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    Context for Chapter 4 Chapters 1-3 had a lot to say about the good reputation of the Thessalonian church. Chapter 4 begins to address points Paul wants to clarify. First of these is the need to grow in good works and to avoid immoral living. Paul begins to explain “the rapture”: the moment when Christ will retrieve believers from this earth. Paul’s explanation seems to be intended to dispel rumors. In the final chapter, Paul will further explain the nature of the “day of the Lord,” correcting what might have been said by false teachers. S ource:   https://www.bibleref.com/1-Thessalonians/4/1-Thessalonians-chapter-4.html Live to Please God,  Verses 1-12,    DESTINY 1Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 2For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. ...

    Context for Chapter 3 Chapter 3 concludes Paul's comments about the condition of the Thessalonian church. These began in chapter 1 and were given more details in chapters 2 and 3. Here, Paul expresses his joy that the Thessalonians are enduring persecution faithfully, and he prays that they will continue to grow. In the following chapters, Paul will address some of the concerns plaguing the Thessalonians, including their worries about the end-times.  S ource:   https://www.bibleref.com/1-Thessalonians/3/1-Thessalonians-chapter-3.html 1. Encouragement of Timothy’s Visit, Part 1,  Verses 1-6,    JEANNIE Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, 2 and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker[ a ] in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 3 and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you...

   Context for Chapter 2 Chapter 1 briefly introduced the relationship between Paul and the Christians at Thessalonica. This introduction is expanded in Chapter 2, where Paul gives additional details about how he came to preach there, why he left, and what he has heard of their spiritual progress. Chapter 3 will round out this glowing report with a reference to a visit from Paul’s friend and student, Timothy.   S ource:   https://www.bibleref.com/1-Thessalonians/2/1-Thessalonians-chapter-2.html 1. Paul's Service Among the Thessalonians, Verses 1-9,    CHRISTIAN 1   You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, [ a ]  that our visit to you was not a failure.   2  You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition.   3  So you can see we were not preaching with any ...

  The Opening Prayer: Colossians 4 Context for Chapter 4 Prior chapters in this letter established the supremacy of Christ, provided counters to false teaching, and gave instructions for Christian living. Chapter 4 completes these instructions with a general command regarding Christian conversation. Paul then ends the letter with news and comments related to various fellow Christian believers. This follows the general pattern for Paul's letters: introduction, theory, application, personal news and farewell. A S ource:  https://www.bibleref.com/Colossians/4/Colossians-chapter-4.html   1. An Encouragement for Prayer , Verses 1-6,  GROUP DISCUSSION 4  Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. 2  Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  3  And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery...

Context for Chapter 1 The first chapter of 1 Thessalonians is mostly praise for these believers, from the apostle Paul. Paul is clearly delighted to hear that they have grown in their faith and begun to spread the gospel. Chapter two will continue reminding the Thessalonians about their prior experiences with Paul, and it includes more of his praise for their excellent efforts. Later chapters will address the questions lingering in the minds of these passionate Christians. Of particular interest, among these, are concerns related to the return of Christ. Paul will also address some areas where the church needs to improve, spiritually. A S ource:  https://www.bibleref.com/1-Thessalonians/1/1-Thessalonians-chapter-1.html 1. Living the New Life, Part 1 , Verses 1-10,  GROUP DISCUSSION 1   Paul, Silas [ a ]  and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 2  We always thank God for all of yo...