This study was presented in the August 2013 Bible conference in Southern California.Though Corinth was a “problem church” for Paul, how thankful we ought to be for them, for without their problems and questions, we would not have the answers and guidance provided in this wonderful letter. As with all the epistles, the challenge is to lay hold of the character of Christ. We are to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Rom 12:2), and to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phi 2:5).
Key verses for this study:
- “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1Co 2:2 and
- “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you are truly unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1Co 5:7
Gene Cunningham - January 24, 2007
1 Thessalonians #7
Mileposts of Maturity: How can we know where we are; spiritually? Examples in the Bible: 1) Milepost of spiritual virtues (Faith; Hope; Love); 1Th 1:3; 2) Pilgrim analogy (faith to faith; strength to strength; glory to glory; Rom 1:17; Psa 84:7; 2Co 3:18); 3) Harvest analogy (from agriculture; Mat:13:3-8; Joh 15:1-8); 4) Stage of life analogy (babe; young man; adult; 1Jo 2:13-14); 5) Journey of Faith (five Hebrew words for faith; Gen 15:6; Psa 55:22; Psa 57:1; Isa 40:31); Mileposts of spiritual maturity in 1 Thessalonians: 1) they had received the Word with joy of the Holy Spirit (1Th 1:6) 2) they became followers of the Lord 3) they became examples to others (1Th 1:7) 4) they became ambassadors; 'from you the Word of the Lord has sounded forth' (1Th 1:8); Phi 2:25. The Thessalonians were making progress and the world could see it!
Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Matthew 3:18, Philippians 2:25, 1 Thessalonians 1:8, Psalms 84:7, Isaiah 40:31, 1 Thessalonians 1:7, Romans 1:17, Psalms 57:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Psalms 55:22, 1 John 2:13-14, Genesis 15:6, 2 Corinthians 3:18, John 15:1-8
From Series: "1st Thessalonians - 2006"
The Thessalonians were persecuted for their faith. Paul's first letter to them provides comfort, reminding them of the details of Christ's return for His Church ("The Blessed Hope") and providing practical spiritual lessons for living.