Epaggelia

But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Matthew, Mark 8:29 & Luke all record Jesus asking this same question about his identity (Lk. 19:18 & Mt. 16:15)  Even the gospel of John emphasizes the identity of Jesus by highlighting his 7, “I Ams” and is the only gospel that states plainly his purpose for writing based on Christ’s identity, John 20:30-31. This fundamental fact should lead us to ask “How or Why Do We Talk About The Identity of Jesus”?

1. The Most Important Person in Human History, Luke 2:1-4 & 3:1-2. It is very advantageous to be knowledgeable of Josephus, Mara bar Serapion & Tacitus writing about Jesus, and also Suetonius & Pliny the Younger writing about the first Christians.

2. The Perfect Price Paid As Our Savior, John 1:29-35

3. The Perfect Revelation of God The Father, John 12:44-50 & 14:8-11

4. The Perfect Example of Service To Follow, John 13:14-17

5. The Pre-existent Presence in Creation (Logos), John 1:14-18

6. The “I AM” (Bread, Light, Door, Shepherd, Vine, Way, Truth, Life & Resurrection)

7. The Judge, John 12:48 & Acts 10:42-43

How do we relate our own experience of Jesus to others? How has Jesus and his teachings affected our life? How do we talk about our faith in who Jesus is? 

We are witnesses of God with a testimony in our life, 1st John 5:8-11. Many believers in denominations talk about “giving their testimony”, but we don’t talk about Christ affecting our life to the same extent. If not, why not?

Are we guilty of pointing people to the Scriptures, while ignoring what Jesus has done in our life personally?

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The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:28 & Mark 10:45 

Why would a Ransom need to be paid for “MANY” ?

Why would Jesus make this statement in the context of serving others?

When a ransom payment is procured and accepted as payment, what does the Apostle Paul call it? See Hebrews 9:12-15 in the NIV.

R __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 

Where can anyone find it? (see Romans 3:24)

When will our redemption be fully realized and shown to be glorious? (see Ephesians 4:30)

Why do you believe Christ’s blood is so unique, valuable and empowered to actually procure our redemption? (see Eph. 1:7 & Col. 1:14)

According to 2nd Timothy 2:25-26, who has taken people captive?

What should we do about this kidnapping?

What did the Apostle Paul do about it? (See Romans 10:1)

How can Christ guarantee the price of his blood will be applied to your soul forever? 

(see Ephesians 1:13-14)

When do you think you may get the opportunity to talk about “the Price” ?

Jesus says, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers (Sailors) of people” (Mark 1:17)

There are 3 different kinds of sailors, (navy, merchant & fishers)

Would you like to become a sailor? Jesus was speaking to all his followers, and he used the word “Sailor” to fish for people instead of fish. His view of fishing was to get in a boat on the water, it is typically a little more dangerous than fishing from the bank or coast. Yes, women can be Sailors too! Factually all kinds of people can sail for people, but it takes some faith to follow Jesus in this way. What kind of fishing did these sailors do from their boats?

What kind of “following” does Jesus expect from us? Read Luke 9:23-26

Jesus wants to transition disciples from a physical trade to a divine mission of gathering souls into the Kingdom, this requires using their existing patience, to “catch” hearts through the gospel of the Kingdom, rather than harvesting fish for their profit. God was to teach them how to gather souls to bless the ‘catch’ for their own blessings and salvation. Jesus first used ordinary working-class people rather than religious leaders to prove that being His kind of sailor was a spiritual job any one can achieve, even if they didn’t have specialized knowledge in religious training. Why didn’t they need a formal education in the Scriptures? See 1st Peter 5:7

Four of the 12 disciples were Sailors that knew a lot about fishing for fish, so what did one of them (Peter) say about casting? What was the only thing the apostle Paul worried about? Read and compare both passages in Philippians 4:6 & 2nd Corinthians 11:28. 

What kind of essential tool must sailors have in order to fish? Read Matthew 13:47-50.

What is the difference between this parable’s definition of the net, and how Jesus defines the fishermen? (haulers and/or gatherers, not sailors) 

It is not coincidental that Jesus performed a miracle by filling nets with fish, twice! Read Luke 5:1-11 & John 21:1-14. Do you think there is any significance to the fact of Jesus doing this at the beginning of his ministry and and also at the end?

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Christ Came to Search & Save the Lost! ~ Luke 19:10

Christ prayed for people who would believe in the message of the apostles – John 17:20-21.

