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The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

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by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of 1 Thessalonians by Deborah H. Bateman. The Book of 1 Thessalonians is from the New Testament of the Bible. It’s a letter from Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians.

Paul established the church of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. It was known throughout the land that the Thessalonians had great faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul loved the Thessalonians. He had a great concern for the Thessalonians and desired to see them again. But, since Paul couldn’t go see them he sent Timothy to encourage them in the faith.

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians contains eight Bible lessons which can be used for personal of group Bible studies. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. Our desire is that this book will help you to have a better understanding of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Deborah

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice …

Daily Bible Reading “Comfort One Another” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-18)

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Comfort One Another

Today’s Daily Bible Reading 1 Thessalonians 4:11-18. In this portion of the letter, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to live a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands as he taught them. Why do you think Paul tells them that? He tells them it’s in this way they can walk in honesty before those who aren’t yet Christians. Paul’s desire for the Thessalonians was that they lack nothing.

Paul didn’t want them to be ignorant about those who sleep. What does Paul mean by that statement? He didn’t want them to be concerned about the Christians who died before Jesus’ return. Paul tells them not to be sorrowful, like those who have no hope. As Christians, if a loved one who is a Christian passes away, we have the hope of seeing them again in heaven. Those who aren’t Christians don’t have that hope. He says if we believe Jesus died and rose again; likewise, God will bring those who are dead in Christ back with Him when He comes.

Paul says, “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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.”

Paul tells them to comfort one another with these words. That promise is something for the Christian to hold on to and to be comforted by. Knowing that, in the end, Jesus will come back and gather His children. Those who are dead in Christ will rise first, and meet those Christians who are still living in the air along with Jesus. We’ll all go to live in heaven for eternity with Christ in the presence of God. I hope you find comfort in these words.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 4:11-18

11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 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:

17 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.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Things to think about:

What did Paul advise the Thessalonians?

What did Paul tell us about those who have gone on before us?

How are you comforted by the words of Paul in this Scripture?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. We see where Paul tells the Thessalonians to live quiet lives, minding their own business and working with their hands. Help us to live in that way, also. Paul tells them they don’t have to worry about the Christians who have gone on before them. Help us to have that same hope of seeing them again. Help us to look forward to the coming of Lord and comfort one another with the hope that we have through Christ. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

– 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

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by Deborah H. Bateman

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Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. – 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Daily Bible Reading “God’s Call to Holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-10)

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

God’s Call to Holiness

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-10. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to follow his example of how they should walk before God. Paul reminds them of the commandments which he taught them. Does it make you wonder why Paul is reminding them about what they were taught?

Paul was happy the Thessalonians continued to serve the Lord after he left. He wanted them to continue to grow in the Lord. As long as we live, it is a continual process of learning and growing to become more like God in our actions by showing love for others, and in our lives by living in a holy manner. We won’t obtain perfection this side of eternity. It’s a continuous journey.

He tells the Thessalonians it is God’s will that they abstain from fornication. Obviously, there was a problem with this since Paul brought it up. He reminds them that they should keep their bodies sanctified and honorable before God. Paul tells them that they’re not to follow the examples of the Gentiles who don’t know God. As Christians, we’re not to live like the rest of the world; those who don’t know God. We should strive to live clean and holy lives before God.

This Scripture tells us that when we commit fornication, not only do we sin against God, we also sin against our own body. First Corinthians 6:18-20, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

In Leviticus 18, God explains explicitly that the nakedness of a person is only for their spouse. Our nakedness isn’t to be shared with anyone else, nor should it be taken by anyone else. Why do you think this was so important to God? Why is this sin so prevalent in our world today? Why don’t we value God’s ways of doing things? Is it because of the sin in our lives?

Paul reminds them that they’re not to take advantage of one another. He tells them God is the one who will make right the wrongs. Paul reminds them that God didn’t call us to be unclean vessels, but to be holy. He tells them if they despise their brother, it isn’t their brother they despise, but God, who gave us His Holy Spirit.

Paul tells them that they don’t need him to write to them concerning brotherly love because they’ve been taught to love one another by God. Even though they’re good at showing brotherly love toward others, Paul encourages them to increase in their love even more.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 4:1-10

1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

6 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.

