1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a

1.List the words that describe Paul’s intense thanksgiving for the Thessalonian Christians? “Always” “continually” 2.Explain how faith relates to work, love relates to labor, and hope relates to endurance. Faith moves us to work; love prompts us to labor; hope produces endurance

3.How did Paul remind the Thessalonians that God was responsible for what they had accomplished? God had chosen them and the Holy Spirit had worked deep conviction in them. 4.The election of the Thessalonians was evident because the gospel meant more to them than just words. What comfort can we draw from Paul’s words? We are in the same position; Read Romand 8:28-30

1 Thessalonians 1:5b-10 1.What is meant by the statement “you became imitators of us and of the Lord”? How was this more evidence that God had elected them? They saw how Paul and Jesus dealt with persecution and did the same: repaid evil with kindness; didn’t fight back 2.What did other Christians remember about the Thessalonians? What impact did that have on their lives? They heard how they endured and were encouraged by them. 3.What hope did the Thessalonians have? They knew Jesus was coming again and that gave them strength and hope.

4.Agree or disagree. Our pastors should urge people to imitate them. No, but they should be good examples to follow 5.How can we ever be truly joyful in hardship? We have the hope of heaven. This life is not all there is.

1 Thessalonians 2: Why might some people have thought Paul’s visit to Thessalonica was a failure? He was run out of town after only a few weeks. Didn’t have a chance to finish his work there. 2.Why could Paul say that he was one “approved by God” in regard to his ministry? God chose him to do this work, he did not apply for the job. He worked to please God not his hearers. What does that teach us about 1 Thessalonians? This is given to us by God

3.What do the practices Paul avoided tell us about his ministry? (Verses 4-5) He didn’t use flattery – showed sincerity Mask to cover up greed – not in it for the money Not looking for praise – not looking to stroke his ego or desirous of fame 4.Why did Paul have a right to be a “burden” to the Thessalonians? What did he decide to do while he worked among the Thessalonians? (Verse 9) He could have asked to be paid, but chose not to, so he did not put any stumbling block in the way of the people.

5.How will you evaluate whether your pastor’s ministry is a success or failure? Is he faithful to the word and to his work 6.How did Paul treat each of them like a spiritual father? He dealt with them individually; applied the word to them; encouraged them and comforted them

7.After reading these verses: describe the heart and desires of Pastor Paul. He wanted them in heaven, he was concerned about them, he worked hard on their behalf. 8.Agree or disagree. In the large congregations we have today, it’s impossible for a pastor to provide the kind of individual care that Paul did. Yes, if not it is very difficult