JLiggin

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 & 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 -- Due to the similarity in the language and content of both Paul's letters to the Thessalonians we will be tackling both in this single study.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 -- Before closing out his second letter, there was one more issue that the apostle needed to address with the Thessalonian brethren: What to do when someone within the congregation was failing to walk in a manner fitting for a child of God. His two prong approach to dealing with this issue addresses both the one walking in a disorderly manner and those who are not guilty of this sin. And though it is often hard work, it must be done for the sake of all involved.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5 -- It was not uncommon for the apostle to pray for his brethren. Nor was it uncommon for him to solicit their prayers on his behalf. We see examples of both in this section which is saturated with the theme of prayer.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-15 -- Paul was concerned that the Thessalonian brethren had been deceived into thinking that the day of the Lord had already come and that perhaps they had somehow missed out on this glorious event. Paul will remind them why they should know that this was not the case in an effort to make sure they aren't shaken in their faith. He will also offer a contrast between those who are doomed to perish and those who will be gathered together to the Lord in that day.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-10 -- Of both letters that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, this section is arguably one of the most difficult to properly understand and interpret. In this study we will both investigate some of the issues with the text itself that contribute to this difficulty, and grapple with trying to identify the "Man of Lawlessness" who is discussed prominently throughout this section.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 -- As Paul wraps up this section of exhortations, he shares a series of at least 4 short admonitions in an almost rapid-fire fashion, including: how we interact with one another and our enemies; essential Christian characteristics; and our attitude towards God's revelation.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 -- Life doesn't always seem fair! From the very beginning of the church, Christians have been poorly treated, if not outright mistreated, by the world in which they live. Though this may seem unfair and undesirable, the reality is it is necessary and a part of God's plan. And the Christian can rest assured that in the end, our righteous God will deal justly with all.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 -- Paul admonishes this young congregation to recognize, acknowledge and appreciate those who lead them. But who exactly are there leaders? The answer to this questions depends on a proper understanding both of what the phrase "to have charge over" means and of the Biblical model of servant leadership.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- When will the Lord return? That was apparently the question that some in Thessalonica had. Paul's answer is interesting, and at first appears counterintuitive: You know that you can't know when this event is going to take place. As we will see, this is really an exhortation to be ready at all times for the return of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- The End is not really the End. Though our life on earth may be over, there is hope for those who are in Christ, that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones and spend eternity with our Lord and Savior. Because of this hope, we have no reason to grieve the loss of our loved ones, who have died in the Lord. And I can think of no greater comfort than this.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 -- In this next section of exhortation, Paul will remind the brethren that they already know how to love one another and commends them for their success in doing so, while admonishing them to continue to excel in this area. Related to that, Paul helps the brethren understand some practical ways they can avoid splitting their allegience between the household of God and the world, by breaking away from the Patron/Client Relationship system that was prevalent in Thessalonica.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 -- As Paul transitions to offer a series of exhortations to the Thessalonian brethren, he begins by addressing the importance of sanctification. This would have been a difficult and challenging moral standard to abide by as a child of God, one that was totally countercultural. And so Paul will give some practical ways in which one can pursue sanctification and show how it relates to one's walk with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-4:1 -- Paul understood that just because one starts out well in their walk with the Lord, doesn't mean they will always endure to the end. There is always a need for continual growth and progress in our faith. Additionally, there is the real and present danger of being tempted to fall away from the faith. For these reasons, Paul resorted to sending Timothy back to Thessalonica to strengthen and encourage the brethren there. And in this letter here, Paul will remind them that no matter how well they are doing in their walk with God, there is always the need to "excel still more!"

1 Thessalonians 2:14-20 -- Paul wanted nothing more than for the Thessalonian brethren to remain true to the Lord and committed in their faith. They had indeed received the word well, but standing firm in the midst of trials was no easy task. For this reason Paul expresses to them here both his earnest desire to return to them that he might help fortify their faith, as well as inform them of why he and his companions had, up to this point, not yet made such a return trip.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-13 -- Because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the departure of Paul and his companions from the city of Thessalonica, Paul takes some time to reassure the brethren of their genuine love and care for them. In the process he commends them for their initial reception of the gospel that was proclaimed among them--accepting it for what it really is, the Word of God. And it was precisely because they had received the word in this way that they were able to hold fast to it until the end. An example worth imitating ourselves!

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 -- Not everyone learns the same. Some learn best when they are given verbal instruction, others need to be shown what to do. Because of this Paul will use both methods in teaching the young congregation in Thessalonica. In the beginning of this first letter, Paul will hold himself and his companions up as examples of Christian conduct for the Thessalonians to imitate. He will then turn around and hold the Thessalonians up as an example that we should imitate today.

As we begin a study of Paul's letters to the young congregation of believers in Thessalonica, understanding some of the Historical Background will be beneficial in our understanding of the text. What were the circumstances surrounding the establishment of this church? Why did Paul find it necessary to write to them what he did, when he did? Why did he write two letters instead of just one? We will explore these questions as we introduce these two Epistles to the Thessalonians.

James 5:13-20 -- What should we do when we are spiritually sick, struggling with temptation and sin? What can and should we do when we see our brethren struggling with sin, or even straying from the truth? James will answer both of these questions as he describes how we should each respond to spiritual sickness.

James 5:12 -- Some have often thought that James statements about swearing and oath making here are simply out of place, disconnected from the context. This may not actually be the case. Perhaps the admonition about being careful about what we say, and what promises we make will have an effect on our eternal destiny.

James 5:7-11 -- What a frustrating and infuriating thing it can be to do what is right, only to be mistreated for those actions. James reminds us that THE Judge will exact judgment. It is not our place to take matters into our own hands. No, James tells us that we need to patiently wait on the Lord.

James 5:1-6 -- Who is James addressing when he talks to the "rich" and condemns their worldly pursuits? What point is James trying to reinforce to his hearers? Let's examine this section of James letter and see if we can't come to better understand and apply his warnings against living for ourselves.

James 4:13-17 -- Remember that all throughout chapter 4, James has been addressing the issue of selfishness and self-exaltation. In today's text (4:13-15), James illustrates yet another way that we might be guilty of this type of self-exaltation: Forgetting God when we make plans for the future.

James 3:1-12 -- Sometimes powerful things come in little packages. In this study, James will illustrate the tongue, that is our speech, is one of these "little things" that have a huge impact on our lives. He will emphasize just how crucial it is that we always keep up our guard as we seek to do our best to tame the tongue.

James 4:11-12 -- Jesus said, "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1). This often cited statement of Jesus, when taken out of context, has been used in an attempt to get others to "stay out of my business." Looking at the context of Jesus statement is crucial in understanding exactly what Jesus is, and isn't, prohibiting. A proper understanding of Jesus' teaching will then help us to understand James observations about judging our brethren.

James 4:6-10 -- All throughout the 4th chapter of his book, James is addressing the issue of selfishness and self-exaltation. But in our text today (4:6-10), James gives us the recipe for how to avoid this attitude and the problems that inevitably accompany it in our lives.