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Salvation and Persecution in Thessalonica

1. READ

   Acts 15:1–17:15; 1 Thessalonians 1, 2

2. CONNECT

   10min
   Relationships are fundamental to Paul’s theology. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul clarifies that faith in Christ is the only way to have a restored relationship with God. In his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul explains how believers in Christ are to live in relationship with God and others as we wait for the fullness of God’s kingdom to be revealed. These letters also show how Paul himself lived out his love for God and for the Thessalonians.

3. Reflection

   Describe someone you know who brings you joy. Why do you think they make you feel this way?

4. WATCH

   20min

5. DISCUSS

   10min
   • What is something that stood out to you from the video?
   • Paul and the Thessalonians suffered together for their faith (Acts 17:5-9). Have you ever suffered or gone through something really difficult with another person or group (not necessarily for your faith)? If so, how did that experience affect your relationship?
   • Summarize Paul’s message to the Thessalonians regarding their election and conversion.
   • How can Paul’s perspective about the Thessalonians’ salvation encourage believers who are suffering or being persecuted?

6. Straight from the Heart

   15min
   Bold, Gentle Love Jesus Christ, whom Paul sought to imitate, was on the one hand, bold and unwavering (Matthew 21:12-15), and on the other hand gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:29). These character traits might seem contradictory but they are consistent with the character of God who is gracious and compassionate but also does not let the guilty go unpunished (Exodus 34:6, 7). In Paul’s relationship with the Galatians we see his bold, unwavering commitment to truth. In his relationship with the Thessalonians we see his gentle side. Paul says the Thessalonians knew what kind of men he and his friends were when they were with them (1 Thessalonians 1:5): “gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7). And this love and concern for them did not diminish when Paul moved on. Instead, as Thirdmill’s video Paul and the Thessalonians says:

   Paul explained that he constantly prayed for the Thessalonians and that they were not alone in their struggles. He, Timothy, and Silas prayed day in and day out that God would work powerfully in them to make sure that they were faithful and fruitful in their service to Christ.

   • Note what the following verses tell us about how Paul related to the Thessalonians:
     • 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3
     • 1 Thessalonians 2:2-6
     • 1 Thessalonians 2:8
     • 1 Thessalonians 2:9
   • What stands out to you about Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonians?
   • What do the following verses tell us about how the Thessalonians related to Paul:
     • 1 Thessalonians 1:6
     • 1 Thessalonians 2:13
   • How does the relationship between Paul and the believers in Thessalonica confirm or expand the way you see the apostle Paul?

7. APPLY

   Take some time to consider the following questions:

   • Where has this study encouraged you in your faith?
   • Where has it challenged you? What do you want to do as a result?
   • Where do you need “boldness in our God to declare … the gospel of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:2)?
   • Who can you ask to pray for you to boldly proclaim the gospel, as Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him? (Ephesians 6:19, 20)
   • What do you see in Paul’s model of relationships that you could apply to a specific relationship of yours?
   • How else might you apply something that you have seen in Paul’s model of relationships?

   Session 7 Handout

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