Overview: This week we read Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. We will see through these letters that Paul really cared about the people he ministered to. Often he spent a year or more with a group of new Christians before he moved on to the next place. During the time he spent in each city he would preach and teach about Jesus. He made close friend in every town, and he wrote letters of encouragement after he left. Often he was able to return and teach the people again.
Each letter we will read answered questions for the people of that day and that particular area. These letters answer questions for us also. The letters show the areas in which Paul wanted the people to grow spiritually.
The Thessalonian Christians apparently had a lot of questions about what happens after death. Maybe they were confused or discouraged because some of the members of their fellowship had died recently. Whatever the situation, Paul gave them lots of encouragement.
Day 1 – 1 Thessalonians 1
1. Who is this letter written to, and who is it from?
2. What were these people remembered for?
3. How were they witnesses in their area?
Day 2 – 1 Thessalonians 2
1. What did Paul most desire for the Thessalonians?
2. Who forbade the early believers to speak to Gentiles about salvation?
3. What was Paul’s hope and joy?
Day 3 – 1 Thessalonians 3
1. How did Paul feel about his suffering?
2. What seemed to matter most in life to Paul?
3. What did Paul want for the Thessalonian Christians?
Day 4 – 1 Thessalonians 4
1. Why does Paul use the word “finally” in chapter 4 when there is so much left in the letter?
2. In looking at v. 9-12 which of these instructions do you most need to apply to your life?
3. Where might you find other passages about loving our brothers and sisters?
Day 5 – 1 Thessalonians 5
1. In what ways are we “children of the light?”
2. Why are faith and love our breastplate?
3. What ways can you be an encouragement to others?