Bible Commentaries
1 Thessalonians 1

Verse 1

I. Salutation, 1:1

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.

discussion questions

1A. "Grace and peace" was the custom of the day.

What is the custom today? ___________

1B. In the Bible there are customs (which DO change) and commands (which DO NOT change). Discuss each of the following and determine if it is - - Custom or Command

_______ ________ A. Women preaching

_______ ________ B. Holy kiss

_______ ________ C. Foot washing

_______ ________ D. Wearing a veil to worship

_______ ________ E. Men with long hair

_______ ________ F. Worship on Sunday

1C. When is a custom binding on Christians? ______________

1D. Does the origin of the custom make a difference in our observance of it? ___

1E. What is the difference in custom and tradition? ____________

Verses 2-10

II. Review of the history of the Thessalonian church, 1:2-10

A. Their faithfulness, 1:2-3

discussion questions

2A. Paul was always expressing gratitude. This seems to be a weakness of ours.

A. Why do few seem to appreciate and express gratitude? ____________

B. Are we really ungrateful or do we just fail to express it? _____________

2B. List some ways to show gratitude.

________________________ ___

________________________ ___

________________________ ___

2C. Paul mentioned people and places by name. He believed in specific prayers.

Discuss: How much information should be given in public prayers?

3A. They were known for their "work of faith."

How do "faith" and "works" function together? ______________________

3B. A "labor of love" tells us their motivation for their activity.

Is it possible that we do the work, but without the proper motivation? ___

Have you ever worked in a program that you resented? ______________

3C. Why is "patience" so hard for us to possess?

Verses 4-7

B. Their reception of the gospel exemplary, 1:4-7

discussion questions

4A. Discuss the use of the word "brethren" and "brother" in the New Testament and in our usage today.

A. Do we use the word to describe a relationship or as a title? __________

B. What other words are used in the New Testament to describe Christians?

4B. Election is a biblical teaching.

A. Who "votes" in this election? ___

B. What is decided? ____________

5A. What is included in the term "gospel"? Check which of the following topics are included in preaching the gospel of Christ.

____ Death, burial and resurrection

____ Worship

____ Faith in God, Christ, the Bible

____ The church

____ Plan of salvation

____ Doctrines

5B. Does the Gospel have power today? _______

5C. How important is a proper example? _______

5D. How did you hear the gospel?

____ Radio

____ TV

____ Newspaper

____ Filmstrips

____ Mail

____ Door knocker

____ Preacher

____ Phone

____ Personal invitation

discussion questions

6A. Who is your example to follow? __________

Should we follow the example of men? ______

How are we influenced by the example of others? ____

6B. Can you think of people you would NOT follow? _______________________

6C. Have you suffered physical harm or threat of harm because of you faith? ___

How would you react if threatened? ________

6D. WHAT IF: It became illegal to have public gatherings to worship God? _____

7A. Who is watching you? ___________________

7B. How far has the work and faith of this congregation traveled? _______________

7C. If every church member were a church member like me, what kind of church would this church be?

Verses 8-10

C. They had been active in sounding out the word, 1:8-10

discussion questions

8A. What are some ways that we (individual Christians) can "sound forth" the word of the Lord?

8B. List some ways available to us (as a congregation) to "sound forth" the word of the Lord.

9A. What are others saying about this congregation__________

A. What is the general opinion among other congregations? ___________

B. What is the general view of the community? _____________________

9B. What did you have to leave (give up) to become a Christian? ____________

9C. How do we serve (be a slave to) God? _____

C. They had been active in sounding out the word, 1:8-10

discussion questions

10A. How anxious are you for the Second Coming of Christ? ________________

10B. Will Jesus return to this earth at his second coming? __________________

10C. How would you respond to someone teaching:

A. Jesus will return to Jerusalem ___________

B. Jesus will establish a kingdom ___________

C. He will reign for 1,000 years ____________

D. There will be a rapture _________

10D. What are the signs of the second coming? ______________

10E. How will we know when he is coming? ______________