1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians Scripture & Notes Teaching Schedule Lesson Notes Curriculum Archives Outline: I, II

Scripture and Notes by chapter 1 Thessalonians 1   2   3   4   5    Notes   2 Thessalonians 1   2   3    Notes

Outline*

1 Thessalonians: Our Destiny in a Hostile World

I. The Church Is Founded on Past Faithfulness. (1:1-10)

A. Signature, address, and greeting (1:1)

B. Past faith, love, and hope inspire thanksgiving. (1:2-3)

C. Election, power, conviction, and the Spirit brought the gospel. (1:4-5)

D. Model Christian living resulted from the gospel. (1:6-7)

E. Zealous witness and far-reaching Christian influence spread the gospel. (1:8-9)

F. Earnest hope in the resurrection marked the church's life. (1:10)

 

II. Opposition and Persecution Cannot Halt the Gospel. (2:1-20)

A. Suffering and insult do not deter Christian witness. (2:1-2)

B. Sincerity of method and purpose stand behind gospel witness. (2:3-6a)

C. Love, not personal greed, motivates witness. (2:6b-2:12)

D. Steadfastness and endurance mark Christian converts. (2:13-16)

E. The gospel creates enduring fellowship and love. (2:17-18)

F. A new church becomes the reward for a Christian witness. (2:19-20)

 

III. Concern for the Church Dominates the Minister's Heart. (3:1-4:12)

A. Sacrificial love leads the minister to show concern even under personal persecution. (3:1-5)

B. The church's faithfulness gives the minister encouragement and joy. (3:6-10)

C. The concerned minister prays for the church's future. (3:11-13)

D. The concerned minister teaches the church righteous living. (4:1-8)

E. The concerned minister leads the church to grow in brotherly love. (4:9-12)

 

IV. Problems Related to the Lord's Return. (4:13-5:11)

A. Living and deceased believers have equal hope. (4:13-18)

B. The time is uncertain. (5:1-3)

C. The church needs to be alert. (5:4-8)

D. Believers have assurance. (5:9-11)

 

V. Concluding Exhortations (5:12-28)

A. Respect Christian leaders. (5:12-13)

B. Care for fellow-Christians. (5:14-15)

C. Always be thankful. (5:16-18)

D. Test prophetic utterances to God. (5:19-22)

E. Commit yourself to God, who is faithful. (5:23-24)

F. Closing requests and benediction (5:25-28)

 

2 Thessalonians: The Demands of Christian Teaching

I. Salvation (1:1-2)

 

II. Church Leaders Pray for the Church. (1:3-12)

A. Growth in Christian faith, love, and perseverance inspire thanksgiving. (1:3-4)

B. God is just and will help His people who suffer injustice. (1:5-7a)

C. Christ's return will provide ultimate justice. (1:7b-1:10)

D. Prayer helps God's people fulfill their purposes and glorify Christ. (1:11-12)

 

III. Christ's Return Will Defeat Satanic Forces. (2:1-12)

A. Despite deceptive reports, Christ has not returned. (2:1-2)

B. The man of lawlessness must appear before Christ returns. (2:3-8)

C. Deceived followers of lawlessness will perish. (2:9-12)

 

IV. Election Leads to Thanksgiving. (2:13-17)

A. God chose us to share Christ's glory. (2:13-14)

B. God calls you to firm commitment to His teachings. (2:15)

C. Encouragement and hope comes from God's grace. (2:16-17)

 

V. God Is Faithful. (3:1-5)

A. God's evangelists need our prayers. (3:1-2)

B. God is faithful to protect His people. (3:3)

C. God's people are faithful to follow His will. (3:4-5)

 

VI. God Disciplines His People. (3:6-15)

A. God's people must not become lazy busybodies. (3:6-13)

B. Disobedient people must receive brotherly discipline. (3:14-15)

 

VII. Concluding Greetings. (3:16-18)

Map courtesy of http://www.henry-davis.com

* Outline courtesy of Disciple Study Bible.