Sermon Central
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Exposition Of 1 Thessalonians
Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Sep 2, 2020 (message contributor)
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1. Greetings To The Church
Contributed on Sep 2, 2020
Paul's welcome in Thessalonica was less than favorable. Although he had been ill-treated while there, being forced to flee for fear of harm, his commitment and love for the church never diminished.
Greetings to the Church 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-4 In the book of Acts we discover Paul receiving the Macedonian call, Acts 16: 8-10. This led Paul initially to Philippi and then on to Thessalonica. In that day, Thessalonica was the prominent seaport and capital city of the Roman province of ...read more
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2. The Significance Of The Gospel (Part 1)
Contributed on Sep 9, 2020
Having encountered the grace of God on the Damascus Road, Paul's life and eternity were completely transformed. Knowing what had happened, and the change that had taken place in him, he was convinced of the relevance of the gospel for all men.
The Significance of the Gospel (Part 1) 1 Thessalonians 1: 5-10 In our last study Paul greeted the Thessalonian church, encouraging them in the Lord. He reminded them of their position, revealed his prayer for them, and acknowledged their labor of love. Now his attention is turned toward the ...read more
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3. The Significance Of The Gospel (Part 2)
Contributed on Sep 23, 2020
Thessalonica had been impacted by the gospel, and the believers there well understood its significance. Their faithfulness to the gospel serves as a challenge for all believers.
The Significance of the Gospel (Part 2) 1 Thessalonians 1: 5-10 Last week we began our study in these verses dealing with the significance of the gospel. Clearly Paul was aware of its significance; he had been transformed by the gospel and he had witnessed the transformation of countless ...read more
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4. The Steps Of A Good Man
Contributed on Sep 30, 2020
Who has influenced your life? Would you agree that we are in need of those who can and do make a significant impact on others for the cause of Christ? Our current society needs those of influence.
The Steps of a Good Man 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-3 As we consider the social climate of our modern society, we would have to agree that we stand in desperate need of leadership. Things have certainly changed in recent years, and much of that change has not been for the better. There seems to be a ...read more
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5. The Pursuit Of Ministry
Contributed on Oct 8, 2020
Things have changed much since the first century, and yet much remains the same. Paul realized the danger of majoring on the minor and minoring on the major. His insight still speaks for ministries today.
The Pursuit of Ministry 1 Thessalonians 2: 4-9 We have spent much time laying the groundwork for our study in this precious book. Paul was well aware of the faithfulness and influence the church in Thessalonica had on those around them. He was encouraged with the presence of their faith, ...read more
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6. Imitators Not Pretenders
Contributed on Oct 14, 2020
Paul wanted to ensure the Thessalonians imitated the example he had lived before them, and most importantly, the example of Christ. Rather than pretending to emulate their faith, they were to actively live out their faith.
Imitators not Pretenders 1 Thessalonians 2: 10-13 As I studied this passage I was reminded of the need for sincerity and genuineness among the church. We live in a day plagued with hypocrisy. One of the most offered arguments against attending church in our generation is the presence of ...read more
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7. Having Done All, Stand
Contributed on Oct 29, 2020
Not unlike other churches within the first century, Thessalonica faced much adversity and opposition. They were relentlessly attacked for their faith in Christ. However, Paul encouraged them to remain steadfast in the faith, standing firmly for the Lord.
Having Done All, Stand 1 Thessalonians 2: 14-16 It has been a few weeks since we began to study this powerful letter to the Thessalonian church. Our last encounter revealed Paul encouraging the church to be an imitator of Christ rather than a pretender of the faith. He exhorted them to a life ...read more
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8. Hindered But Not Hopeless
Contributed on Nov 11, 2020
There can be no doubt that Paul endured much for the sake of the gospel. From a worldly perspective, one might have thought his efforts had largely failed. However, Paul kept the faith and continued serving the Lord. We should be thankful for his perseverance.
Hindered but not Hopeless 1 Thessalonians 2: 17-20 What precious and powerful words are recorded for our exhortation in these few verses! These words reveal the very heart and soul of the apostle Paul. He, of all men, knew what it was to face adversity and extreme difficulty in ministry. ...read more
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9. The Heart Of God's Man (Part 1)
Contributed on Dec 1, 2020
The heart of a pastor is unique. In this enlightening text, Paul shares his heart for the church in Thessalonica. Through his candid and honest words, we find a description of what a pastor's heart should contain.
