1 Thessalonians by Gary DeLashmutt (2012)

Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church in 48 A.D. after having spent a few weeks with them. In the beginning of this letter, Paul focuses on five key elements of a person becoming a genuine believer in Jesus Christ: 1) God initiates with them; 2) God pursues people through His Holy Spirit, the gospel message of forgiveness and by human messengers; 3) a person makes a heart decision to turn from idols and serve God and acknowledge the need for His forgiveness; 4) when a person asks for Jesus' forgiveness, they are no longer under God's judgment; and 5) their lives are freed up to love other Christians, share Christ with others and have real hope for the next life.

Paul writes to the Thessalonians about their relationship, giving insight into what Christian discipleship relationships look like. From Paul's time with the Thessalonians, there were three crucial components of relationships meant to promote spiritual maturity: 1) the message - that through understanding the gospel, people become convinced and mature Christians; 2) the motives of relating with one another to please God, not people; and 3) the manner in which our relationships look like. These elements are critical to adopt if we wish to be successful in discipleship relationships that God provides for us to invest in.\r\n

Paul encourages the Thessalonians that they accepted the gospel not as a human message, but as the divinely inspired Word of God that works within them. The Biblical definition of inspiration is that it is God-initiated, as He reveals the content and Himself to human messengers who communicate His truth and messages without error or fault. The writers of the New Testament attested that their message was from God and their apostleship was based on God uniquely equipping them to preach His Truth. The implication of divine inspiration is that God's Word is the ultimate authority and basis for how we should live our lives.

Paul continues to share with the Thessalonians his concern for them while they were apart. From this section, we are able to determine two more principles that take place in Christian discipleship. The first is that a major priority in these relationships is face-to-face relating. There was also a healthy concern for one another's spiritual welfare. Paul was able to give himself sacrificially to them because his needs had been met in Christ. Includes excerpts from Sherry Turkle's book "Alone Together" and discusses the negatives that come from replacing face to face relating with immersion into information technology.

Paul describes to the Thessalonians ways in which they can live to please God. He begins with instructions about Christian sexuality. These moral guidelines are for Christians. God's design for sexuality is that it is to be enjoyed within the confines of a heterosexual, monogamous marriage and that all other sexual relations outside of this are outside of God's Will. On a positive note, Paul highlights that committing to God's stance on sexuality allows for the maximum amount of real service towards another in marriage and prevents real catastrophic damage that comes when God's way is neglected. What we think and decide to do in the area of sexuality can have a great effect on our personal relationship with Jesus.

Paul writes to the Thessalonians on ways in which they can live to please God. Three priorities that please God include: 1) getting immersed in Christian community; 2) cultivating quietness before God and giving attention to family; and 3) being financially self-supportive. When Christians are plugged into communities with a healthy investment on Christ-centered relationships, have regular times spent with God and family, and learn to prioritize God's relational priorities while working hard in the workplace, it leads to a fulfilling life that glorifies God.

Paul writes to the Thessalonians describing how the Christian life provides real hope amidst death. The promise of a personal, embodied reunion with Jesus Christ gives Christians hope to see their loved ones in Christ who have passed away. This is based on Jesus overcoming death and will occur during the Rapture, where Jesus will return and call up all Christians to meet him up in the air. The implications of these truths are that people need to entrust themselves to Jesus Christ, and for those who are believers in Jesus, they should instruct others with these words.

In light of what Paul had previously written to the Thessalonian church concerning the Rapture and return of Jesus, he explains what this means for how Christians should live their lives. Jesus Christ's return is imminent, something that has been predicted throughout the Bible and is the basis for the hope of Christians. In light of Jesus coming back, Paul urges the Thessalonians to be sober and alert, and live consistently as if we're confident in Jesus' return. This would mean living for things that have eternal benefit, understanding the brokenness of the world around us, and living a life where we are transformed to look more like Christ.

Paul writes to the Thessalonians about the relationship between God-ordained leadership within the church and the role of those who follow the leadership. Biblical leadership within the church is not only essential, but also should be plural and involves many components, including: 1) serving those within the church through interpersonal interactions; 2) providing spiritual direction on areas within the confines of Biblical mandates; and 3) teaching God's Word in various places with specific application for individuals. Those who are following the direction of spiritual leadership also have responsibilities, including: 1) being responsive to the direction of leadership; 2) regarding Christian leadership as a vital and important work; and 3) supporting the leadership. The key to effective leaders and followers is the love of Jesus Christ.

Paul gives instructions for prayer to the Thessalonian church. Prayer should be talking with God in an ongoing and personal way, with an emphasis on gratitude. Gratitude in prayer is a vital component in light of what's been done for Christians because of Jesus' death on the cross. Cultivating this habit can lead us to a more joyful life and relationship with God and others. As we practice thankfulness before God, we should consider looking at Biblical passages to help remind us of the promises God has made and make regular attempts to thank God for what He's done.

Paul continues to give the Thessalonian church instructions on how to grow their closeness with Christ. He instructs them to not quench the Holy Spirit, and highlights areas in which this can come out: 1) despising prophetic utterances, or tuning out God's message in its various forms; 2) mocking genuine enthusiasm for God by stifling or dismissing others excitement about God; and 3) shrinking away from scary steps of faith. By not quenching the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, we are freed up to become more intimate in our relationship with God.