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2. The Christians At Thessalonica

3. The Epistle…  An expression of thanks for them 1:2-10  He prayed for them v. 2  He reminds them of the persecutions they had already faced v. 6 cp. Acts 17:5-9  They were well spoken of v. 8  They had left idolatry to serve God v. 9

4. The Christians At Thessalonica The Epistle…  A review of how he came to them 2:1-20  He was mistreated in Philippi v. 2 Acts 16  He was not intimidated, but boldly taught truth vv. 3-4  He supported himself while there vv. 5-12 2 Thess 3:7-12

5. The Christians At Thessalonica The Epistle…  A review of how he came to them 2:1-20  They were like Judean saints…suffering at the hands of the Jews vv. 13-14a  He again states how much he wanted to see them, but “Satan thwarts us” vv. 14b-20 Acts 17:9

6. The Christians At Thessalonica The Epistle…  A review of how he learned of their present condition 3:1-13  He sent Timothy to find out how they were faring in their persecutions vv. 1-5  Timothy’s return & favorable report brought him comfort vv. 6-10

7. The Christians At Thessalonica The Epistle…  General Exhortations 4:1 – 5:22  Refrain from immorality 4:1-5  Do not legally defraud brethren 4:6  Live “peaceful” lives 4:9-12  Love the brethren  Work quietly…eat your own bread

8. The Christians At Thessalonica The Epistle…  General Exhortations 4:1 – 5:22  Don’t worry re: deceased brethren 4:13-18  Walk as “sons of light” 5:1-11  Appreciate & support those who labor among them 5:12-13  Elders, preachers

9. The Christians At Thessalonica The Epistle…  General Exhortations 4:1 – 5:22  Help the brethren 5:14 (Weak…unruly)  Keep praying 5:17  Don’t despise spiritual gifts 5:20  Examine everything, hold fast to good 5:21  Abstain from all evil 5:22

10. The Christians At Thessalonica The Epistle…  Final Requests 5:23-28  May God “sanctify & preserve” them v. 23  “Pray for us” and our work v. 25  “Greet all the brethren” v. 26  “Make sure this letter is read to all the brethren” v. 27

11. The Christians At Thessalonica

12. Events Leading Up To The Epistle… MMost likely, Timothy carried Paul’s 1st letter BBack in Corinth, Timothy reports… ……a favorable reception of the 1st letter ……a “fraudulent” letter from Paul re: the second coming of Christ 2:1-2 ……some problems 3:6-15

13. The Epistle…  Paul commends their faithfulness 1:3-12  He is thankful for their continued growth and love for each other  He is thankful for their faithfulness amidst continued persecutions v. 5  He reminds them their “troublers” will eventually be “troubled” by God vv. 6-10 The Christians At Thessalonica