Memorize two reasons he prayed for us?

1)

2)

Mark 2:17 Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 

I came not to call the righteous, but _______________.

Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous but _________________ to repentance. 

Do we talk to people about the need for real change or purpose in their life?

John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world 

might be _____________ through him.

Can we see the need for change in our life, as that which releases us from guilt or vanity?

John 10:10 ….I came that they may have _________ and have it abundantly. 

Do we challenge the very definition of what it means to be really alive, really living?

John 18:37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to 

the __________. Everyone who is of the ___________ listens to my voice.” 

Do we talk about spiritual realities and moral truths?

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If any man has ears to hear , let him hear… Take heed what ye hear, Mark 4:23-24

Jesus recognizes that everyone needs to make an effort to listen to the truth, not just hear it. See how he rewards the Queen of Sheba for her efforts to hear God’s wisdom. Now we have someone greater for people to listen to than Solomon. Read Matthew 12:42.

Jesus also recognizes that we must help people listen and give them a message that is true and clear, See Matthew 10:26-27. How can we keep the truth up on the “rooftop” today?

Do we ever share with people that it is imperative for people to listen with intent? What does Jesus mean when he tells his disciples to “Let these words sink into your ears”? Luke 9:44.

Do we as Christians have a responsibility to help people listen with intent to learn? See Matthew 9:37-38.

When do we pray about people getting the message out into the world and into people’s hearts?

The condition of people’s hearts is very important, when they are hearing the message of the cross. This is the reason Jesus tells the parable of the sower, and is recorded in Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:1-15.  Even if we have evidence of someone being hard-hearted, should we hold back from telling them the truth?

The reason people listen is known by God, and he knows their hearts, and Jesus , pronounced a “blessing”, read Luke 11:28-29 for those who hear with a good heart.

Isn’t this blessing an important promise we should remind our visitors, or friends and family that might hear the good news?

Jesus says, “Whoever then ___________________ me before people, I will 

__________________ before my Father in heaven, but whoever ______________

Me before people, I will ___________ him also before my Father in heaven, ~ Mt. 10:32

1st Corinthians 1:18-31

Tacitus, the Roman historian, senator, orator and Consul lived from 56-120AD. Tacitus mocked Christians and wrote, “Christus…from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus…” . From 300BC to 300AD, crucifixion was used to legally torture criminals to death, it was disgusting and dishonorable to die by crucifixion. No one in the civilized world would have even wanted to wear jewelry in the shape of a cross, it was a horribly heinous way to die. The worldly minds of everyone during the 1st century of the church’s existence, could not conceive of a savior or god as being crucified, the idea denounced worldly reason. The 1st century preachers had a huge task trying to convince the world that God was in The Christ crucified as Jesus, it was either foolishness to any Roman Gentile or Greek who was educated, and an ironic stumbling block for the religious Jew. Yet God uses this message to build the church victorious and maintain it to this day!

The word of the cross is foolishness to who?

What is the word of the cross to those who are being saved?

Where does Paul cite Isaiah 29:14 to show that God nullifies the power of the high brow wisdom of the world and formally educated stoics? 

How do you think Paul expected Christians to answer, when he asked “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?

What two things were found by those called by Christ, in the message of His crucifixion?

_______________ &  ________________  

What did God choose to confound the wise and powerful of the world?

What kind of application can modern Christians today make of Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians about the wisdom & power of God? See 2nd Corinthians 10:5

The church has no physical weapons of power, but we do have formidable strength described in Ephesians 6:13-16 & 1st Thessalonians 5:8. 

Jesus used metaphors from the battlefield to teach spiritual lessons (Luke 14:31-33), he is not powerless and neither are His people. How can Christians fight against evil to overcome it with good? See Ephesians 6:17-19, 1st Thessalonians 5:15-24

THE CORINTHIANS CHRISTIANS ORIGIN & PURPOSE OF WISDOM

2v1-3, Paul didn’t bring Christ to Corinth with lofty speech or enticing words of pithy principles, that would make a great car salesman, but instead his humility was so obvious, that he presented Christ’s message of the cross with great reverence in fear of God, to handle the whole counsel of God responsibly, so much so, that he seemed weak & trembling. However, the message itself was powerful in the Spirit. In times past, God used “weak” speakers to great effect with His message & miracles. Moses & Jeremiah are good examples, Exodus 4:10, Jeremiah 1:6-7. There are many “fair speech” preachers that can deceive innocent children and/or new believers, Romans 16:18. 

