What is God’s will for our lives, and why is it important to know? In this eight-session series, Pastor Ben Stuart shows us that Jesus calls us to live our faith openly, letting the world see our allegiance to him. When we are being faithful, pressing against culture, others can’t help but notice. As we live confident of our good future in God’s kingdom, we show the world where—and in whom—their hope lies.

https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/794349

Study Guide (RightNow Media)

Session 1 1:1-10

Session 2 2:1-16

Other Study Guide (for reference only)

Inductive Bible Study Book by Book

https://ibsbookbybook.shanproject.org/english/new-testament-booklets

Two Journeys with Andy Davis
1 & 2 Thessalonians Podcast
https://twojourneys.org/podcasts/series/1-2-thessalonians-podcast/
Bible Study Questions
https://twojourneys.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-2-thessalonians-bible-study-questions.pdf

Intro Session

Hello Gentlemen,

Next Monday, we will gather again to begin our fall season. We will use the evening to reconnect and introduce our upcoming study in 1 Thessalonians.

To kick things off, here is a fun DEEP question for everyone to consider: What was the shortest war in history?

In addition, please come prepared to share a few personal thoughts on...

~ What would you say were some highlights or even lowlights of your summer?

~ Did you have any experiences that you would describe as significantly Holy Spirit inspired during your summer?

~ How about answers to prayer?

Regarding 1 Thessalonians ..

~ Between now and Monday I would like you to sit and read 1Thessalonians through in one sitting ....with these questions in mind...

~ Are there any questions raised for you?

~ Did you find any promise to claim?

~ Is there a verse or verses that stood out to you?

~ Was there a verse that inspired your prayer time?

~ Is there a command to obey?

~ Overall observations!

Finally...

~If you followed the map of Paul's journey provided by George.. observations?

Blessings guys ... looking forward to Monday !

Best regards,

Ralph

Session 1

In preparation for this coming Monday you will need to access our web page and the study section under 1 Thessalonians. I would encourage you to print out the study for Session 1.

For Monday night...

1. Opening question .. Paul wanted to make a return visit to the church ... he describes it as an intense longing .... with this in mind, is there anyplace you have ever visited to which you would really like to make a return visit?

2. Read through Thessalonians chapter 1. What do you discover about the church? How is the church described? Also read Acts 17:1-10 ... what else do you discover? Ask who, what, when , why questions..Make a list of your responses.

3. What do you think Paul wanted to communicate? What do you think these thoughts meant to the church? Note any words or phrases you feel are important? Any words used more than three times?

4. Print out the study guide for Session 1 and work through it. Come prepared to share any particular teaching, thought, question, or section of the study guide you found particularly impactful or helpful?

5. What do we learn from this chapter? What can we use to apply to our lives ?

Session 2

We will continue our study with 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 this coming week. Thank you to Ralph for leading a great study on Chapter 1.

Please review the following preparation materials before our meeting:

1. Study Guide: Print out the study guide for Study 2 and complete it. Please come prepared to share any particular teaching, thought, question, or section that you found impactful or helpful.

2. Reading: Read 1 Thessalonians 1 and 2 in the MSG translation, as well as in your favorite translation.

3. Opening Question: Who is your role model, and who do you imitate?

4. Discussion Question: In The Gospel and the End of Time, John Stott notes that Paul portrays himself as

a steward (v. 3-4),

a mother (v. 5-8),

a father (v. 9-12),

and a herald (v. 13-16).

How does each of these roles present different aspects of Paul's ministry to the Thessalonians?

5. Bonus Activity: Locate Macedonia, Achaia, and the Via Egnatia on a map (bonus point if you find out how the Egnatian Way was named).

Session 3

In preparation for this coming Monday (10/05), please read 1 Thessalonians 2:17 through 3:13. In addition, please read ACTS 17: 1-10. Also, if time permits, print out and complete the study guide #3 for 1 Thessalonians.

1. Opening Question: since Paul tried but was unable to get back to Thessalonica, he finally decided to send Timothy to further encourage these new Christians to continue to be strong in their faith even in the face of persecution and other troubles. Paul was very concerned that Satan may have gotten to them, and that Paul’s and the others efforts may have been for naught. However, Timothy returned with great news concerning the Thessalonians. They had continued to stay very strong in both their faith and love for one another. (3: 1-8).

So …. my question to you is: Have you ever been greatly anticipating the outcome of some upcoming event or circumstance but with great concern, only to be thankfully surprised that everything worked out just fine?

2. Thinking back on the event where Paul decided to send Timothy back to Thessalonica, what was preventing Paul from going himself (2: 17-18)?

Have you ever been prevented from helping others in their faith walk due to somewhat similar circumstances?

3. Although Paul remained concerned for the Thessalonians and the circumstances they faced everyday, what specifically about them was he most proud and joyful about? (2: 19-20; 3: 7-8).

Have you ever felt similar pride and joy about others in your life?

