Frameworks:
1 Thessalonians: INTRODUCTION
Why
Read 1 Thessalonians:
This letter is all about affirming relationship at a distance.
In chapters 1-3 the memories that the apostles
had of their time with them brings joy and thanksgiving. Paul
reminds them how they had come to them and the way they had responded
to the Gospel and that resulted in a longing within him to come
to them again. Yet the enemy had stopped that happening and so
they had sent Timothy to them who brought back a good report.
Chapter 4 brings basic teaching on living godly
and holy lives while encouraging them about those who have died.
Chapter 5, building on this, encourages them
to be ready for when Jesus returns including a variety of instructions
for living peacefully and harmoniously.
Because
Paul is first of all looking backwards, it gives us a good picture
of his ministry in bringing the Gospel, but then looks forward
with the expectation of Christ's return which helps motivate holy
living today. Through such means we can be encouraged for we too
are still awaiting his return and need encouraging to be faithful
for when he comes. It also adds to our knowledge of the travels
of the apostolic team and the hindrances to their plans that they
suffered and how they sought to overcome as they continued to
support and build up churches from a distance. Read
it at one sitting and catch these things.
FRAMEWORKS:
1 Thessalonians 1
[Note:
Because it is sometimes difficult to follow the flow
of a letter like this, we have added a synopsis of each chapter
& passage to help clarify where Paul is going with his writing.]
v.1
Greetings
v.2-10
Thanksgiving for the Testimony of the Thessalonians
[Chapter
Synopsis: greetings and prayer reflecting the joy their
memories of the Thessalonians' response had brought to them]
v.1
Greetings
v.1
(from the 3
apostles) Paul, Silas and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
v.2-10
Thanksgiving for the Testimony of the Thessalonians
[Passage
Synopsis: how you responded to us brings thanks every
time we pray for you, the way the Spirit had worked and the clarity
of your response which has gained renown]
v.2
(we thank God for you
in our prayers constantly) We
always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in
our prayers.
v.3
(for we see
the outworking of this faith) We
remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith,
your labour prompted by love, and your endurance
inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
v.4,5
(the way the
Spirit powerfully brought conviction clearly shows God chose you)
For we know, brothers and sisters
loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came
to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy
Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for
your sake.
v.6
(despite opposition
you welcomed the gospel) You
became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message
in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy
Spirit.
v.7
(showing others
the way to go) And so you became
a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
v.8-10
(everyone has
heard of you how you were converted) The
Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia –
your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do
not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report
what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to
God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for
his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead – Jesus,
who rescues us from the coming wrath.
(CONTINUE
to CHAPTER 2)