2v4, How did Paul demonstrate the power of God? His speech & message were by 

The ___________

2v5, The point & purpose of Paul proclaiming Christ was so that the ___________ of God would be trusted.

How did the gospel come to the Thessalonian Christians via Paul? See 1st Thes. 1:5

2v6-8, Wisdom comes in stages. None of us are taught the whole counsel of God overnight. 

“We speak wisdom among the ______________ “

But in 1st Cor. 3:3, Paul had a different way of handling the truth, Who was he writing to?

2v9-12, Who is it that gives us God’s wisdom?

Should we ask, and then expect to never ask again? See James 1:5

Who is the Spirit from God, referred to in v12? (See Ephesians 1:17)

2v13-14, Paul teaches that explaining spiritual things to unbelievers is very hard, maybe impossible, if they are unable to discern spiritual truths. So how was he so successful in helping unbelievers become believers with the gospel?

2v15, Does the phrase “all things” mean literally everything?

2v16, If we have the mind of Christ, does that mean we can act like spiritual “know-it-alls”?

Did Christ himself know all things? (Matthew 24:36) Yet he was proved to be the Son of God by the resurrection, Romans 1:4-5

THE CORINTHIAN CHRISTIANS TRUE IDENTITY

Whether a christian lives in a 1st century pagan Greek society, or the 21st century digital western society, do we as christians have a clear understanding of how our Savior and God identifies us?

Infants, 3:1-4, Have a Father. How does Paul’s critique of the Corinthian church challenge your current level of spiritual maturity?

Servants, 3:5, 4:1-2,  Have a Master. If an Apostle can identify as a servant, how much more ought christians?

 (Galatians 6:1) Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of ____________________. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted

God’s Field, 3:6-8, Co-workers with Christ in planting & watering. How does gardening align with the metaphor of Christians being a field? 

God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have ______________ for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. (Hebrews 6:10)

God’s Building, 3:9-15, Co-workers with Christ in building. The Greek word “οἰκοδομή” (oikodomē) refers to a structure, emphasizing the church’s collective identity as a spiritual edifice built by God. The Greek word “δοκιμάσει” (dokimasei) means to test (v13) or prove, indicating that a Christian’s’ works will be evaluated for their eternal value.

The Temple, 3:16-17, Has an Owner. The Greek word “ναός” (naos) refers to the inner sanctuary, highlighting the sacredness of the church as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Do you think there is any scientific verification that exists to claim that christians are literally God’s Temple and house the Spirit of God?

God’s Wisdom, 3:18-23 & 2:16 Has a Teacher. Worldly wisdom is foolishness; true wisdom is being “fools” for Christ, recognizing all things belong to God. This causes christians to boast in God, not themselves. Paul warns against boasting in human leaders, stating, “So then, no more boasting about men!” v21, The Greek word “καυχᾶσθαι” (kauchasthai) means to boast or glory, emphasizing that glory should be given to God alone, not to human figures.

THE CORINTHIAN CHRISTIAN’S ATTITUDE

4:1-2 Why does Paul use two different words for his own description in this ministry of apostleship?

Servant

Steward

Later in 4:14-17, Paul uses the picture of fatherhood in his relationship with the 

Corinthian christians as _________________ , Why?

How does viewing Elders, Deacons and/or Evangelists, Preachers and/or any Ministry Leader as “stewards” rather than “owners”  change our view of leadership?

4:5  Why is it a danger to “judge nothing before the time” ?

On The Day of the Lord, when the Lord comes, What might be our greatest motivation to see?

If we really believe God will one day ________________ us, why would we live like we need it from anyone in the world?

4:6 & 4:18 Both of these verses have something in common. What is it?

4:8, In what way were the Corinthian Christians royally rich?  (See Ephesians 1:3-6)

4:15, Can you explain what kind of “Guides” Paul was talking about, which Corinthian Christians had known?

4:20, In describing the Kingdom of God as power, how did Jesus describe it in Luke 17:20-21 ?

Can we personally apply Paul’s contrast between “fools for Christ” and the worldly definition of success to our own lives?

