1 Thessalonians
Lesson 3: The Power of Faith1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
I hope that in the previous lesson’s study you saw how important that our daily living is in witnessing about Christ. Our character, our resolve, and the relationships we develop with others should all mirror Paul’s example in taking the gospel to the lost. Through the way we conduct our lives, love our neighbors, and care for those around us, Christ will always shine through as He did in Paul’s life. Finally, as we also saw in Paul’s example, witnessing is a long-term commitment, not a momentary one.
In this lesson, I want you to see how strong the faith of those at Thessalonica was by recognizing what faith really is, how we get it, and what we are to do with it. We will see how powerful God’s Holy Word is, the impact that it had on the Thessalonians—and the power it can have in your life.
Real, life-changing faith will give us a peace, a reassurance, a victory over the enemies of Christ, and help us to live a fulfilling and fruitful life. May God bless you as we study His Holy Word.
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 and answer the following:
- In this passage, Paul is commending the Thessalonians for being faithful servants who accepted God’s Word and endured in their faith even in the face of severe persecution. Do you believe that their perseverance was evidence of their faith? Why?
- How did the gospel message come to Thessalonica? (In verse 5, it came in three forms. Can you name them?)
- In the previous lesson, you were asked to read Acts 17: 1-15. Look at this passage again, as well as our study scripture for this lesson. Who were the people persecuting them?
- Enduring trials, persecutions, and facing our doubts and fears all require a strong faith in what we believe. How did those in Thessalonica, as well as we today, get the faith we need? (Romans 10:17)
- There is power in God’s word, power beyond anything we can even imagine. What does God himself say about His Word? (Isaiah 55:11)
- Many people believe the Bible is simply a collection of writings by 50 or so authors over several thousand years. What do the Apostles tell us about God’s word and the book we today call the Holy Bible? (II Peter 1:21, and II Timothy 3:16-17)
- Knowing then that faith comes from hearing the word of God, and that God’s Word is written out for us in the Bible as the Holy Spirit led men to write it; we realize that our faith isn’t blind—it is purposeful and will empower us to live as "faithful servants." What does God’s Word command us regarding faith? Beside each scripture below, in a word or two, write how we are to live our new life of faith.
- Romans 1:17
- Romans 4:12
- Matthew 21:22
- Ephesians 6:16
- 1 John 2:13-17
- Hebrews 11:13
- 1 Corinthians 16:13
- 2 Corinthians 8:7
- Luke 17:5
Finally, Proverbs 3:5-7 summarizes our life in faith. I pray that from this lesson’s study, you will commit to living your life out in faith, i.e., faith in our Lord’s provision for your every need, direction for your life, caring for your family, and with the hope of heaven firmly in your heart.
May God richly bless you as study this week.
In Christ,
Wes
[2019]