Click Arrow To Start Audio

I THESSALONIANS – LESSON 5

I. PAUL ENCOURAGES THESSALONIANS TO “WALK” BECOMINGLY (4:1-12)

A. Thessalonians to abound in their walk (4:1)

     1. Paul gave them instruction on “how” to walk.

     2. They were “so” walking.

     3. They were to “abound” more and more.

B. Thessalonians to walk becomingly by abstaining from fornication (4:2-8)

                 1. Obligated to do so by the authority of the Lord

                 2. God wills sanctification.

                 3. Each one must know how to control the desires of the body.

                     a. In sanctification

                     b. In Honor

                4. Not like the Gentiles who know not God

                5. Must not wrong a brother in committing adultery

                6. God calls us to sanctification – not uncleanness.

                7. To reject Paul’s instruction is to reject God – Holy Spirit

C. Thessalonians to walk becomingly by abounding in love (4:0-10).

     1. They have been taught to God to love one another

         a. Manifested in Macedonia

     2. Exhorted to abound in love more and more

D. Thessalonians to walk becomingly before the world (4:11-12)

     1. Study to be quiet.

     2. Do own business.

     3. Work with hands.

         a. Have need of nothing

         b. not a burden to the world.

QUESTIONS:

1. What is meant by the word “walk” in our lesson?

2. We are not only to walk according to God’s instructions but ____________________ in them.

3. From verses 1-2, give TWO points illustrating that Christians in the New Testament recognize apostolic authority?

4. Define the following:

 a. fornication:

 b. sanctification:

 c. vessel:  

5. What is commanded of us regarding each of the above?

6. Did the Gentiles regard FORNICATION a sin? Why?

7. By doing what sin, do we wrong a brother?

8. In rejecting Paul’s teaching on holiness, whom are we rejecting?

9. In verses 9-10, what are TWO principles presented regarding true love?

10. What does it mean to “study to be quiet?”

11. How does being busy in working present a favorable impression upon the outside world?

I THESSALONIANS – LESSON 6

I. PAUL GIVES COMFORT TO THESSALONIANS REGARDING THEIR BRETHREN WHO HAVE DIED IN THE LORD (4:13-18).

A. Paul seeks to dispel ignorance concerning Christians who have died- fallen asleep (v. 13)

1. Christians are not to sorrow “as” those who have no hope.

B. Paul sets forth Jesus’ resurrection for Christians’ assurance (v.14)

1. Jesus died and arose from the grave.

2. Through Jesus, God will bring the Christian to eternal glory.

C. Paul sets forth the commandment of the Lord – the living shall not precede or go to glory before the Lord (v.15).

D. Paul sets forth the events at the Lord’s coming (v. 16-17).

1. The Lord descends.

a. with a commanding shout

b. with the voice of the archangel

c. with the trump of God

2. The dead in Christ rise first.

3. Christians, living at the time, will be caught up with them.

4. All saints will meet the Lord in the air.

5. Ever be with the Lord

E. Paul encourages brethren to comfort one another with “these words” (v.18).   

QUESTIONS:

1. What apparent misunderstanding did the Thessalonians have about the dead Christians?

2. In what manner are we to “sorrow not” for our brethren who have died?

3. What gives us assurance that the dead shall rise from the grave?

4. Did Paul teach that Christ was coming within his lifetime?

5. With what three sounds will the Lord descend?

6. Who is the archangel?

7. At what occasion on earth has the trumpet of God been previously heard?

8. Who shall rise first when Christ returns?

9. What will happen after the dead in Christ are raised?

10. Where shall we be caught up with the Lord?

11. How long shall we be caught up with the Lord?

12. Why is the pre-millennial doctrine of “the rapture” doctrinal error?

13. What should the words of Christ’s coming do for us?