When the Apostle Paul arrived at Corinth, it was a Roman city with Greek origins. The population was teeming with almost every culture in the world as Corinth had two ports and shipping trade was abundant. The city was morally filthy, physically rich and spiritually heathen. Within 4 miles of Corinth was the world famous Temple to Poseidon and Corinth itself had a Pantheon of at least 4 idolatrous temples, yet God said he had children there before Paul arrived (Acts 18:10). 1st Corinthians is not actually the first letter Paul wrote to them,(5:9). But regardless of the details, he was told of the problems that plagued the Corinthian congregation. Those problems can offer us timeless solutions if we will answer his questions. It’s like medicine for a congregation in any century to prevent sin from growing in the body of Christ like a cancerous tumor. Here is a list of God’s questions for the Corinthians Christians. The first thing God did when Adam & Eve fell into sin in the Garden of Eden was to ask them questions. God’s love did not move Him to firstly rebuke, but to get them thinking straight, weigh up the gravity of their spiritual death and face the consequences of His curses upon them for their disobedience.

1st Corinthians 1:12-13 & 1:20

1st Corinthians 2:11

1st Corinthians 3:3-4

1st Corinthians 4:6-8

1st Corinthians 5:4-6 &  5:11-12

1st Corinthians 6:2-4

1st Corinthians 7:16

1st Corinthians 8:10

1st Corinthians 9:4-7

1st Corinthians 10:16-19

1st Corinthians 11:21-22

1st Corinthians 12:14-19

1st Corinthians 14:7-9

1st Corinthians 15:12 &  15:55

1st Corinthians 13 is a long rhetorical question about love, & chapter 16 is a command, a challenge, a blessing & a curse. 

Could you describe the questions in each verse mentioned above?

What two groups of people does Paul address this letter to in the first few verses of chapter 1?

___________________________    _______________________________

Considering the many different problems this congregation had, why would Paul begin his letter with “Thankfulness for Them” ?

In verses 1:5-6, what does Paul say the congregation was “enriched” in?

For who, did Paul say they were eagerly awaiting?

In the context of 1:9-10, Why do we see Unity as a necessity?

Which four names did the congregation use in a divisive way?

_______________  ___________________  _________________  ________________

Is it actually possible to be immersed in Christ’s name and yet divide Christ by the way we live?

In 1:16, why do you think Paul questions himself about who he had baptized?

Does this passage give us any wisdom on whether or not a Christian should tout a favorite preacher/teacher? Yes or No?

Which do you believe apostles had a higher priority in, a. b. or c?

a. The Gospel of Christ

b. The Baptism of Christ

c. The Word of God

During the 1st century, the city of Thessalonika was a major port city of Greece on the edge of the Aegean Sea. The Roman proconsul of the northern region of Greece was seated in Thessalonica (appx pop. 1 million). During Paul’s life, it was likely the second most populated city of Greece being larger than Corinth but not Athens. It was a key hub of the ancient Egnatian Way, a major Roman trade route between eastern & western cultures. It was not a new city, established for over 3 centuries before Paul arrived. Today we have artifacts proving a mint operated there, and from an inscription the word “POLITARCHES” has been found, being the same word Luke uses to describe rulers in Acts 17:6.  What is the first thing Luke observes about Thessalonica?

How many sabbaths was Paul able to preach & teach in Thessalonica?

What word is used to describe Paul’s preaching & teaching in Thessalonica?

What two things did Paul need to convince the Thessalonians about his good news?

1. _____________________________

2. _____________________________

Which two groups of people were receptive to the good news Paul brought?

Whose house did the “mob” assault?

What were the two charges brought against receptive brethren?

What did the brethren do quickly with Paul in the cover of darkness?

What can Christians today learn from the way the Holy Spirit used Paul’s presentation of the gospel in Thessalonians?

1:1-10

Depending on which version you use, there are three words which may need attention, “Silvanus” v1, and Achaia & Macedonia v7-8. Silvanus is another form of the name Silas, mentioned by Luke in Acts 17 where the Thessalonians are introduced to the gospel. Achaia & Macedonia are north and northwestern regions of modern day Greece, culturally these people loved philosophy, foreign trade economics & agriculture. Their recent history had seen the fall of the Alexandrian Empire, they were proud of their culture because it’s language had infiltrated the cultures of other countries, forming the base of communication for the New Testament.

How are the new Christians in Thessalonica described in v1, v4, v6 and v7

__church_______________

_____________brethren_______

_____followers_____________Heb. 6:12, Eph. 5:1.

__examples___________“stamped image, to mint a drachma” 

What three virtues did God commend about them? 

_____________ , _____________________ & _____________________

What had they repented of?

What had they been rescued from?

