The Italian Memorandum

“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it”

(1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Introduction: In this section of 1 Thessalonians, 5:12-28, Paul gives final instructions; after which he will pronounce a final blessing upon the church of the Thessalonians (v. 28).

I. Final Instructions:

1. 5:12-13 Re: ______________________________

2. 5:14 Re: ______________________________

3. 5:15 Re: ______________________________

4. 5:16 Re: ______________________________

5. 5:17 Re: ______________________________

6. 5:18 Re: ______________________________

7. 5:19-22 Re: ______________________________

II. Benediction:

A. vv. 23-24 Wishing them well (benediction)

B. vv. 25-27 More Instructions

C. v. 28 Last benediction

Conclusion: These directions for showing the will of God in one’s life all become dynamic in the second coming of Jesus in history (5:23). May his grace be with you (5:28)!

“… the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night”

(1 Thessalonians 5:2)

Introduction: The Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) is to be understood in relation to The Coming of the Lord (4:13-18). 4:13-5:11 has reference to the second coming of Jesus in history.

I. 5:1-3 What is it like? (4 aspects)

5:2 – _________________________

5:2b – _________________________

5:3 – _________________________

5:3b – _________________________

II. 5:4-11 Why and how the Christian’s experience will differ (from the above)

5:4-5 – _________________________

5:6-8 – _________________________

5:9-10 – ________________________

5:11 – _________________________

Conclusion: And you thought that the County Fair was all that was coming! Christ resolves your past; enriches your present; and, sparks your future. The Day of the Lord will come.

(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven

with a cry of command…”

(1 Thessalonians 4:16)

Introduction: The doctrine of the second coming of Christ is the primary subject of this section.

A. 4:13 – 2 concerns

1. …we do not want you _____________

2. …that you may not _______________

B. 4:14-15 – propositions of the faith

1. ______________________________

2. ______________________________

3. ______________________________

C. 4:16-17 – What will this look like?

Conclusion: “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord” (Julia Ward Howe, Battle Hymn of the Republic). Ethics are grounded in the His coming. Be encouraged and be strengthened (4:18).

(1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)

“…how you ought to live…”

(1 Thess. 4:1)

Introduction: 4:1-12 is an exhortation (v.1) about “your sanctification” (v. 3).

I. Sancta -What?

A. 4:1

B. 4:2

II. Why?

A. 4:3 ___________________

B. 4:4-5 ___________________

C. 4:6 ___________________

D. 4:7-8 ___________________

III. “More and More” (also 4:1)

Conclusion: The Lord’s people are capable of being exhorted; and, exhorted people do live for their Lord.

“…that you always remember us kindly and long to see us,

as we long to see you…”

(1Thessalonians 3:6)

Introduction: 1 Thessalonians 3 is about, the next best thing. Once again. Longing to Be Together (B), like 2:17-20, is grounded doctrinally in the second coming (3:13).

I. Review –

1:1 – __________________________________________

2:19 – _________________________________________

II. Background (Acts 17:10-15)

= Interdependence over independence!

II. “The Next Best Thing“

A. Re: in view of Timothy’s return

B. Re: in view of the coming (parousia) of Jesus

C. Re: in view of what’s lacking in your faith

Conclusion: A central part of what Paul is doing in Ch. 3 is urging the Thessalonian Christians to practice their faith in the very situations in which they find themselves. Shall we do less?

“…we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire
to see you …”

(1 Thessalonians 2:17)

Introduction: 1Thessalonians 2:17-19 is about having Christian relationships.

I. Relationships come with _________________ (2:17-18)
(see Acts 17:5-10)

II. Christian relationships possess the sweetness of being—

A. ____________, ___________, ___________ (2:19)

B. and _________________________________ (2:19)

Conclusion: As Paul discusses a second visit, he cannot forget the second coming of Jesus in history. May your own longings in relationship be fulfilled today and tomorrow.

“…but as what it really is, the word of God”

(1 Thessalonians 2:13)

Introduction: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 is Thanksgiving (B). In this second Thanksgiving of Paul and his associates toward the church of the Thessalonians, we see two groups of people who face the word of God and respond in vastly different ways. The one with tremendous receptivity—the other with antagonistic obstinacy.

I. Receptivity (2:13-14)

II. Obstinacy (2:15-16)

III. 3 Applications today –

1. Re: “what it really is,” 2:13 – _______________

2. Re: “For you…became,” – _________________

3. Re: “God’s wrath,” 2:16 – __________________

Conclusion: It’s time to face the word. How are you receiving the word of God?

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE GOSPEL MESSAGE?”

(1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-12)

“For you yourselves know, brothers, that our
coming to you was not in vain…”

(1 Thessalonians 2:1)

Introduction: This section is a defense of Paul and his immediate companions in ministry against religious charlatanism. It raises the question for us—what kind of experience have you had with the gospel—“Hollow or Hearty?”

I. 2:1 – Is it Hollow!

II. 6 Negatives and 7 Positives
All members of the church should evaluate, as honestly as possible, their contribution toward the building up of the body of Christ (Note the all-inclusiveness: 1:2; 5:14, 26).

III. 2:12 – Make it Hearty!

Conclusion: Like the Pearl poet, we too must now learn in our heart what we know in our head. Is your walk hollow or hearty? Hello!

“…remembering before our God and Father your
work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness
of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”

(1 Thessalonians 1:3)

Introduction: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 is a description of the devotion of the church of the Thessalonians.

I. The Thanksgiving (1:2)

II. A Description of their Devotion (1:3-10) in three dimensions

A. _________________ =_______________ (v.9)

B. _________________ = _______________ (v.9)

C._________________ = ________________ (v.10)

Conclusion: Would you say devotion to Christ is typical or atypical? What type are you?

The Prescript

“Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians
in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace”

(1 Thessalonians 1:1)

Introduction: We will be stressing today the importance of being “in” relationship with God through Christ.

I. There is a ________________

II. There is _______________ for this church

Conclusion: Just a greeting; but, oh what a beginning! May it be yours’ today.