Stand Firm: Week One Sam Meredith

REVIEW
• Resurrection Sunday – death undone.
• The reason for our hope – the historical evidences and truth of Jesus’ bodily resurrection

PREVIEW
• We’re starting our new series – 1-2 Thessalonians – “Stand Firm.”
• Stand Firm – in God’s Word, in our relationship with Him and each other.
• Increase in our ability to stand firm regardless of the challenges of our circumstances.
• Today, going from the empty tomb in Jerusalem to early churches around the Mediterranean Sea
o Historical context leading up to these letters – real letters, not made-up writings and stories.
o Call for us to live out Jesus’ version of His church – how He calls us to live and interact.
o The role of real relationship as we seek to live the life God has for us in His Kingdom

Stand Firm

1- Historical Biblical Context
Going from the Empty Tomb in Jerusalem to Early Churches around the Mediterranean Sea
• Reminder that these are real events, with real people, in real locations.
• Good Bible Interpretation Principles:
o 1- THEN and THERE
o 2- TIMELESS PRINCIPLES
o 3- HERE and NOW
• Impactful Events
o Jesus’ Resurrection (1 Cor 15:3-6) – He conquered death proving He is the Son of God
o HE gave the Great Commission – (Matt 28:18-20) – sending the disciples out to make disciples.
o Jesus’ Ascension – (Acts 1:6-11) – Jesus goes back to heaven and promises the Holy Spirit
o The Arrival of the Holy Spirit and Peter Preaches the Gospel – many get saved – (Acts 2)
o Persecution of the Christians (Acts 8:1-3) – Saul – Damascus Road – Paul (Acts 9)
o Paul sent out on missionary journeys (3 total) – (Acts 13 and on) – around Mediterranean.
o The Holy Spirit leads them to Macedonia – (Acts 16:6-10)
o Town of Thessalonica – (Acts 17:1-15)
• Paul’s Message as he traveled.
o Acts 17:3 – 3He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” NLT
• Paul is fulfilling what Jesus said after His resurrection (disciples who make disciples)

2. Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 This letter is from Paul, Silas,[a] and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God give you grace and peace. 2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. NLT
o From: Paul and Silas and Timothy
o To: the church in Thessalonica – the assembly of God’s people – “called out ones”
o Written around AD 50-51

2. Jesus’ kind of Church – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
• Specific instructions on what Jesus’ kind of church looks like – we don’t get to make up our own version
• His church includes:
o 1- Spiritual leadership (vs 12-13)
o 2- A change in how we live and how we treat each other – we’re a new family, with new rules – not how we used to do life (vs 14-15)
o 3- There is a new priority of God’s will – no longer our own (vs 16-22)
 Rejoicing, praying, giving thanks
 How we live impacts how we hear and interact with the Holy Spirit
o 4- God’s purpose is to make us holy – set apart unto Him (vs 23-28)
 In what we believe
 In how we live
 Built on the foundation of Who He is – His faithfulness.

3. Connected together as a Spiritual Family – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13
• Christianity is not just about information transfer or just “learning” or just content.
• The content of the message absolutely matters – undefiled – pure word of God.
• But His delivery method is in the context of real relationship.
o Life on life – like how Jesus modeled for us.
o God didn’t just send a message, He sent His Son
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children[b] among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. 8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.

Conclusion
Where are you at today?
• Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
• If so, what is He encouraging you with, especially from 1 Thessalonians 5?
o Need to change how you interact with your spiritual leadership (vs 12-13)
 In your home, in your life church, here at church?
o vs 14 – are you being lazy in your walk with God and being a part of His mission?
 Is there someone you need to encourage?
 Can you tenderly care for someone that is weak?
 Who is someone you need to be more patient with?
o v.16-18 – how can you thank God this week IN your circumstance?
 I challenge you to write out at least 10 things your thankful to God for
For Small Group Discussion
Opening Question: What is an Easter tradition that you have done (or heard of) that adds to the celebration of Christ rising from the dead?
Main Point: By remembering Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of our resurrected life, we can stand firm in our faith. As His church we should be known for our faithful work, loving deeds and hope in Christ.
Main Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:12
Head Questions
• Based on the metaphors Paul used, how would you describe his relationship with the church in Thessalonica?
• What characteristics of the church did Paul highlight and encourage in this opening letter?
Heart Questions
• What do you think it looked like for Paul to share his life with them? What can that look like for us today?
• Have you had a godly influence share their life with you? What impact did that have on you?
Hands Questions
• In our passage, it wasn’t just the gospel message but also how it was lived out that was impactful. How do you express love in your church sphere?
• What can you do to reflect Paul’s heart towards the church more accurately?
Additional Scripture: Acts 17, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, Matthew 16:18
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