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?
- Work produced by faith (1 Th 1:3)
- Labor prompted by love (1 Th 1:3)
- 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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