“There is need of watchfulness. Our own hearts are deceitful; we are compassed with the weaknesses and frailties of humanity, and Satan is intent to destroy. We may be off our guard, but our adversary is never idle. Knowing his tireless vigilance, let us not sleep, as do others, but ‘watch and be sober.’”-Ellen G. … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : When we accept the gospel, we live it out in faith, hope, and love as we grow more and more into the image of Jesus.. [Teaching plan for Finial Events August 29, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 5:1-3. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on … Continue reading –>
It was an unusual meeting taking place entirely in the minds of those attending. “Jesus is coming again in seven days.” One of the faithful who had seen Jesus after the resurrection was sure He would return right away. A week would be about right. “He’s coming on October 22, 1844.” A young Adventist believer spoke with conviction. “The Bible says … Continue reading –>
(1 Thess. 5:9-11) As we have seen, in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Paul has drawn a series of contrasts to illustrate the two sides of judgment when Jesus returns. In our passage for today (1 Thess. 5:9-11), Paul addresses the contrast between wrath and salvation. Believers can have confidence in the last days because in Christ there is assurance that … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8. How does the drunken/sober analogy help us better understand preparation for the second coming of Jesus? Paul begins verse 6 with “therefore” or “so then,” depending on the translation. He has established that true followers of Jesus are children of the light and of the day. In today’s passage he continues the … Continue reading –>
(1 Thess. 5:4, 5) In the opening verses of the fifth chapter, Paul addresses the condition of those who, for whatever reason, are not prepared. The Thessalonians already know that the reality of the Second Coming is certain; only the timing is unknown. The surprise will be tragic for those who are not ready. Some are … Continue reading –>
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 and Acts 1:6,7. What is the meaning of “the times and the seasons” (NKJV) in these texts? “The day of the Lord” is a phrase found frequently in Old Testament judgment passages. It describes a decisive, “end-time” intervention by God, with a strong emphasis on the negative consequences of disobedience (Isa. 13:6-9, Jer. 46:10, Ezek. 30:2-12). In our passage for today, … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 3:15-24. List the various ways that God judged Adam and Eve both positively and negatively in this passage. Though the specific word judgment does not occur in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, the passage is very much concerned with it. Paul wants the believers in Thessalonica to be aware that God’s judgment is not limited to something that happens … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Thess. 5:1-11, Gen. 3:15-24, Isa. 13:6-9, Luke 21:34-36, Rom. 1:18. Memory Text: “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8, ESV). Key Thought: The reality of Christ’s return calls us to continual readiness. In … Continue reading –>