Paul took no time or words to complain about their culture, politics or society in any way. His priority should be our priority, Christ and his beloved brothers & sisters.

2:1-12

How did Paul describe his message to them? ____________ ____ ______

v2

Does God test our heart before we become a Christian, or while we are a Christian? v4

How may this testing affect our prayers? (see Romans 8:27)

What kind of accusations did Paul criticize in v5?

How was Paul like a mother to them?

How was Paul like a father to them?

In what way were the Thessaloniki Christians “witnesses” of Paul? (see 2nd Corinthians 10:10-11)

How did Paul make sure he did not become a “burden” on the congregation?

(see Acts 18:3)

When do you believe a leader in your congregation could become a burden?

How should our lifestyle be worthy of God’s calling? (see James 2:8)

How could an Elder/Shepherd be torn between being gentle with an erring Christian and the need to deal firmly with unrepentant sin in the church?

2:13 – 3:5

Paul was always thankful for the new Christians in Thessalonika because they received 

his message as the word of ________

Paul mentions their example (1:6-7) again in 2:14. What is the common theme of their example?

The Jews wanted to shut Paul down so he could not speak to the _______________

Paul wanted to return to visit them again but ___________ stopped him.

The phrase, “The wrath has come upon them” is a fulfillment of Christ’s prophecy in Matthew 24:1-2, Mark 13:2, Luke 19:43-44 & John 2:19-20. Can this date the letter to the Thessalonians?

The thought of seeing them together with him when Jesus returns, made Paul _______

Does the thought of us being together when Jesus returns make you ___________ ?

The apostle John said he had no greater _______ than to _________ his children were living by the truth. (3rd John 1:4)

Do you believe whatever made them ________ can make us ________ ?

3:2 has two descriptions of Timothy; 1. Deacon of ________   2. Their ______________

Prior to writing this letter, Paul had told the new Christians that they would suffer, and in reality what came into their life? 

If the devil wants to destroy our faith, in various ways, he will try to ___________ us, but Jude tells us what will build up our faith, see Jude v20, what is it?

3:6 – 4:8

What was at the heart of Timothy’s message to Paul?

What was Paul’s reaction to the good news about the new Christians in Thessalonika?

How often did Paul pray for them?

What was at the heart of Paul’s prayer for them?

Who helps their love for one another to grow, 3:12? (see also 1st Thes. 2:13 & Rom. 15:30)

Whose authority did Paul proclaim to them in his commandments?

How could a Christian take advantage and cheat fellow Christians in the context of sexual immorality? (explain)

What does the word “Vessel” mean, in 4:4

Do you believe sexual sins to be only an individual destructive sin? (see 1st Corinthians 6:18-19)

What did God ‘call’ Christians to, not impurity, but _______________

If anyone rejects Paul’s doctrine, who is he really rejecting?

Who do we need in our presence, so that we can live pure lives?

4:9-18

Why would Paul commend their love for one another yet in the same passage instruct them to “attend to their own business”, while encouraging them to love one another “more and more”? See the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:16.

In what sense does love focus on everyday life today, while faith & hope focus on the future?

For faith, reference 2nd Corinthians 5:7

For hope, reference Romans 8:24

Why did Paul use the word “sleep” to describe Christians that had already passed away?

The return of Christ is equated to ______ coming to bring with Him, those who sleep. In the 1st century, no one yawned or ever got bored when talking about the second coming of Christ, it was a real, vivid and fresh anticipation in their daily life. How do you feel when someone starts talking about His return?

Do “scoffers” affect us more than Scripture? See 2nd Peter 3:4.

What do you believe will be the command that is shouted with the voice of an archangel? (see definition of name “Michael”, Daniel 12:1.)

Who rises first?

According to 1st Corinthians 15:52, what happens to those who are risen from death (sleep)?

Who then will be afterwards caught up together with Christ?

How long will we all be together?

Does this order of events allow for any time for Christ’s followers to be apart in the future? See 2nd Peter 3:10.

5:1-11

Where else in the New Testament is the return of the Lord compared to a thief in the night?

What analogy did Paul use to describe the suddenness of the Lord’s return?

How is the phrase “Day of the Lord” used in the Old Testament? (Isa. 13:6)

What did Paul tell Thessalonians to do because of the certainty of the Lord’s return? (see also 1st Corinthians 15:24-25)

What is both faith & love compared to?

What is hope compared to?

What did Paul say would be the destiny of Christians when the Lord returns?

