1 THESSALONIANS: A MODEL CHURCH
1 Thessalonians: A Model Church
A Survey of the Bible
For bulletin in PDF form, click here.
1 Thessalonians Chart - Wilson
Introduction to 1 Thessalonians - Stott
Thessalonians - Michael Holmes
Argument of 1 Thessalonians - Dan Wallace
Context: Who, Where, When, and Why?
• Who composed 1 Thessalonians?
• Who was the original audience of 1 Thessalonians?
• When and where was 1 Thessalonians written?
• Why was Paul writing?
Content: How and What?
• How is 1 Thessalonians organized?
Introduction: Salutation and Greeting (1:1)
Personal: Paul and the Thessalonians (1:2-3:14)
• Thanksgiving for Their Work of Faith, Labor of Love, and Endurance of Hope. (1:2-10)
• Background: Paul’s History with the Church. (2:1-3:13)
- Defense of Apostleship (2:1-12)
- Thanksgiving for Reception of the Gospel (2:13-16)
- Plans to Visit Them Soon (2:17-3:13)
Practical: Christ and the Thessalonians (4:1-5:22)
• Relationships in the Christian Community (4:1-12)
• Return of Christ as an Encouragement (4:13-5:11)
• Relationships in the Congregation (5:12-22)
Conclusion: Benediction, Blessing, and Final Words (5:23-28)
• What is the message of 1 Thessalonians?
Conviction: So What?
• Where does 1 Thessalonians fit?
- One of Paul’s earliest letters is sent to a congregation that was a model of maturity but had some questions about Paul’s quick exit from the city and his concern for them.
- This letter contains Paul’s clearest exposition of how he measured a church, i.e.
“energetic work of faith, strenuous labor of love, and steadfast endurance of hope.”
- Every chapter finishes with a reminder of a truth about the return of Christ.
• What should we believe?
- Faith, love, and hope are the measure of a church.
- Energetic work, strenuous labor, and steadfast endurance are the natural and inevitable outcomes of faith, love, and hope.
- The return of Christ is an encouragement and motivation for sanctification.
• How should we behave?
- Energetically serving God because our faith is growing.
- Persisting in the hard labor of loving people well because God loves us.
- Anchored deeply in the hope of Christ’s return as the ultimate hope for life, satisfaction, and justice.
Next Steps
• Trust God with your entire life, deepening your faith, resulting in energetic work for the sake of the gospel and God’s people.
• Reflect on the consistent and undeserved love God has for you and let that drive you to love others even when it is very, very hard.
• Place your deepest hope in the return of Christ and our reunion with Him in person, which will keep you enduring through the storms of life.
This Week's Growth Guide
God’s Word is both central and critical to your spiritual growth. We invite you to utilize the Growth Guide during the week to further your application of the Truth from the message.
•. Monday - 1 Thessalonians 1
•. Tuesday - 1 Thessalonians 2
•. Wednesday - 1 Thessalonians 3
•. Thursday - 1 Thessalonians 4
•. Friday - 1 Thessalonians 5
Finances
Weekly Budget 32,692
Giving For 05/05 34,553
Giving For 05/12 28,313
YTD Budget 1,503,846
Giving 1,586,672
OVER/(UNDER) 82,826
Women’s Summer Study
Join us for “To the praise of His Glory,” a six-week study of Ephesians led by Heather Harrison. The study is Tuesdays, starting June 4th, from 6-8:00 p.m. here at Fellowship. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
For child care, text Shanna at 501-336-0332.
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Invest in the Next Generation
We are wrapping up the school year and preparing to head into the summer session, June 2-August 11. We have positions in the nursery through the fourth grade. Be a part of laying a foundation of faith for our kids. Contact Heather at hmckinney@fellowshipconway.org.
Vacation Bible School | June 24-June 28 |
This is the time to register your kids for this fun week as well as for you to volunteer. VBS is for children currently in Kindergarten – 4th grade. For more information and to register, go to fellowshipconway.org/register. Cost is $5 per child.
Fellowship 101
We invite you to join us on Sunday, June 9, at 9:00 a.m. to learn more about Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to hear about our mission, values, and our ministries. If you’re new to Fellowship, join us in the conference room (first floor) to hear what God is doing and where He is taking us. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
Fellowship Kids Summer bash | Saturday, June 1 | 10-12:00 p.m.
Summer is almost here, and we want to celebrate with games, finished off with some frosty treats. You won’t want to miss out as we welcome summer with our Fellowship friends and family.
Life Choices Change For Life
Each year Life Choices, our local pregnancy resource center, assists hundreds of women in choosing Life for their baby. Join with them by picking up a baby bottle this morning, filling it with change (or checks made out to Life Choices) and returning them Sunday, June 2.
Men’s Smoke-OFf | June 8, 5-8:00 p.m. | Fellowship Bible Church
Join us for fellowship, games, and to eat smoked meat. We’ll also give a brief preview of what’s upcoming in Men’s Ministry over the next year. We are looking for 4-6 individuals or teams who have that special smoke and want to compete for the title of “King of Smoke” (we’ll provide the meat) Register at
fellowshipconway.org/register.