1 Thessalonians 1-5, 2 Thessalonians 1-3

Mary Skelton

God Speaks

Paul Thanks God, Encourages and Prays For the Suffering Believers In Thessalonica As They Wait Expectantly For Christ’s Return

Verse of the Day: “Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with his holy ones.” (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 NIV 2011) 

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We Respond

1 Thessalonians 1

Reflection: This first letter to the Thessalonians from Paul (along with Silas and Timothy) was written from Corinth in 50-51AD. Its purpose was to encourage the believers there and correct some misunderstandings, especially about the second coming of Christ. This short first chapter mainly focuses on greeting them, assuring them of Paul’s prayers and concern, commending them for how well their faith is perceived by those around them, and bringing the discussion back to Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Dear God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You for being the only source of unending grace and lasting peace. Lord, please spread Your grace, forgiveness, mercy, and peace in the hearts of Your people around the world. Thank You that all that Jesus experienced made that accessible to us. May I and other believers pray continually like Paul for those to whom we have ministered in the past, in the present, and in the future. May we be like the Thessalonians and love through good deeds, maintain a firm trust in You, and steadily watch for Jesus Christ’s return. Please help me to remind myself and others continually how much You love us and how we are to love each other. Help us to share the gospel freely even if there are difficulties.  Please help those who listen to us have great assurance that what we say is true, to the point that it changes their lives. Then those around them will be drawn to trust Jesus as well and look for Him to rescue them from the coming judgment. Please help all Your people to be living for Your glory, Lord. AMEN 

Action: (Ask the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)

  • I will be alert to references to Christ’s second coming as I read and study 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
  • I will pray for those who are taking the gospel to various people groups.
  • I will ask the Lord how He wants to use me to encourage ________ (someone specific) today, then do what He tells me.
  • I will try to live in such a way that those around me see positive changes and turn to Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2

Reflection: This chapter gives us a wonderful pattern for disciple-makers to follow in ministering to the groups they serve. Don’t keep the disciples in the dark regarding suffering (yours or potentially theirs).  Preach the message of the cross and resurrection despite severe opposition. Check your motives and purposes. Be perfectly straightforward and sincere. Speak as messengers of God. Trust Him and tell the truth. Don’t change the message to suit the audience. God knows your deepest thoughts and feelings. Don’t flatter or try to impress just to get money. Although it is right for you to be honored, don’t seek praise from people. Be as gentle as a nursing mother. Willingly give your own lives to the people as well as teaching them the truth of God. Work hard among them, day and night, preaching God’s Good News. Let the people themselves be able to testify how pure, honest, and faultless you are toward everyone. Talk as a loving father would to his own children. Plead, encourage, even demand that their daily lives not embarrass but honor God and bring Him joy as He invites them into His Kingdom. Never stop thanking God when the people believe the word of God and respond to it with changed lives. Prepare the people to suffer persecution as all God’s people have at some point. Remember that the Enemy is against both God and the human beings. He will try to keep the Gospel from being preached and people from being saved, keeping them bound up in sin. Keep these fellow believers in your hearts and prayers wherever you go. Be sure to follow up on them as God leads. Don’t let sin, self, or Satan stop you. Live for the hope and joy of seeing the people you’ve ministered to standing with you before Christ to receive rewards when He returns.  

Prayer: Dear Sovereign God, thank You that Your plans and purposes will always be fulfilled. Lord, I sincerely desire to follow Paul’s pattern of disciple-making set forth in I Thessalonians 2; however, I cannot do anything on my own. Please enable me and others by Your Holy Spirit to each do our part in bringing this pattern to completion. 

The Disciple-maker’s Prayer

Lord God, help me not to keep the disciples in the dark regarding suffering (mine or potentially theirs).  Help me to preach the message of the cross and resurrection despite severe opposition. Help me to check my motives and purposes. I need to be perfectly straightforward and sincere. Holy Spirit, help me speak as a messenger of God. I trust You to help me tell the truth. Don’t let me change the message to suit the audience. Lord God, You know my deepest thoughts and feelings. Don’t let me flatter or try to impress just to get money. Although it is right for me to be honored, may I not seek praise from people but only from You, Lord. May I be as gentle as a nursing mother. I desire to willingly give my own life to the people as well as teaching them the truth of God. May I work hard among them, day and night, preaching God’s Good News. May the people themselves be able to testify how pure, honest, and faultless I am toward everyone. May I talk as a loving father would to his own children. Lord, help me to plead, encourage, even demand that their daily lives not embarrass but honor You, Lord God, and bring You joy as You invite them into Your Kingdom. May I never stop thanking You when the people believe Your word and respond to it with changed lives. Help me to prepare the people to suffer persecution as all Your people have at some point. We must remember that the Enemy is against both You, God, and the human beings You created in Your image. Satan and his forces will try to keep the Gospel from being preached and people from being saved, keeping them bound up in sin. May I keep these fellow believers in my heart and prayers wherever I go. Help me to be sure to follow up on them as You lead me. I don’t want sin, self, or Satan to stop the expansion of Your Kingdom. I am determined to live for the hope and joy of seeing the people I’ve ministered to standing with me before Christ to receive rewards when He returns. For the sake of the name and glory of Jesus Christ, I pray. AMEN 

Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)

  • I will read the disciple-maker’s prayer aloud applying it to myself.
  • I will pray the disciple-maker’s prayer as intercession on behalf of other believers, missionaries, and Christian workers.
  • I will seek to put the principles of the disciple-maker’s prayer into practice in my life.
  • I will thank God for the privilege of being a disciple-maker and for those who have knowingly or unknowingly discipled me.

1 Thessalonians 3

Reflection: Paul was very concerned about the condition of the Thessalonian believers’ faith, so much so that in these 13 verses, twice (verse 1 and 5) he wrote, “when (we or I) could bear it no longer.”  Paul sent Timothy to them to strengthen their faith and encourage the Thessalonians. He did not want them to become so disheartened by their trials that they would give up and make all Paul’s work among them useless; however, Timothy brought back a good report that their faith was strong, and they remembered Paul’s visit with joy. This cheered Paul up amid his own crushing troubles and struggles. In thankfulness and joy, Paul prayed for the opportunity to visit them, but in the meantime that the Lord would cause their love for God and for each other to grow and overflow to those around them. He also prayed that God would make their hearts strong, sinless, and holy. Then they would be able to stand before God the Father guiltless on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns with all those who belong to Him.   

Prayer: Dear loving Father God, thank You for being so concerned for us, Your human creations, that You send Your Son to die in our place so that we could live free now and spend eternity with You. Lord, I am concerned about ________ regarding the status of their faith in Christ especially in light of the struggles they are facing right now. Please use me or another believer to strengthen their faith and encourage them. I so long to visit them, but since I can’t right now, please help me to contact them by phone, text, email, or letter. I need to know that they are standing true to You, Lord, amid their troubles. It will be my joy to continue to pray for them. Whenever You do give me a chance to visit them, I want to rejoice to see how their love is overflowing for You and for each other. Father God, make their hearts strong, sinless, and holy. Then they will be able to stand before You on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns with all those who belong to Him. For the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.  AMEN 

Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)

  • I will contact _______ (someone specific), whom I am concerned about regarding the status of their faith in Christ. 
  • I will pray day and night for the salvation and spiritual growth of all those for whom God holds me responsible.
  • I will pray for the salvation, spiritual growth, and protection of people in my nation, especially for those in positions of authority. 
  • I will act on the opportunities God gives me to speak with people about their faith in Christ. 

1 Thessalonians 4

Reflection: The first thirteen verses of 1 Thessalonians chapter four are about everyday Christian living, especially the area of sexual purity. The rest of the chapter discusses the death of believers especially regarding Christ’s return. Paul urges the Thessalonians (and all believers) to live increasingly to please God–not themselves. How we need that in our day! How different our society would be if people would ask themselves every morning, “How could I please God and/or another person today?” We cannot, however, live out the holiness God wants for us apart from Christ and the Holy Spirit working us. As we cooperate with Him, we will be able to resist temptations to sin such as inappropriate sexual urges. Then we will be able to live the pure lives God wants us to have. In regard to physical death and Christ’s return, those who belong to God and have died will not be abandoned in the grave. When Jesus returns, they will be raised first. Then we who are alive and remain on the earth will join them and Jesus forever. Believing this fact should give us all hope.

