Grace in the Word

This week we wrap up our study through 1 Thessalonians by unpacking chapter five. Chapter five is one of the richest chapters in Paul’s epistle. Paul ends his letter with powerful encouragement and great spiritual wisdom and guidance. Spend this week intentionally, slowly walking through this final chapter of 1 Thessalonians. Open your heart to reflect on Paul’s words to see what words penetrate your heart and soul. The Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts directly through His word, so intentionally invite His words into your life this week.

Enjoy the final week of Grace in the Word: 1 Thessalonians! 

This week we continue to dive into the weighty, fruitful, and powerful words of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians by looking at the second half of chapter four. Last week we spent time studying verses 1-12 of the fourth chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians. Paul discussed extensively what a life looks like that is holy. He pointed out that this kind of life is ultimately pleasing to God. This week we look at the last half of this chapter to discover Paul’s teaching and encouragement to the Thessalonians about the life to come and what it means to faithfully wait for God when others we love and who believed have gone before us. Spend time this week reading, studying, reflecting, and applying Paul’s words and God’s truth to your life in the last part of chapter four of 1 Thessalonians.

Enjoy week 6 of Grace in the Word: 1 Thessalonians! 

1 Thessalonians 4 is full of profound biblical truth for unpacking and understanding. Week 5 of our Grace in the Word study of 1 Thessalonians focuses exclusively on the first half of chapter four. This week look over 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. Paul intentionally points out what it looks like to please God in how we live, specifically in our sexual lives. He lists specific decisions we can make, like living free of sexual immorality, not giving in to lust, and not committing adultery. Paul clarifies that these things are how we live holy and how we can begin to love people in the way Christ calls us to love. Christian love is only possible through holy living. Reflect on the first half of this passage this week and seek to know what God calls you to in your walk with Him.

Enjoy week 5 of Grace in the Word: 1 Thessalonians! 

This week we dive into 1 Thessalonians 3. Paul continues to explain his deep love and care for the Thessalonians by sending Timothy to them. Paul wanted the Thessalonians to know that even though he had to leave abruptly, he had not forgotten them. He takes time to point this out to the Thessalonians as a way of teaching them the love that all of them, all of us Christians, are called to. This week as you study, reflect, and grow from chapter three of 1 Thessalonians, seek to understand the love that Paul had for the Thessalonians, the love that he called them to, and the love that we should be displaying to those around us.

Enjoy week 4 of Grace in the Word: 1 Thessalonians! 

This week we begin looking at 1 Thessalonians 2. We see Paul reflecting on his previous visit to the Thessalonians and encouraging them in their commitment to continuing to live for and spread the gospel. Paul clarifies that he is not working to justify his actions for having to leave the Thessalonians in order to defend his image or name, but in order for the Thessalonians to see how important the gospel message is to him. Paul cares more about preserving the good news of the gospel than how people view him. Spend time this week reflecting on Paul’s message in chapter two to the Thessalonians and their faithfulness to Paul’s message to them. 

Enjoy week 3 of Grace in the Word: 1 Thessalonians! 

This week we begin week two of our study through 1 Thessalonians. This week you will be diving into the first chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Thessalonians. In this chapter, you will get a glimpse into Paul’s heart for the Thessalonians, his prayers for them, and his joy in turning from idols and being an example of Christ to the people around them. As you study chapter one this week, ask yourself: what does it look like to be an example for others in my Christian walk? Also, reflect on what it means to walk in the full assurance of the Holy Spirit.

Enjoy week 2 of Grace in the Word: 1 Thessalonians!

Welcome to week one of Grace in the Word. Our church is coming together this week and beginning a seven-week journey through the book of 1 Thessalonians. This week will focus on the background and theme of the book of 1 Thessalonians. Consider this week the introduction or forward of our study through this book. This is an important week to give a glimpse and greater understanding of what Paul, Timothy, and Silas went through in Thessalonica, what the Thessalonians were going through before and after Paul’s departure, and why Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonians at all. Spend some time this week studying this book’s history and literary context and the scriptural impact of what Paul and the Thessalonians were going through. Reflect this week on Paul’s heart for this area and church and what it means for us to carry a heart like Paul’s to those around us.

As you begin this 7 week study make sure to do a few things to get the most out of this study:

1. Set aside a specific time each day to do this study. You can do each days reading in about 5-10 minutes, but make sure to give yourself time to reflect on the passage, study its meaning, and even seek other translations and commentaries to get the full magnitude of it each day.
2. Make sure this doesn’t become a chore. Remember this is meant to be an opportunity to not only learn in greater understanding a book of the Bible, but to rest in its meaning for your spiritual walk with Jesus today. The most important thing you can do with this study each day is to delight in it, rest in it, and grow closer to Jesus through it.
3. Finally, discuss it with others. Take time out of your week to do this study with a friend, family member, or small group. We have several ways to join a community online or in person in order to take part in this study.

Enjoy week 1 of Grace in the Word: 1 Thessalonians!