Introducing Thessalonians

Dear OBC Family,
 
This week is full of ministry activity as we’re restarting Discipleship Night, College & Career, Women’s Book Club, our monthly Men’s Breakfast, and Sunday School. As this Sunday is the first Sunday of the month, our high school and adult classes will meet together in the sanctuary for our time of Great Commission Prayer, and we look forward to a visit and report from missionaries who will be sharing with us about their ministry in Southeast Asia.
 
This Sunday we will also begin a new sermon series in 1 Thessalonians. Though Paul’s other letters (Romans, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, etc.) are better known, this short letter deserves our attention and it is brimming with gospel truth and encouragement. Like Paul, it is right that we would give thanks to the Lord for the Thessalonians’ example of faithfulness. Not only are they known for their imitation of Christ, but they have followed the example of other faithful churches. And as they are walking in the gospel and loving one another, Paul encourages them “to do so more and more.” As we spend the next two months in Thessalonians, we will consider how the gospel changes us, shapes our fellowship, and moves us to walk in holiness as we wait for our Lord’s return.
 
I encourage you to read the entire book (five chapters) before we gather for worship this Sunday. To learn more about the Thessalonians and get some helpful historical context for this letter, you can read Luke’s account of Paul’s second missionary journey in Acts 17:1-15.
 
I pray that the Lord would strengthen us by his grace as we walk through 1 Thessalonians. May we grow in our love for the Lord and for one another as we walk together in faith, hope, and love while we await the return of our Lord.
 
Blessings in Christ,
 
Pastor Ben
 
Discussion & Response Questions for 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1. As you look back at this Sunday’s sermon and Scripture text, what were some of the takeaways? What did you find helpful or encouraging? What questions do you have?
2. Sometimes we can gloss over the opening verses of the epistles. What truths should we be noticing in verse 1?
3. How does Acts 17:1-15 help us to understand the background to this letter?
4. Consider Paul’s prayerful thanksgiving for the church. What is he thankful for? What are some practical ways to grow in praying for the church?
5. What does this text reveal to us about the character and work of our Triune God?
6. What is the relationship between faith, hope, and love? Where do we see faith, hope, and love in this this morning’s text?
7. What is evidence of God’s choosing (or “election”)? What does true reception of the gospel look like?
8. How has the gospel changed the Thessalonians? What does transformation look like?
9. In what ways should we aspire to imitate the faith, hope, and love of the Thessalonians?
10. How should we respond to this text?