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Imitate (copy) Christ
I Thessalonians
Chapter 1
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Background: Paul wrote I Thessalonians after his
2nd Missionary in 51 ad while in
Corinth –town named Thessalonica
–in Macedonia (Greece area)
Church was mostly non-Jews/
Gentiles
Silas & Timothy with Paul
Silas sent with Paul (Acts 15:22)
Timothy joined in Lystra (Acts 18),
mother-Jewish, father-Greek, met
Paul during Paul’s 1st Journey
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When Paul, Silas, and Timothy preached in Thessalonica,
persecution against them and the gospel hit hard –They
fled to Berea.
Persecution hit in Berea, Paul fled to Athens, Silas went to
Philippi and Timothy stayed in Thessalonica
Paul went to Corinth, Silas and Timothy rejoined him
Paul wrote I Thessalonians from Corinth (51ad)
zTheme: Encouragement during
persecution and eschatology –end times
Purpose:
Encourage new believers; praise their courage
in persecution; and give assurance as to the future of
believers who die before Jesus’ 2nd coming
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V1 Grace and peace to you: Grace = undeserved, unearned love and
Peace = knowing He is in control no matter circumstances
V2 We are always thankful for you and constantly pray for you
Essentials for Intercessory Prayer (Emily Franklin):
1. Thank God –praise time
2. Cleanse your heart (Ps 51...“search me, Lord...”)
3. Invite the Holy Spirit
4. Focus –remove distractions
5. Rebuke the enemy
6. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you
7. Wait to hear from Him –a verse, a thought, etc...write it down
8. End in praise
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V 3 Faith produces good works
Love prompts your willingness to service
Hope in Jesus inspires endurance
V4 “Brothers and sisters” = 28xs
and you are loved and chosen by God!
V5 How do we know? “The Word came to
you with power and deep conviction in
the Holy Spirit.”
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V6 You watched our lives, you imitated
our lives and the life of Jesus –you
followed our examples
You welcomed His Word - with joy - in
the midst of severe persecution
V7 You became a model to all believers
V8 His message ‘rang out’ from your
lives, everyone knew about your
changed life!
V9 We didn’t have to explain or share
about your life...they already “heard”
about your faith in Jesus!
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V10 They (non-believers) tell us how you’ve changed –
turned away from idols; they tell us you now serve Jesus;
and they tell us you are waiting for Jesus to return!
This is what we see...
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We know we ARE loved by God!
Do non-believers notice you not
same as before or you not same as
others who not believe in Jesus?
Do we pray (in heart tears) for
others?
Does your faith produce good works;
love prompts service; and hope
inspire others to keep their faith in
Christ?