The Heart of God’s Man (Part 1) 1 Thessalonians 3: 1-13 The heart of a pastor is a very unique thing. He feels many of the same emotions anyone else does. It isn’t that the pastor is given something that is impossible for others to possess, but his heart is special because it is different. I ...read more
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10. The Heart Of God's Man (Part 2)
Contributed on Dec 9, 2020
Paul had begun to share the burden of his heart with the church in Thessalonica. Although absent from them, his care and love for the church remained strong. The remainder of this chapter continues to reveal Paul's heart for them.
The Heart of God’s Man (Part 2) 1 Thessalonians 3: 1-13 (6-13) In our last study we began to consider the heart that Paul had for the church and the work that God had called him to. Just as a reminder, let’s quickly review Vv.1-5. I. The Investment of the Pastor (1-2a) A. His Forbearance (1a) – ...read more
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11. An Exhortation Of Expectation
Contributed on Dec 16, 2020
Having shared his heart and burden for the church, Paul now shifts his focus to the lives expected of believers. They were no longer their own, and were expected to live in a way that honored and glorified the Lord.
An Exhortation of Expectation 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-8 In the previous chapter Paul devoted a substantial portion of this letter revealing his heart and desire for ministry. In case there was any doubt, Paul assured them of his love and devotion for the Lord and His church. He presented a ...read more
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12. Shoe-Leather Faith
Contributed on Dec 30, 2020
Paul continues to deal with the lives we are to live as believers, particularly living out our faith. John MacArthur summarized this passage as possessing shoe-leather faith. Our faith can't be hidden away or only revealed on special occasions, it needs to displayed every day we live.
Shoe-Leather Faith 1 Thessalonians 4: 9-12 The opening verses of this chapter dealt with the lives of believers and their responsibility to maintain godly character and integrity before the world. Paul left them a stirring exhortation in Vv. 1-8. These verses are a continuation of that ...read more
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13. The Reality Of The Rapture
Contributed on Jan 6, 2021
Many in Paul's day feared those believers who died prior to Christ's return for the church would be forsaken and left within the grave. The apostle offered words of comfort and assurance regarding all the saved and their hope for the future.
The Reality of the Rapture 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 Today, we have come to the most recognized passage in 1st Thessalonians, and one of the most familiar passages in all of Scripture. It is a passage that is often read at funerals because of the comfort it affords to the families who have lost ...read more
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14. The King Is Coming
Contributed on Jan 13, 2021
As Paul continues to encourage and exhort the Thessalonian believers, he offers guidance regarding the Lord's return. His wise instruction reveals what to expect as we draw nearer to the Lord's coming.
The King is Coming 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-7 In our last study Paul dealt with the comfort and assurance of the rapture of the church that would include all of those who have been born again, living and dead alike. Now he turns his attention to the Day of the Lord. Apparently after Paul’s departure ...read more
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15. Enduring In The End Times
Contributed on Jan 26, 2021
While it is impossible to known when the Lord will return, the Scripture does reveal what we can expect as that time draws near. Paul sought to equip the church to prepare for and endure during the End Times. These words of exhortation are especially needed today.
Enduring in the End Times 1 Thessalonians 5: 8-11 Paul had spent a great deal of time dealing with the rapture of the church and the second coming of the Lord. He sought to enlighten them concerning the events that are sure to happen. If you remember, the Thessalonians were a bit confused, and ...read more
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16. The Heart Of A Healthy Church
Contributed on Feb 2, 2021
Having spent much time dealing with the end times, Paul shifted his focus mid-way through the closing chapter. He sought to ensure the church developed and maintained a healthy culture in order to remain effective in the midst of trying times.
The Heart of a Healthy Church 1 Thessalonians 5: 12-15 We are getting close to the conclusion of the first letter Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church. He has covered much with them – seeking to encourage, admonish, and challenge them in their faith. Thessalonica was not a perfect church, but ...read more
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17. A Word Of Conclusion For The Church
Contributed on Feb 9, 2021
As Paul concludes the first letter to the Thessalonian church, he offers a final exhortation and encouragement. They faced much adversity, but the Lord would abide faithful, guiding them in ministry.
A Word of Conclusion for the Church 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-28 I think we could all agree that our study in this insightful epistle has been encouraging as well as challenging. Clearly the church in Thessalonica stands as a tremendous example for the church to follow. It is evident Paul loved the ...read more