Why 1 and 2 Thessalonians? What can we learn from it? We begin with 5 reasons to study these 2 epistles of Paul:
First, Thessalonians is Scripture — a fairly under-emphasized portion of Scripture. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself: what’s the biggest big idea in the letter, and what’s one memorable line from it? If you can’t think of any, maybe we need more time in it. Every part of God’s inspired word is valuable and in this study, we’re going for a part that we don’t know very well.
Second, Thessalonians is not one but two letters addressed to the same church. Only Ephesians and Corinthians have this other rate privilege. So you’ll get to see a remarkable consistency or contrast in message when Paul speaks to this church. Were they faithful? Did they heed his counsel? Did they learn and change?
Third, Thessalonians has a unique doctrinal stress on eschatology. That means end times teaching, and it will do a lot to correct unhealthy end times teaching, and help shape how we should think about this historical period we’re in (i.e., rise of China, Trump, Brexit, etc). This will also connect to our recent series on the doctrine of resurrection.
Fourth, Thessalonians gives us a fusion between discipleship and healthy church life. Sometimes the two are pit against each other, like the parachurch and the church. But Thessalonians shows how the two go together in the one body, the church. It will enrich our understanding of ministry.
Fifth, Thessalonians is a great model for joy. We tend to think of Philippians but honestly, Thessalonians is filled with Christian hope and happiness. I’m looking forward to it.
Curious? Join us for our series, “With the end in mind” which will focus on both the epistles.