Paul spends a third of this epistle not on prophecy but on people. The
reason: there is nothing harder or more important than people. All of us need
biblical guidance on dealing with the community that surrounds us. In this
section Paul gives us our marching orders as saints.
After discussing two difficult subjects of hell and the Antichrist, Paul
offers a practical guide to staying strong in the face of intense persecution.
The thriving model church at Thessalonica has lost hope and the
Apostle Paul pens his second letter to both theologically and practically reignite
the hope they had in King Jesus.
The end of 1 Thessalonians is the practical boots on the ground portion of this brilliant letter. It gives the church both its marching orders and the plan to construct a community that lives into its given righteousness.
Paul leaves Thessalonica after only 3 weeks and into that vacuum of leadership comes accusations leveled against him. He uses chapter 2 to defend how he ministers and gives us a brilliant path to follow.
Everyone needs examples. The Thessalonian believers were able to look at Paul, Silas and Timothy and then through difficulty, repentance, patience and God’s word they became the models for the entire region.
Biblical Grit, which is defined in scripture as Christian steadfastness and endurance. This type of Christian grit is full of hope because it has at its core a faith that rests in God's promises, and is empowered by grace.
Bible Text: Ecclesiastes 2:18-23, 4:1-8; Genesis 2:7-24; Luke 10:38-42; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 1:3-14 | Preacher: Matt Heverly | Series: Ecclesiastes