“A Letter to Encourage” – 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 (page 1186)
Sermon Audio available here
Background – see Acts 17:1-10.
How was Paul to encourage the Thessalonians? Reminded them of:
1. THE SOURCE OF BLESSING (vv 1-2,4)
“In God” (vs 1) and “Chosen” (vs 4) cf. Eph 1:4; 1 Pet 2:9-10
2. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL (vv 3-6)
Faith, hope and love (vs 3) cf 5:8; 1 Cor 13:13; Heb 10:22-24
3. THE SPREAD OF FAITH (vv 7-9)
Cf Rom 1:8; 15:20
4. THE PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE (vs 10)
Cf 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:1-11,23-24
Questions to consider
1. Christians are both in the world and in Christ. How should this both encourage us and challenge us? What should be seen in our lives?
2. How can we encourage other Christians, especially those with problems?
3. How did the Thessalonian Christians seek to spread their faith? What would you consider the most effective ways of spreading the Gospel today?
4. What “idols” do we face in the world today, & how can we deal with them?
5. How should we act knowing that one day the risen Jesus is going to return?
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