Study Desk

From you the word of the Lord has spread out not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place where your faith in God has become known. As a result, we do not need to say anything.Romans 1:8; 10:18; 2 Thessalonians 1:4;">[xr]

Rather, because we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, we speak as we do, not trying to please people but God, who tests our motives.Proverbs 17:3; Romans 8:27; 1 Corinthians 7:25; 9:17; Galatians 1:10; 2:7; 1 Timothy 1:11-12; Titus 1:3;">[xr]

We cared so deeply for you that we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but our very lives. That is how dear you were to us.Romans 1:11; 15:29; 2 Corinthians 12:15;">[xr]

Here is another reason why we constantly give thanks to God: When you received God's word, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as the word of humans but for what it really is - the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.Matthew 10:40; Galatians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Peter 3:2;">[xr]

Brothers, although we have been separated from you for a little while - in person but not in heart - we desire with great eagerness to see you again face to face.1 Corinthians 5:3; Colossians 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:10;">[xr]

That is why we wanted to come to you. Certainly I, Paul, time and again wanted to come,time and again">[fn] but Satan blocked our way.Romans 1:13; 15:22;">[xr]

But when I could stand it no longer, I sent TimothyTimothy">[fn] to find out about your faith. I was afraid that the tempter had tempted you in some way, and that our work had been a waste of time.1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Galatians 2:2; 4:11; Philippians 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 3:1;">[xr]

But Timothy has just now come back to us from you and has told us the good news about your faith and love. He also told us that you always have fond memories of us and want to see us, just as we want to see you.Acts 18:1,5; Philippians 1:8;">[xr]

For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness.Leviticus 11:44; 19:2; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:14-15;">[xr]

Therefore, whoever rejects this instructioninstruction">[fn] is not rejecting human authority but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.Luke 10:16; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 7:40; 1 John 3:24;">[xr]

In fact, you are showing love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this even more.1 Thessalonians 1:7; 3:12;">[xr]

But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve like other people who have no hope.Leviticus 19:28; Deuteronomy 14:2; 2 Samuel 12:20; Ephesians 2:12;">[xr]

Therefore, let us not fall asleep like others do, but let us stay awake and be sober.Matthew 24:42; Romans 13:11-13; 1 Peter 5:8;">[xr]

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober. We must put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.Isaiah 59:17; Ephesians 6:14,16-17;">[xr]

For God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,Romans 9:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:8; Jude 1:4;">[xr]

but keep away from every kind of evil.1 Thessalonians 4:12;">[xr]

For the secret of this lawlessness is already at work, but only until the person now holding it back gets out of the way.1 John 2:18; 4:3;">[xr]

Then all who have not believed the truth but have taken pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned.Romans 1:32;">[xr]

But the Lord is faithful and will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.John 17:15; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Peter 2:9;">[xr]

It is not as though we did not have that right, but, we wantedwe wanted">[fn] to give you an example to follow.1 Corinthians 9:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:7;">[xr]