4. In verse 3:10 Paul states: “Night and day we pray earnestly for you asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith”.

In what area of your faith do you feel accomplished? Where do you see room for improvement (I.e. ‘Gaps’)?

5. What are some places, people, and/or things in your faith walk that have both encouraged and challenged you to ‘grow’ in faith, hope and love”? Please give us some examples.

6. Ralph recently sent us the question: “….. am I leaving this world better off than when I came into it and how am I best serving God where I am in life”? COR 7:35 and PRO 5:16.

So this begs the question: “What’s your focus in life? How much do you think about the direction of your life or the legacy you want to leave? What place does your faith have in your goals”?

At any time during our discussion next Monday, please feel free to bring up ‘any’ verse and/or message (in 1 Thessalonians 2:17 through 3:13 and/or the video) that spoke to you in some way.

Session 4

Ι will be leading Monday night's session on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. Here are some of the questions we will discuss Monday night.

1) In verse 1 Paul says “...we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more."

Do you feel as though you are doing/growing more and more in your faith?

Do you feel as though your faith has grown compared to 1 year ago or 3 years ago? Why or Why not?

2) In verse 3 Paul states "that you abstain from sexual immorality". Share a sexual immoral situation you had in your life and its impact on your life?

3) The above question was a joke, just making sure you are paying attention. ; )

Any thoughts on why Paul made a statement to the Thessalonians on abstaining from sexual immorality?

4) In verse 3 Paul states "It is God’s will that you… "

Have you ever thought, what is God’s will for your life?

Have you ever asked God to direct your life, so you would be living in His will?

5) If you can share an experience with the group of a time in your life where you prayed for God's will and it was revealed to you (either at that moment or later in life)?

Or share a time where you felt that you were in God's will due to the circumstances?

6) In verse 3 Paul writes “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified…”

What does sanctified mean?

7) In verse 4 Paul states "…that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God..." Obviously Paul is talking about controlling our bodies in a sexual context. How else can we control our bodies in holiness and honor as Christians?

Looking forward to seeing you Monday night!

-mark

Session 4 - Reading 1 Thes 4:3-8 as a Dialog

The following is from Alistair Begg - https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/sexual-purity-pt-1/

Now, in studying these verses, I have been helped—and I wonder if this will help you; I’m going to suggest that it might, and I’ll lead you through it—I’ve been helped by viewing this paragraph here as one half of a conversation. Now, let me explain to you what I mean. What we have here are Paul’s answers to a dialogue that is taking place between them, at least potentially so.

For example, Paul says—and here we are in verse 3—“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.” (v3)

To which the individual replies, “Like, what do you mean?”

To which he replies, “Avoid sexual immorality.” (v3)

To which the reply is, “How am I supposed to do that?”

To which the reply comes, “Learn to control your own body. Live within the God-ordained limits.” (v4)

To which the individual responds, “So it’s just a kind of personal, private matter, is it?”

To which the apostle responds, “No, make sure that you don’t wrong your brother in relationship to these things.” (v6)

To which the individual responds, “Well, I’m sure since the Lord is so loving, he won’t mind if I mess up.”

To which the apostle responds, “Listen: the Lord will punish this kind of sin.” (v6)

To which the individual responds, “Give it to me again, just in a sentence.”

To which the apostle replies, “God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” (v7)

To which the individual responds, “I think you’re a little excessive in relationship to this, Paul. I think you’re going a wee bit over the top.”

To which the apostle responds, “He who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.” (v8)

I don’t know if it’s helpful for you to think in those terms, but it certainly was helpful to me—that what Paul is doing here is actually addressing specific questions that have come to him. And if you imagine it in terms of a dialogue, then I think we can see how logically the progression of his thought follows.

Alistair Begg - message

Session 5

I will be facilitating this coming Monday’s session on 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. Read the passage a couple of times, it’s short so it will not take long. Here are some questions we will discuss:

Icebreaker: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up and why? What did you end up doing?

1. What is the context and history behind Paul’s statement in v9 and 10?

2. What is the Greek word for brotherly love? What is the meaning of that word?

3. Regarding brotherly love, what things should evangelical churches be doing to support what Paul espouses? What things do you see your church doing that support what Paul espouses?

4. Why does Paul admonish the Thessalonians to "lead a quiet life?”

5. What does it mean to you to lead a “quiet” life?

6. Why does Paul admonish the Thessalonians to “work with their hands?”

7. Why did you finally choose to do what you do for a living?

8. Can a non-ministry career be a “ministry”?

Burt

Session 5 - The Fence Inspector, a modern screenplay based on 4:11

The Fence Inspector — A Short Screenplay.pdf

Session 5 - The Quite Hands of Thessalonica, a screenplay based on 4:11

The Quiet Hands of Thessalonica — A Screenplay.pdf

Session 6

Hello Gentleman, 1 Thess. 4:13-18

Looking forward to Monday . However, this passage is also a challenge because it causes us to think about grief and loss and that is never easy. I trust whatever our experience in life dealing with loss that we will be encouraged by Paul's teaching and our time together.

