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UNIT 1: Portraying The Faith. Exemplary Believers. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. Writers: Trio of missionary “brothers” Paul Timothy Silas (“Silvanus”). Recipients: The church of the Thessalonians. “church” – ekklesia ( Grk .) assembly of followers Their identity: “of the Thessalonians”
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UNIT 1: Portraying The Faith Exemplary Believers 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Writers: Trio of missionary “brothers” • Paul • Timothy • Silas (“Silvanus”) Recipients: The church of the Thessalonians
“church” – ekklesia (Grk.) assembly of followers Their identity: “of the Thessalonians” • geo-political identity “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” • spiritual location and identity
The twin blessings: • Grace – spontaneous and free favor of God that is the source and ground of salvation • Peace – spiritual wholeness and satisfaction
Paul’s Prayer of Thanksgiving (1:2-3) Remembering three facts of their exemplary nature: • “your work of faith” • “labor of love” • “endurance of hope”
Evidence of an Exemplary Faith (1:4-10) “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you” (1:4) • Verse 6– They became “imitators” of Paul and Christ • Verse 6b –They became Christians in the midst of severe persecution and tribulation • Verse 7 – They "became an example" to other believers.
Evidence of an Exemplary Faith (1:4-10) • Verse 8–They bore a powerful witness to the gospel message. • Verse 9b– They manifested authentic repentance • Verse 10 – They lived confidently in the light of the Second Coming and became examples of proper eschatology