How did Paul begin and end his discussion of Christ’s return? 4:9,18, 5:11

Why is waiting for the unknown timing of the Lord’s return, never boring or hopeless?

What does our modern world make so confusing about the return of the Lord?

Was Paul referring to literal darkness & light when he urged Christians  to be watchful?

5:12-28

As a Christian, how do you “recognize” your leaders? (see Hebrews 13:7)

Can a congregation be a real healthy church without any Elders/Shepherds/Bishops or Pastors? (see 1st Corinthians 6:1-6)

What kind of warning should an “unruly” Christian be given?

What might be the real circumstance that Christians in Thessalonika would become “fainthearted”? (see Acts 17:5)

Describe what “Do Not Quench The Spirit” means: (see Jude v19-21)

Would the phrase, “sanctify completely” indicate that we grow in holiness, or that we are immediately made holy when we are born anew? (John 3:3-5)

What was the promise which Paul believed God would be faithful to keep?

How did Paul want Christians to greet one another?

In verse 27, do you think Paul intended for Christians in Thessalonika to keep this letter to themselves?

SECOND THESSALONIANS 1:1-4

Every single letter written by Paul, opens in the first few verses with the phrase, from “God the Father & the Lord Jesus Christ”, Rom. 1:7, 1Cor. 1:2, 2Cor. 1:1, Eph. 1:1, Php. 1:2, Col. 1:3, 1Tim. 1:2, 2Tim. 1:2, Tit. 1:4, Phm.v3, except for Hebrews, which is only purported to be written by Paul, and doubtful by the phrase in Heb. 2:3, “by those who heard him”. 

“Lord” in Greek is kurios, in these passages above. See Luke 10:27, “Lord” in Greek is Kurios, and as this passage is quoting Deuteronomy 6:5, in this law, “Lord” is Hebrew as YHWH (Jehovah). 

• What is the significance of calling Jesus “Lord” in the context of God The Father?

Why do you think Paul wanted Christians to know that he did not let a day go by, without thanking God for who they are? ( 1st Thes. 3:10 &  2nd Corinthians 6:18 )

How do we know God has always wanted to be looked upon as a “Father”? See Jeremiah 3:19 & 31:1-9 & Genesis 3:8-14.

According to v3, how do we know the Thessalonians obeyed Paul’s prior request in 1Ths. 4:1?

Have you ever bragged about brothers & sisters in a different congregation?

How do we know the Christians in Thessalonika suffered more than just an attack on Jason’s house? Acts 17:5.

1:5-12

What did Paul say about the result of persecutions and afflictions?

Did God send persecutions upon these Christians to make them worthy, or did God allow persecutions to be used for making them worthy?

When Jesus talked about “not worthy”, what action was it based upon? See Luke 9:62

How did Paul say that Jesus would be revealed from heaven?

When Jesus comes again, who will he deal out vengeance upon?

According to Hebrews 10:29, what does everyone “deserve”?

Revelation 14:9-10, what kind of punishment do unbelievers receive?

For what two things did Paul say that he prayed? 

Make ____________

Fulfill ____________

When we think of “worthiness”, in v5, & v11, do we believe God makes us worthy, or do we believe our own faith makes ourselves worthy?

What is Paul’s purpose in praying for these things, in reference to the name of Jesus Christ, v12

2:1-12

What subject ‘agitated’ or ‘bothered’ Christians in Thessalonika?

What behavior did Paul condemn in 2nd Thes. 3:7-15?

What three phrases are used by Paul to describe an event, which he expects them to remember? See 2ndThes. 2:3 & 5. 

1. _________________________

2. _________________________

3. _________________________

Silas & Timothy were with Paul when he wrote (2nd Thes. 1:1), and they had been to Macedonia before joining Paul in Corinth (Acts 17:15 & 18:5). It is obvious that his first letter is very closely written to his second letter to the Thessalonians. Therefore, both letters have early dates. In 40AD, the Roman Emperor Caligula mounted a statue of himself inside the Temple grounds. Later in 70AD the Roman army destroys the Temple. Could this be the beginning of the “man of sin” (Roman Emperor worship) which would later cause God to destroy the Roman Empire?  

What is one reason for Paul to not clearly write the definition of who exactly is the “man of sin” in such a public letter as 1 & 2 Thessalonians?

Who works to deceive people in 2:9-10 ?

These people found no place in their hearts for ___________ ?

Jesus said what about the nature of truth in John 8:31-34

In what did those listening to the “man of sin” take pleasure or delight in?

