1 Thessalonians 5 - Introduction

Outline:

I. The Second Coming continued: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

A. Knowing the date is not the key to being prepared: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

B. Christians can be prepared: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

II. Practical Exhortations: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

A. Respect and appreciation for the elders: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

B. Pursue those who need help: 1 Thessalonians 5:14

C. Overcome evil with good: 1 Thessalonians 5:15

D. Be joyful and grateful: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

E. Heed inspired words: 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20

F. Do not be gullible: 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

III. Final Exhortations: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

I think that Stott makes an insightful observation when he observes, “It is evident that the Thessalonians were worried about their friends who had died, and whether they would suffer any disadvantages at the Parousia; and they were worried about themselves. and whether they were ready to stand before Christ at His coming. Both are modern anxieties too. The Thessalonians were asking Paul about times and dates. Not, it seems, out of idle curiosity, but rather for. very practical reason: they wanted to make suitable preparations. They thought they could most easily get ready for Christ's coming in judgment if they could know when He would arrive. Paul responds, however, that the solution to their problem does not lie in knowing the date” (pp. 107,108).