a rebuttal of the accusations others had made against him
4. To address questions about the status of people who died before Christ's return and to talk about how Christ would return.
III. Chapter 4
A. How You Ought to Live
1. Paul reminds them his instruction comes from the Lord and that God wants them to be holy
2. Passage primarily focuses on sex and God's expectations with regard to sexual conduct
3. Recall Thessalonica is under Roman rule in Greece. Neither the Romans or the Greeks had very high moral standards regarding sex. Fornication was openly practiced and accepted.
4. Paul reminds them God has a much higher standard.
5. Reminds them they have to rule their own bodies in a holy way (see also 1 Corinthians 6:19)
B. How You Ought to Love
1. Paul praises them for loving one another and those around them and encourages them to love even more, to continually strive for greater love
2. In v. 11 he changes course and encourages them to "live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work with your hands". This passage reminds me of the Quakers. They live quiet unassuming lives, mind their own business, and provide for themselves. What does this passage mean to us as mainline Christians today? How do we live out this instruction in this day and age?
C. About Those Who Have Died
1. Christians in Thessalonica were worried about those who already died before Christ's return. Would they share the same benefits as those who were alive when He returns?
2. The Greek word Paul uses for death means sleeping. Commentator I read said Paul is implying that this type of sleep is not a normal type of sleep (duh!). Rather, they are alive with the Lord Jesus in a different world. They have left their bodies and went to be with him.
3. When Jesus returns they (the dead) will awake to new life and will do so in a new body (see 1 Corinthians 15:35-49). Then those still living will rise to meet him and those just risen from the dead.
4. v.16 - Paul begins describing exactly what will happen in the moment of Christ's return.
a. Christ will begin to descend from heaven with a shout of command from an archangel, and a blast from the trumpet of God. The dead will be called from the grave and those who are still alive will join them in the clouds.
5. In the twinkling of an eye all will be given new bodies suitable for living with Jesus for eternity
Bibliography:
(1) Free Bible Commentary - www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/1thess-lbw.htm
(2) Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=52&c=4
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