2:13 – 3:5

His Prayer for them, and their prayer for him. Learn from this and emulate what the Spirit records about their prayers!

What did Paul say he always offered to God for this congregation?

By what two things have Christians been “Sanctified”?

________________________      ____________________________

What was the purpose of calling the Thessalonian Christians through the gospel?

(2:15) Whose “traditions”are Christians to “teach”?

From whom did Paul say he had been rescued?

What did Paul want these Christians to pray for, on his behalf? (3:1)

When Jesus said to pray for “Workers to enter the harvest”, did he only mean to pray for more people to work, or to pray for their work’s success? (Lk. 10:2)

What did Paul say he had confidence the Thessalonians would continue to do?

Into what two virtues, did Paul pray the Lord would direct their hearts?

____________________________     _____________________________

Both Peter & Paul explained what Christians must “GROW” into, what is it? (See 1st Peter 2:2)

3:6 – 18

What did the apostle Paul command the church in Thessalonica to do?

What was Paul’s example that the Christians should follow?

Before Jesus started his ministry, what did people know him as? 

(see Matthew 13:55)

During his ministry, how did Jesus serve? (see John 8:28-30)

When Paul described some in Thessalonica as “disorderly”, what did they spend their time doing?

Christians are not to grow weary in doing what ? 

If a Christian is admonished as a brother, how would we assure them and insure that we do not treat them as an enemy?

What did the apostle Paul say was the consequence of a Christian refusing to work?

Are there teachings published today and currently broadcast on the subject of the return of Christ that could cause similar problems in a congregation today?

Why would Paul need to use a “sign”, or a mark or token of his own signature on all of his letters?

Isaiah 42:1-2, promises the Messiah (Elect One) will fulfill his work as spiritual, in a very physical world, Matthew 12:17. The declaration would be verbal, not written, which may be one reason, Jesus never made a recorded writing, but His Spirit did! Isaiah’s declaration echoes through the centuries, through you and me, 2nd Corinthians 3:1-3.

42:6, The Singular Servant, Matthew 12:18-21.

42:8, Mark 12:29-30 This Servant brings only One God to humanity.

See Isa. 44:9-12, for any other thing worshipped is an idol from our own ignorance. See 1st Corinthians 8:4.

Both Isaiah and Paul were adamantly clear about how fake idolatry is in our lives.

“Carved images” Isa. 44:17-23, Paul in Colossians 3:5, makes a precise point drawn on idolatry in the sin of covetousness. Today, people can worship carved images in the form of coveted coins. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil,  see 1st Timothy 6:10.  Be warned, a warning for all Christians, from the youth collecting coins to the elderly who act like misers with their retirement investments!

The unique nature of Christ as Immanuel (God with us) is forsaken when we don’t avoid idolatry in our lifestyle. The subtle sin of idolatry can twist our desires into other types of sin. See Romans 1:23-24. This led Isaiah to remind God’s people to RETURN to God, Isa. 44:22-23

The New Testament quotes from the Psalms more than any other Old Testament book, which is no surprise when we consider Psalms is the biggest part of the Jewish Bible, however, what is surprising is that Isaiah is the second most quoted book in the New Testament, yet Isaiah didn’t write as much as Jeremiah. Pure logic would expect the second most often quotable scriptures would come from Jeremiah since he wrote more, but actually Isaiah wrote less and is quoted more often. Why? 

Because Jesus proved he was THE S______________ Messiah.

If we are going to follow Jesus, we must S________ others more and self less. 

God designed us for S__________ ! We should see a red flag in our lives, when we are spending more of our money on creature comforts, rather than in serving our Creator!

The Mustard Seed, Leaven, Treasure & Pearl Merchant, Matthew 13:31-35 & 44-50

The Kingdom of Heaven on earth has many virtues, be careful to value them with faith in the points Jesus makes concerning the reign of God in Christians. His Kingdom belongs to people who suffer for righteousness sake, Mat. 5:10. Unless a person has righteousness that exceeds the righteousness of Pharisees, we can not enter the Kingdom, Mt. 5:20. It is possible that the Kingdom can contain evil people, which God’s angels will purge out, Mt. 13:41. The Kingdom can be taken from a person and given to a different person, Matthew 21:43. The Kingdom of God is spiritual in a physical world, Luke 17:20-21. Please read Romans 14:17 !

The Mustard Seed may be small, but it grows into a plant that is larger than you would expect. God’s reign starts small but grows larger than you can imagine.

