1st Thessalonians 1:1-10

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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