Prayer: Dear loving Father God, thank You that You come alongside Your children to help us live righteously, including in sexual purity. Please help me to appreciate and take good care of this body You have given me. Please also teach me and other believers to improve continually in how we demonstrate Your love to people. I’m learning from Your Word how to stay calm, mind my own business, and do a good job at whatever I do. Hopefully this will gain the respect of those around me, and they will want to follow You, too. I want to be dependable, not dependent on others or the government. Thank you that if I should physically die before You return, Jesus, I won’t be abandoned in the grave. My body and those of other believers will be raised first. Then come the Christ-followers who are still alive. We will all get to be with You forever. Help me to encourage others with these words. AMEN

Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)

  • I will daily ask God how I can please Him, then watch how things come about. 
  • I will seek the Holy Spirit’s help in avoiding any kind of sexual sin.
  • I will thank God for the body He has given me and honor Him by taking good care of it.
  • I will use the concepts of this chapter to encourage someone today who may be grieving a death or considering their own demise. 

1 Thessalonians 5

Reflection: Regarding the exact details as to when Christ would return, Paul couldn’t say. Although the Thessalonians didn’t know the exact date, they should not be taken unaware, but be prepared by living pure, God-directed lives, loving one another. They were to live no longer in the darkness but in the light of Christ’s love and forgiveness. They could depend on the self-control, faith, love, and hope of salvation provided by the Holy Spirit to protect them. They could encourage each other in the fact that God did not destine them to experience His wrath. Because Jesus Christ died in our place, whether a person is physically dead or alive when He returns, whoever trusts and obeys God will go to live with Him forever. Their pastors and leaders were working hard to instruct them in these truths; therefore, they should be respected and rewarded. Paul promised that the Holy Spirit would enable them to carry out the instructions he listed in verses 16-24. 

Prayer: Dear all-knowing and all-loving Father God, only You know the exact time and date Jesus will come back to judge the beings of this world, but it need not take me by surprise. I can be prepared. Thank You that I no longer have to stumble around in the darkness of sin. I can live in the light of Your love and forgiveness. Thank You, Jesus, that because of what You accomplished by Your death on the cross and Your resurrection, I am no longer destined for God’s wrath but for eternity with You. I really want to build up and encourage others, especially the leaders who work so hard to strengthen our faith and direct us in Your ways. Please help me to keep my eyes on You. You always give me something about which to be happy and thankful, and because of that, I can have a positive attitude in the worst of circumstances. I want to continually be in open, ongoing dialogue with You, both speaking and listening. I promise to speak with You about those You have put in charge over me. I also intend to use culturally appropriate behavior to show honor and respect to everyone. As You give me opportunity, I will share Your Word with people. Thank You, Holy Spirit for assisting me in carrying out this assignment. Lord, may Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. AMEN

Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)

  • I will ask the Lord to show me where I have been walking in the darkness. Then I will ask Him to help me walk in the light of His presence.
  • I will get dressed each morning with the clothing of righteousness, faith, love, the hope of salvation, and self-control.
  • I will look for ways to encourage my pastor and other spiritual leaders, then do them.
  • I will, by God’s grace, overcome an evil habit I have engaged in for years. (See verse 22)

2 Thessalonians 1

Reflection: This second letter from Paul, Silas, and Timothy was written to clarify concerns the Thessalonians had regarding Christ’s return. Paul thanked God that the Thessalonian believers were growing in their faith in Christ as well as in their love for one another, especially despite the crushing troubles and hardships they were going through. He even bragged about their patience and faith in God to people in other churches. Paul reassured them that God would stand up against those who were trying to harm them. He described how, on the day Jesus comes back, He will deal harshly with those who refuse to believe and obey Him. At the same time Jesus will comfort and reward those who have faithfully trusted and obeyed what Paul had taught them about Christ. Paul continued to pray for them that God would shape them into the people they needed to be to bring praise and glory to His mighty power at work in them.

Prayer: Dear God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for filling me and those I hold dear with peace of mind and heart and more blessings than we can recount or imagine. Please help my fellow believers and me to grow in our faith in Christ as well as in our love for one another especially during difficult circumstances. May those who know us be able to brag about the faith and patience You have given us for Your glory, Lord. Thank You, Lord Jesus, that when You return, You will stand up against those who are trying to harm Your faithful followers. You will deal harshly with those who refuse to believe and obey You. At the same time, Jesus, You will comfort and reward those who have faithfully trusted and obeyed what they have been taught about You. I will continue to pray for my fellow believers and myself that we will cooperate as You shape us into the people we need to be to bring praise and glory to Your mighty power at work in us. AMEN

Action: (Ask the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)

  • I will pray daily for God to fill those I hold dear with peace of mind and heart and more blessings than they can imagine or realize.  
  • I will take time to actually picture in my mind how God, the Holy Spirit is helping them to grow in their faith in Christ as well as in their love for one another especially during difficult circumstances.
  • I will “brag” to others how God has blessed me with patient endurance, especially during difficult times in my life.  
  • I will call, email, text, Zoom, or write to a fellow believer who is going through hard times to encourage them and remind them that Jesus will deal appropriately with their tormentor when He returns. 

