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1st Thessalonians Bible Study – 1:1-10

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers 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 with deep conviction.

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?

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By Amit Christian

Founder and Author of BibleSEO (Bible Study Exposition Online), Bible study topics website, which offers free small group bible studies on various topics. His passion is to train, equip and inspire individual and small groups for life-changing bible study experience.
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