The Leaven is indeed small, but it affects the whole of any loaf it lives in. God’s reign is alive and well, though unseen, His power is active!

The Hidden Treasure is so valuable that it can motivate a person to make great sacrifices to buy the whole of the field the treasure is hidden in, he is purchasing the field, not the treasure because God’s reign is still His.

The Merchant sacrificed everything he had, in order to purchase the one single solitary pearl of great price. The reign of God in Jesus motivated him to give all his self, time & effort to gain each and every single individual that was priceless to him. That is why he died on a cross to save you and me.

Jesus made statements about the Kingdom which help us understand the nature of the reign of God. His dominion is not physical, it is spiritual power over the hearts of men & women who…

…want to grow like a mustard seed.

…want to affect the world, wherein we live like leaven.

…want to submit to His power, not our own, like the hidden treasure we guard in our hearts, 1st Peter 1:4-5, Jude v1 & Proverbs 4:23.

…want to follow Jesus because of the price he paid for us & others.

The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37

This is the most popular, well-known parable in the Bible in our society today, yet most people miss the point; No one is acceptable to God if they do not love God by showing compassion to their fellowman, Mt. 25:31-46. More Christians will miss heaven because of their selfishness rather than their false-doctrine! God ordained & blessed the priesthood, but condemned them for their hypocrisy, we must make sure that Christ’s priesthood (the church) makes compassionate sacrifices a priority!

This parable is prefaced and concluded with two questions:

1. How do you understand what is written in the law? For a Christian today, we must ask ourselves: How do you live the law of Christ, Galatians 6:2-5
2. Which of the three people in the parable do you think was a neighbor of the man who fell into the hands of robbers? 

Name 7 things the Samaritan had:

1. __________________________

2. __________________________

3. __________________________

4. __________________________

5. __________________________

6. __________________________

7. __________________________

Why does God inextricably link love for him with love for our fellow-man?

What is pure religion? (James 1:27)

The Strong Man’s House

Mark 3:20-30 & Matthew 12:43-45

In Mark 2:5, Jesus had ‘forgiven sins’, and in Mark 3:5-6, Jesus healed on the sabbath day, engendering such hatred from the Pharisees that they were already working with the Herodians to find a way to assassinate Jesus. Now public masses were crowding Jesus for teaching and miracles, but his critics were even found amongst his ‘own people’, see Matthew 12:46-50. 

Who do you think Mark is referring to “his own people”? (see Mat. 12:46-50)

According to Mt. 12:43-45, how would our generation keep demonic interests, activity and temptations away from our house/body?

Who accused Jesus of having an evil spirit to cast out demons? _______________

What kind of kingdom do you think Jesus referred to in Mk. 3:24?

How did Jesus teach against the false accusation of his demon possession? 

Luke 11:17-21

If formally educated people in the Law of Moses can see a genuine miracle, why could they not have taken the view from Acts 5:39, “We do not want to be found fighting against God”?

How did they blaspheme against the Holy Spirit?

What did Jesus say about forgiving any other type of sin?

Can people today commit a sin that can never be forgiven? (Hebrews 6:4-6)

 Light & Bushel / Sheep & Goats,  Luke 8:16-18 / Matthew 25:31-46

“I was a stranger, and you didn’t welcome me”

Jesus used both of these parables to teach on the nature and principle of God’s judgment.

If a person hid a lit lamp, what would he lose_________________________________ .

What role does light play in 1st John 2:8-10

Whoever __________ their brother  & sister ___________ in the light…

Jesus believed that people will know whose disciples we are by what? ____________  for 

___________________________, John 13:34-35. 

If a person didn’t feed the hungry and/or didn’t encourage the incarcerated, what would he lose?

Why did the people who fed the hungry, answer the King’s questions with ignorance of having helped him? Because what they did in charity was not done to “score points” with God, but done out of love for the hungry. There are two big difference between sheep & goats

Sheep have better hearing than goats, they can tell the difference between their shepherd & someone different. John 10:4

Sheep eat  Grass, and goats will eat GarbageSee John 3:19

Christ’s Kingdom is prepared for ____________________________________, Mt. 25:34

Hell is prepared for the _______________ and his ____________________ . Mt. 25:41

Since Jesus refers to himself as a “King” in this judgment scene, how is that a problem for religious people that believe his kingdom is to come in the future after judgment?

How can you prove He is King of your life, right now?