Page 95 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

We live in a culture where sexual morals are becoming more permissive. Paul tells the Thessalonian
believers to pursue sexual purity as they follow Christ (1 Thess. 4:3–8). How do Paul’s teachings about
sexual purity apply to your life? Are there other matters of behavior that you need to address in order to
follow Christ?

Ch. 3:13 reminds us that God uses every situation to bring us to conformity into Christ’s image, and we
go through means that God is using to prepare us for Christ’s coming.

Ch. 4:13-18 is one of the most joyful, and most comforting passages in the Bible. It helps us realize that
in Christ we are never lost, neither in life nor in death!
Paul urges his audience to be sober and attentive to the circumstances around them (1 Thess. 5:6, 8).
What surrounding circumstances do you need to consider more closely?

Near the end of the letter, Paul gives a series of pointed instructions (1 Thess. 5:12–22). Which of these
commands fits with your life today? What can you do to address issues of sin in your life? How can you
receive accountability so that you can be transformed to be more like Christ, and do his work?

I Thessalonians 5:17-19: “Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you
in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.” These three commands are meant to accelerate our spiritual
maturity. The addition of the reason to the second command is what makes it unique. God wills that we
thank Him in both good and bad circumstances.
Practical Application: 135

This book can be applied to many life situations. It gives us the confidence as Christians that dead or
alive when Christ comes back we will be together with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). It assures us as
Christians that we won’t receive God’s wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:8-9). It instructs us how to walk the
Christian life daily (1 Thessalonians 4–5).

Overview of I Thessalonians

135 https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-1-Thessalonians.html (used by permission)

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