Bible Study Lesson:

1st Thessalonians 1:1-10:

Background: Acts 17:1-9 gives an account of the Church at Thessalonians.

Q. What are the three distinct characteristics, Paul remembers about the Church?

1. Work produced by faith (1 Th 1:3)
   
2. Labor prompted by love (1 Th 1:3)
3. Endurance inspired by Hope (1 Th 1:3)

• Faith, Love and Hope are unseen characteristics. Paul here uses three classic phrases to describe the life of a witnessing Christian.
• He does not mention ‘work, labor and endurance’ only or ‘faith, love and hope’.
• Your true christian qualities should be demonstrated by your actions.
• We are ‘Saved by Faith Alone’, but not by ‘Faith that is Alone’.
• Work alone without faith can not save you.
• Labor without a true motivation is useless.
• People have different intentions or motivations, it is very important to check real motives behind actions.
• Paul in chapter 1 and 2, describes how the Church of Thessalonians displayed these characteristics and what were the impact of their behavior.
• (Also check, 7 Conditions of Christian Discipleship)

Q. How did the Gospel come to them and How did they respond? (1 Th 1:4-6)

• The Gospel came not only as mere man’s words, but with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
• They became imitators of Paul and God.
• They welcomed the Gospel with joy.
• They turned to the true and living God from idols.
• They endured severe sufferings for it.
• They became the model for all believers around Macedonia and Achaia.
• Their faith became known everywhere.
• Others testified about their faith and their reception of apostles.

Reflection and Bible Lessons:

• Does our faith produce good works?
• How do people around you think of you?
• How do believers around you think of you?
• Do people testify about your faith and actions? (Mat 5:16)
• What are your motives behind your work or labor in Christ?

More Bible Study Lessons:

• The Book of Philippians – Overview and Introduction
• Questioning God – Psalm 13
• Woman with Alabaster Jar and Jesus – Luke 7:36-50
• Overcoming Sexual Temptations: Bible Study
• Jesus Heals the Blind Man – Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52 | Bible Study