2 Thessalonians 2

Reflection: We and the Thessalonians are all to look forward to Christ’s return as Paul taught.  We and they are not to be uninformed, deceived, fearful, or foolish about this. What must happen before Jesus returns? Two things need to occur: There will be great lawlessness and rebellion against God and all that He stands for and against all that stand for Him. Then the man of lawlessness will rise up with great power and arrogance to declare himself God. He will indeed fool, capture, and control those who already love their sin and hate the Truth. What is keeping the man of lawlessness at bay? The Holy Spirit and the body of Christ (the collection of all true believers) are holding him back by many acts of loving sacrifice to God and others. What are people to be doing until Christ returns? We and the Thessalonians are to receive the salvation and cleansing from sin that Jesus and the Holy Spirit provide even if we don’t deserve it. We must hold on to and fight for the truth. Then we are to follow Paul’s example of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, standing firm and keeping a strong grip on Him who is the Truth. We should undergird everything by interacting with God in prayer. We need to be asking Jesus Christ and God our Father to comfort, strengthen, and help all His servants in everything they say and do, wherever they are. 

Prayer: Dear gracious Lord, thank You that Jesus is coming back to rescue His people and reclaim everything. Please help me to look forward to this great event with joy. Don’t let me be deceived or act foolishly about this. Please help me and other believers to be fully informed, knowledgeable, courageous, and wise as we pray and take action regarding the events preceding Christ’s return. As I see great lawlessness and rebellion against You and Your people in my locality, nation, and world, help me not to just complain but talk with You about it. Help me to intercede as Jesus is, acknowledging the sin but pleading for forgiveness because of His sinless, selfless sacrifice on the cross. Please equip Your body of believers to spread this Good News so more and more people will stand firm and keep a strong grip on the truth. Lord, return us (USA) to the traditions and biblical values on which this nation was founded. Lord Jesus and Heavenly Father, thank You for loving people and giving those who will believe comfort and hope which we don’t deserve. Comfort the hearts of Your followers with all comfort and help us in every good thing we say and do, wherever we are. For the sake of Your kingdom. AMEN 

Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)

  • I will use various study materials to research God’s promises in both the Old and New Testaments regarding Christ’s return.
  • I will seek out trustworthy sources of information so that I can be fully informed, knowledgeable, courageous, and wise as I pray and act regarding the events preceding Christ’s return. 
  • I will spend significant time (alone or with others) confessing the sins of myself, my locality, my nation, and my world.
  • I will ask the Lord to show me ways to comfort and strengthen His people and to help me carry through on these actions.

2 Thessalonians 3

Reflection: Paul ends this second letter by asking the Thessalonians to pray for him. They were to pray that the Word of God would have free rein as it was carried abroad and be effective just it had among them. They were to pray also that those who faithfully preached the Word would be protected from evil and wicked men. Paul stated emphatically that God would be faithful to guard both him and them. He prayed for them that the Lord would direct their hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. Because of his fatherly concern, Paul charged them to work hard to earn their own living instead of being dependent on others, giving himself as an example. He warned them not to associate with or feed anyone who was lazy and refused to work; however, the Thessalonians were not to hate such people, but warn them as treasured family members and to work hard at doing good themselves. After blessing them in the Lord Jesus, Paul personally wrote his signature for authenticity.

Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You for answering the humble requests of Your children. You especially honor prayers offered for others and for the furtherance of Your kingdom. I pray for You to protect Your people from dangers and enemies, both seen and unseen. I further pray that Your Word would be conveyed to every people group on the planet in an efficient and effective way. I ask that Your workers would not be lazy but work hard to support themselves and others who are truly in need. May they and I inform those who refuse to work and choose to depend on others (especially the government) that we love them too much to let them get by with such behavior. I am willing to sign my name to this prayer, but Jesus’s name has more authority. AMEN

Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)

  • I will pray for ________ and _______ (specific people who have been like Paul, Silas, and Timothy in my life).
  • I will do my part (however large or small) in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
  • I will work hard (and with integrity) to support myself, my family, and the work of God.
  • I will stand up for what is right and good, especially for those who cannot speak for themselves. (ex. working and praying to end abortion).

Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.