Questions to kick off our evening ...

1. Paul was uncertain about all that was happening in the church so we read that he sent Timothy to them to find out what was happening, to encourage , strengthen, and keep them from being shaken by trouble ( 3:1-3). So in your lives who do you remember as a kind of Timothy. Someone who had a significant impact on your life at some point ... who encouraged you, strengthened you, was there possibly at some difficult time to stand alongside you? Pointed you to a deeper walk in with Jesus. Come prepared to share.

2. In your life, who was the first family member you remember dying? What effect did that person's death have on you?

3. What ideas or teaching did you hear about death and the afterlife when you were growing up? How do you react to John 11:35?

4. In all that Paul says about the hope of resurrection . What question does Paul not answer ?

5. What is Paul's main emphasis in this passage?

6. We will now view tonight's video ... What additional light does Sturat give us regarding life after death

Ralph

Session 7

Greetings and Salutations MNBS’ers!

In preparation for our next study, please read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. (Note: it would be helpful to first re-read the last passage that Ralph covered - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). In addition, please read a supporting passage from Ephesians 6:10-17. Also, if you have time, print out and complete our Study Guide Session #7.

As we will soon learn, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 ‘focuses on’: The Day of the Lord (i.e. sometimes referred to as ‘end times’); the Unexpected Timing of Christ’s Return; and How Believers Should Live While Waiting. This passage is an immediate follow-up to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The three key themes/points listed above, and several other key themes from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, can also be found in ‘other areas’ of the Bible.

Q1. So before we get into the ‘details’ of Paul’s key themes/points in Thess 5:1-11, my first question to you is: how many times do the following key themes appear elsewhere in the Bible?

A. ’Like a Thief in the Night’ ?

B. ‘Day of the Lord’ ?

C. ‘Children of the Light’ ?

D. ‘Faith, Love, and Hope’ ?

Can you recite ‘one verse’ you have found (elsewhere in the Bible) from each of the four theme/points listed above?

Q2. Have you ever experienced a sudden occurrence/event in your life that, at the time, was very devastating and completely unexpected? Please share this with our group.

Q3. What does Paul mean by: “You are all Children of the Light and Of the Day”?

I had asked you to also read Ephesians 6: verses 10-17 which discusses all of ‘God’s Armor for Us’.

Q4. As you read these verses, see if you can find what ‘piece of Armor’ is the only OFFENSIVE weapon listed in God’s Armor for us?

Last Monday Stuart (in the video we viewed) talked about the mainstream Christian theology which is that souls of those who die in Christ go immediately to Heaven while their physical bodies remain ‘resting’ in the grave until the second coming of Jesus Christ (the Rapture). Stuart left open for our discussion as to when this might occur. The possibilities include:

1. Rapture occurs ‘prior to’ the years of Tribulation.

2. Rapture occurs midway through the Tribulation.

3. Rapture will not occur until the end of Tribulation.

Surprisingly, each of these three possibilities can, to some extent, be supported by certain Bible verses.

Q5. Which possibility makes the most sense to you?

Q6. What are some practical examples as to how/where we can encourage one another, build each other up?

Jim

Session 8

Thess. 5:12-28

1. Tonight we wrap up our time in 1 Thess. So take some time and read through the letter again .. ask God to raise up a verse or verses that you will use as a model /idea to write a prayer for the men of MNBS. Come prepared to share.

2. Read 5:12 .. Think through your life experiences ...over the years who has God used in your life to give you spiritual guidance ... to encourage you and enable you to grow in faith.

3..List the specific exhortations Paul gives to the Thessalonians in this final passage. How many ? Which one/ones speak to you?

4. Have you ever been admonished or corrected by another Christian? Why?

5. How do you respond to verse 18? How can we do this?

6. How might we strife/quench the Holy Spirit? verse 19

7. What is a Holy Kiss? verse 26 .. Where else in the Bible do you find this exhortation?

8. Verse 24 ... In what ways has God shown himself faithful in your life?

Ralph

Second Missionary Journey

Plot Paul's journey as detailed in Acts 15-18

Thessaloniki - View of Thessalonica today

Altoona - View of the Horseshoe Curve

Why Altoona?

Ralph's favorite town?

Altoona reminds me of ancient Thessalonica. While separated by centuries and continents, both cities gained importance because they sat on major transportation corridors. Altoona grew along one of America's great railroad routes through the Alleghenies, while Thessalonica stood on the Roman Via Egnatia, where merchants, soldiers, and travelers passed daily. Paul's decision to plant a church in Thessalonica reflects the same principle that made Altoona significant: influence often flows through strategic crossroads.

This Live Cam is pointing at 8 o'clock direction as shown in the previous video. For the train buff, see if you catch a train passing (hint, roughly on the hour).

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