7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

Things to think about:

What is Paul’s concern for the Thessalonians in this Scripture?

How can we use this Scripture in our own lives?

How is God leading you to His holiness?

What are some ways that we can show love to fellow believers?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. In reading Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians we realize how we all fall short of living up to Your standards. Please forgive us as a nation, as Your children, and as individuals. Help us to learn to live more godly lives. Help us to love one another in the way You intended us to. Help us to honor our bodies as Your holy temple. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy …

Daily Bible Reading “Perfecting your Faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-13)

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Perfecting your Faith

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13. Paul writes in his letter to the Thessalonians that he couldn’t stand it any longer, not knowing how they were doing on their faith journey. Therefore, he sent Timothy to establish and reassure them in their faith. This meant that Paul would be alone in Athens, but he was willing to make the sacrifice for the sake of the Thessalonians. Why do you think Paul was willing to make such sacrifices for them?

Paul didn’t want the Thessalonians to be discouraged in their faith because of their current circumstances. He had told them when he was there that they would suffer persecution and they had. Paul didn’t want the work they’d done there previously to be in vain.

We all go through trials and tribulations in our lives. If we don’t have a firm foundation of our faith, sometimes these trials can cause us to lose faith. Paul had tribulations, Jesus was tempted, and we will suffer trials. Don’t let any trouble that comes your way cause you to lose faith and trust in God. He loves you, and in spite of what the circumstances say, He wants the best for you. You are His beloved child.

This Scripture in Acts indicates that Paul was distressed because of his concern for the Thessalonians. Acts 18:5 says, “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.” Once Timothy returned from his visit to the Thessalonians and gave Paul a good report of their faith and charity, Paul was comforted.

Paul thanked God for the Thessalonians; they made Paul joyful because of their stand for God. He longed to see them so much that he prayed night and day that God might allow him to go back and minister to them.

Paul wanted to help them perfect their faith. He asked God to direct his way back to spend time with them. His desire for the Thessalonians was that they would grow in their love for others as much as he loved them. Paul’s aspiration for them was they would be established in their faith and faultless in godliness before God at the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Things to think about:

Why did Paul send Timothy to visit the Thessalonians?

What was Paul’s concern for the Thessalonians?

How can we perfect our faith?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. We see Paul’s great love and concern for the Thessalonians. Help us to have that kind of love and concern for the people we lead to You. We see the Thessalonians’ great faith and love for others and for Paul and his ministry. Help us to be supportive of others who are spreading the gospel. Help us all to be rooted and grounded in our faith so when trouble comes we won’t be shaken. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of 1 Thessalonians: Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

– 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
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Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the …

Daily Bible Reading “You are Our Glory and Joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:13-20)

Posted on October 6, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

You are Our Glory and Joy

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20. Paul says he is thankful to God continually for the Thessalonians. He was thankful that when he preached the gospel to them they received it. How did Paul know they received it?

They didn’t receive the gospel as mere words from a man, but as a message from God. The power of the gospel was evident in their lives. They received God’s Word as truth. They became followers of God. Not only were they followers, but they also spread the gospel as well.

The Thessalonians also suffered persecution for spreading the gospel. The Jews didn’t like the fact that the Gentiles (anyone who wasn’t Jewish) could come to know God without first becoming a Jew. There were those who not only persecuted the followers of Jesus, but also killed Jesus, by nailing Him to the cross. Paul tells them not to worry, because God would take care of those who persecuted them. Romans 12:19 reminds us of this, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Paul talks of his great love for the Thessalonians, and his desire to see them again. Even though Paul desired to see the Thessalonians, he acknowledged that Satan had hindered him from coming again. Paul knew that even if he didn’t see them again here on this earth, he would see them in the presence of Jesus at His coming. Paul exhorts them by saying that they are his glory and joy.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

20 For ye are our glory and joy.

Things to think about:

Have you received the gospel?

How could Paul tell the Thessalonians had received the gospel?

What did Paul tell the Thessalonians they were to him?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Paul talks to the Thessalonians about how they believed and received Your Word. He tells them that it is evident through their actions that they believed the gospel which he preached to them as the true Word of God. Help us to have the same kind of faith and belief that the Thessalonians did. Paul tells them that they are his glory and joy. Lord, give us this kind of fellowship with other believers. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse: