1. Lesson 2—Slide 1 Key Questions for Chapter 1:1-3:13 What is the right attitude to have toward the gospel message? What effect should the gospel message have in our lives? How concerned should we be about our fellow Christians? Lesson 2: Resounding of the Gospel

2. Lesson 2—Slide 2 What had provided credibility to the gospel message when it was preached to the Thessalonians? (1 Th 1:5 NKJV) For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. (1 Th 2:5 NKJV) For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness; God is witness (1 Th 2:10 NKJV) You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; What is the right attitude to have toward the gospel message?

3. Lesson 2—Slide 3 What had been Paul’s approach to teaching them, and continuing to teach them? (1 Th 2:7 NKJV) But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. (1 Th 2:8 NKJV) So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. (1 Th 2:11 NKJV) as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, Do our converts become dear to us? What is the right attitude to have toward the gospel message? —Cont’d

4. Lesson 2—Slide 4 What was the result? (1 Th 1:6 NKJV) And you became followers (imitators, NASB) of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, (Acts 17:4 NKJV) And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. (Acts 17:5 NKJV) But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. What is the right attitude to have toward the gospel message? —Cont’d

5. Lesson 2—Slide 5 (1 Th 1:4 NKJV) knowing … your election by God. How did the Thessalonians become among those “elected” by God? (1 Th 1:5 NKJV) For our gospel did not come to you in word only, …. (1 Th 2:13 NKJV) … you received the word of God which you heard from us, …. (1 Th 1:9 NKJV) … you turned to God from idols …. Note the contrast: (1 Th 2:16 NKJV) forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, …. (1 Cor 10:33 NKJV) … not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. What is the right attitude to have toward the gospel message? —Cont’d

6. Lesson 2—Slide 6 What were the extenuating circumstances that made it difficult for the Thessalonians to receive and follow the gospel? (1 Th 1:6 NKJV) …. having received the word in much affliction, … (1 Th 2:2 NKJV) But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. (1 Th 2:14 NKJV) For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, What is the right attitude to have toward the gospel message? —Cont’d

7. Lesson 2—Slide 7 What was one way that the Thessalonians were like the Christians in Judea? (1 Th 2:14-16 NKJV) For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; … so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; …. (Mat 23:31-32 NKJV) “… you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' guilt. What is the right attitude to have toward the gospel message? —Cont’d

8. Lesson 2—Slide 8 What was one thing that Paul did that gave credibility to his preaching? (1 Th 2:9 NKJV) … for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you … (2 Th 3:8 NKJV) nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, (2 Cor 11:9-12 NKJV) …I was a burden to no one, …that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. Should we encourage nonmembers to contribute to our evangelistic efforts? What is the right attitude to have toward the gospel message? —Cont’d

9. Lesson 2—Slide 9 What effect did the gospel message have on the Thessalonians? (1 Th 1:9 NKJV) For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, What effect should the gospel message have in our lives?

10. Lesson 2—Slide 10 What had the Thessalonians done that made Paul so thankful? (1 Th 1:2 NKJV) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, (1 Th 1:3 NKJV) remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, What did Paul do when he was thankful? What effect should the gospel message have in our lives? — Cont’d

11. Lesson 2—Slide 11 Of what importance are faith, love, and hope to us, and how are they related to work, labor, and patience? (1 Th 1:3 NKJV) remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, (1 Th 5:8 NKJV) … putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. (1 Th 1:3 NIV) … your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. What effect should the gospel message have in our lives? — Cont’d

12. Lesson 2—Slide 12 To what extent had the Thessalonians become changed by the gospel? (1 Th 1:7 NKJV) so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. (1 Th 1:8 NKJV) For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. (1 Th 1:9 NKJV) For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, … What effect should the gospel message have in our lives? — Cont’d

13. Lesson 2—Slide 13 What important facts to we learn about Christ from these verses? (1 Th 1:9 NKJV) For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, (1 Th 1:10 NKJV) and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. What effect should the gospel message have in our lives? — Cont’d

14. Lesson 2—Slide 14 Note references at the end of each chapter to the Second Coming of Christ. (1 Th 1:10 NKJV) and to wait for His Son from heaven, …. (1 Th 2:19 NKJV) … you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? (1 Th 3:13 NKJV) … at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. (1 Th 4:15-17 NKJV) … the coming of the Lord …. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, … to meet the Lord in the air. …. (1 Th 5:23 NKJV) … at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. What effect should the gospel message have in our lives? — Cont’d

15. Lesson 2—Slide 15 Why was Paul so concerned about the Thessalonians? (Acts 17:5-10 NKJV) But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar …. Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. … (1 Th 3:5 NKJV) For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. How concerned should we be about our fellow Christians?

16. Lesson 2—Slide 16 About what had Paul warned them? (1 Th 3:3 NKJV) that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this (we have been destined for this, NASB). (1 Th 3:4 NKJV) For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. (1 Pet 2:21 NKJV) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: (2 Tim 3:12 NKJV) Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. How concerned should we be about our fellow Christians?

17. Lesson 2—Slide 17 Who did Paul identify as the one hindering his efforts? (1 Th 2:18 NKJV) Therefore we wanted to come to you; even I, Paul, time and again; but Satan hindered us. (1 Th 3:5 NKJV) For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. Recall: (Mat 4:3 NKJV) Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." How concerned should we be about our fellow Christians? — Cont’d

18. Lesson 2—Slide 18 What did Paul want to do about his concern? (1 Th 2:17 NKJV) But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. (1 Th 2:18 NKJV) Therefore we wanted to come to you; even I, Paul, time and again; but Satan hindered us. How important is face-to-face communication, especially when concerns need to be discussed? How concerned should we be about our fellow Christians? — Cont’d

19. Lesson 2—Slide 19 What did Paul do about his concern? (1 Th 3:1 NKJV) Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, (1 Th 3:2 NKJV) and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, …. (1 Th 1:2 NKJV) We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, (1 Th 3:10 NKJV) night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? How concerned should we be about our fellow Christians? — Cont’d

20. Lesson 2—Slide 20 What were two purposes for Timothy’s trip? (1 Th 3:5 NKJV) For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, … (1 Th 3:2-3 NKJV) and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. Afflictions will either shake our faith or shape our faith. How concerned should we be about our fellow Christians? — Cont’d

21. Lesson 2—Slide 21 What did Timothy report about the Thessalonians? (1 Th 3:6 NKJV) But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you; How concerned should we be about our fellow Christians? — Cont’d

22. Lesson 2—Slide 22 What was Paul’s response to Timothy’s good report? (1 Th 3:7 NKJV) therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. (1 Th 3:8 NKJV) For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. (1 Th 3:9 NKJV) For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, How concerned should we be about our fellow Christians? — Cont’d

23. Lesson 2—Slide 23 What was Paul’s ultimate goal for the Thessalonian Christians? (1 Th 2:12 NKJV) that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (1 Th 2:19 NKJV) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? (1 Th 3:12 NKJV) And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, (1 Th 3:13 NKJV) so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. How concerned should we be about our fellow Christians? — Cont’d

24. Lesson 2—Slide 24 From Chapter 1:1-3:13 The gospel must be received as revelation from God, unaltered by those who recorded it. The gospel message is most effective when: It is presented in gentleness and genuine concern about and care for those who are being taught. There is no doubt about our motive for presenting it. It is presented with fatherly exhortations. There is conscientious follow-up. Effectively presented, the gospel message will dramatically change lives. Effectively presented, the gospel message will cause resentment on the part of those who reject it and bring persecutions to those who accept it. What to Remember