Sermon Series: 1 Thessalonians
“For if we believe that Jesus died and
rose again, we also believe that God will bring back through Jesus and
with him those who are dead.
So encourage one another with these words.”
1 Thessalonians 4. 14 & 18
The first epistle to the Thessalonians is precious for faith in Christ in terms of holiness, love and hope in the certain return of Christ. Indeed, the apostle Paul encourages believers to live in the same holiness as Christ in our society without landmarks. This dynamic is often a source of mockery or difficulty, where the Christian is called to respond with the same love that Jesus demonstrated. In identical situations, even if it is hard to “swim against the tide” of the habits that surround us, the apostle encourages us to look to the “arrival”, that is, to the restoration of all things, at the certain return of Christ.
The sermon series is given by pastor Patrice Berger. sermons are translated from the original French version. Bible verses link to the Bible in Basic English. The Bible is available online in audio/podcast form in several versions including the Bible in Basic English (1 year reading plan):
1 Thess 5: 12-28; Church in good health and holiness! (1 Thessalonians 5); Patrice Berger
The last parts of the epistles of the apostle Paul are a mine of precious information which show us how the first communities practically lived. What is reassuring is that they are very similar to ours, with their joys, their difficulties, the relationships between people, what needs to be improved, etc. We also see how these communities were structured and Paul's tricks to keep them healthy and holy.
1 Thess 4:13-5:11; Does death have the last word? (1 Thessalonians 4); Patrice Berger
Death is a cataclysm for which all of humanity is responsible and it is always a trauma because we were not created to experience it. However, it is there and universal, but Paul points to one of the aspects that depends on the resurrection of Christ: believers will experience the same type of resurrection with Christ. This reality will unfold following the return of Jesus. Certain, unexpected moment that only God knows (and no man). Let this be an encouragement in the midst of sadness.
1 Thess 4:1-12; Pleasing God (1 Thessalonians 4); Patrice Berger
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to continue pleasing God with a life that demonstrates that it is committed to Christ. This difference in behavior will • show what God has changed in me through Christ, • will demonstrate my devotion to Christ, • will communicate that there is a gap between God's standard and that which we instinctively reproduce.
1 Thess 2:17-20; 1 Thess 3:1-13; Plan with Christ (1 Thessalonians 3); Patrice Berger
The apostle is hot for the gospel and naturally would like to see the Thessalonians again, but many times he is prevented from doing so. Interesting. Even when we make plans for God, they don't turn out the way we thought they would. What can we learn from Paul's experience for our own projects?
1 Thess 2: A la carte or adapted gospel? (1 Thessalonians 2); Patrice Berger
In a cyclical way, there is a revisiting of the Gospel, more social, more prosperous, philosophical, etc. Each attempt leads to the same outcome, it is no longer the Gospel. Nothing new, nothing modern, this is why the apostle Paul recalls all the strength and content that are summed up in one person, Christ.
1 Thess 1:1-9; They responded to God’s plan, and we? (1 Thessalonians 1); Patrice Berger
The believers of Thessaloniki are not there by chance. God had a plan for the gospel in this city. This plan went through Paul and his teammates and all Thessalonians who responded positively to the Gospel. And us, what answers do we give to God in the plan in which He has provided for us?
Key verses from the book of 1st Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 2:4-6
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:
Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
To the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor;
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.