Meeting# 1 of 8 | This Week’s Leader: David Goodno

Introduction: Welcome everyone, this is the first meeting of the Spring 2025 semester of the Men’s “Called” Growth Group. We will be meeting weekly every Wednesday, 05/07/2025 through 06/25/2025; 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.

There is no formal Men’s Group “membership” or special requirements to attend; it doesn’t matter what point you are in your faith journey – 10 seconds, 10-years or a lifetime of walking with the Lord; everyone is welcome; everyone has value; everyone has a voice. Keep in mind that we all come from various backgrounds, we have different points of view; we are at different places in our individual faith journey; the purpose of our meeting tonight is to come together, read the Bible, study God’s word and have a friendly discussion.

If there are differing points of view, we should not feel attacked or be hostile to one another; it’s our differences that add to the meeting and discussion. We came together tonight as friends and brothers in Christ; we should leave the same (as friends and brothers in Christ). Often times there is no right or wrong answer; just interpretation of scripture– ultimately, JESUS IS THE ANSWER.

We are conducting a SOAP(Q) study (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer and Questions) of First and Second Thessalonians.

History of the letters:

It is widely believed that the apostle Paul is the author of the letters, Silas and Timothy are also mentioned; indicating that they supported the letter and may have even possibly had a part in the writing of the letter. Paul’s final command in 1 Thessalonians and Paul’s note at the end of 2 Thessalonians in his own handwriting suggests that Paul is the primary author and took responsibility for the message and contents of the letter. Overall, Paul wrote thirteen letters in the New Testament and was one of the greatest missionaries to ever live.

Paul wrote the letters to the church in Thessalonica. The believers there had come to faith in Christ during Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 15:36-18:22). https://www.gotquestions.org/missionary-journeys-Paul.html

During the second missionary journey God directed Paul and Silas to Greece, bringing the gospel to Europe. At Philippi, the missionary team was beaten and imprisoned. Rejoicing to suffer for Christ, they sang in jail. Suddenly, God caused an earthquake to open the doors of the cell and free them from their chains. The amazed jailer and his family believed in Christ, but the government officials begged Paul and Silas to leave. – Let’s pause here for a moment. They celebrated their suffering for Christ. Do we celebrate our suffering or challenges we face in the world because of our faith, or do we complain? - Discuss among the group.

Thessalonica was the largest city in the province of Macedonia (Modern-day northern and central Greece). The city was founded in 316 BC and named for a sister of Alexander the Great. It eventually became the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. The city flourished due to its location on the major trade route to the east and continued to thrive as one of the most important cities in the Byzantine Empire.

Paul and his companions were forced to leave the church of Thessalonica, which was only a few months into their faith, because there were Jews who did not accept the Good News of Jesus started a riot by accusing Paul and Silas of civil disturbance (Acts 17:4-7). Paul was deeply concerned about the church’s welfare, knowing that they had not received all the necessary instruction, and was concerned about the spiritual and physical well-being of the believers in Thessalonica. The Thessalonian Church was new to the faith and already experiencing persecution. As a result, Paul sent Timothy to encourage them and make sure that the believers had not abandoned their faith. When Paul received a good report from Timothy, Paul was overjoyed, but the church still had struggles and questions.

This Week’s Prayer: Father God, we thank you for allowing us to come together and study your word tonight. We recognize you as the Lord of our lives. Father, thank you for the faith, hope and love that you give us and other believers. Help us remain in you. Thank you for promising us the gift of your presence and the Holy Spirt. Lord help us encourage others to know that you are with us. Help us commit to reading Your word and lean into you for understanding. – Amen

Scripture, Read: 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1:1 – 10

Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)

Paul expressed gratitude for the Thessalonians’ faithful work, loving deeds and enduring hop in Jesus despite intense persecution. Because of God’s transforming work in the Thessalonians’ lives, they had become examples to other believers throughout the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia, bringing Paul joy and reason to offer praise.

  • Discuss among the group.

Key verses for discussion:

(Chapter 1, verse 1) -

Paul and his companions probably arrived in Thessalonica in the early summer of AD 50, They planted the first Christian church in that city but had to leave in a hurry because their lives were threatened.

(Read Acts: 17:1-10)

At this first opportunity, probably when he stopped at Corinth, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see how the new believers were doing. Timothy returned to Paul with good news: The Christians in Thessalonica were remaining firm in the faith and were unified. But the Thessalonians did have some questions about their new faith.

Paul had not had time to answer all their questions during his brief visit and in the meantime, other questions had arisen. So, Paul wrote this letter to answer their questions and to commend them on their faithfulness to Christ.

  • What method or methods did Paul use to help the new Christians in Thessalonica get established in their faith?

  • What did Paul offer Thessalonica’s new believers?

  • Why did Paul take responsibility for these new believers?

Because Paul had to leave Thessalonica suddenly, he had no opportunity to fully instruct the new Christians there. But he did assume responsibility for them, first sending Timothy to them and then writing to them twice. New Christinas need instruction from those who are longer in their faith. This letter reminds us that we can have an ongoing influence on those who come to Christ.

  • What kind of support do new Christians need?

  • What can we do to help and support new believers?

  • Have you helped a new believer in the past? If you are willing to share with the group.

(Chapter 1, verse 2-7)

The Thessalonians had stood firm when they were persecuted. Paul commended these young Christians for their faithful work, loving deeds, and anticipation of the Lord’s return. These characteristics are the marks of effective Christians.

  •  What do we think the Thessalonian believers were anticipating?

Paul reminded the Thessalonians of their Status as God’s “Chosen Ones.” This statement can cause confusion and even arguments among Christians over the issue of being chosen by God. It is often difficult for believers to embrace God’s choosing us and the responsibility and lifestyle changes that come with choosing to follow the Lord.

  • Have you ever considered yourself chosen by God?

  • Have you seen changes in your life after you gave your life to Christ?

  • Have you seen changes in other’s (friends/family) after they gave their life to Christ?

The message of salvation, though welcomed with great joy, brought the Thessalonians sever suffering because it led to persecution from both Jews and Gentiles. Many Christians today think that pain is the exception in the Christian life. When suffering occurs, they say “Why me?” They feel as thought God deserted them, or perhaps they accuse Him of not being dependable as they thought He should be.

In reality, the world is sinful, so even believers suffer. God allows some Christians to become martyrs for the faith, and He allows others to survive persecution.

Rather than asking “Why me?” we should ask “Lord what do you want me to do, how can I honor you with the situation I’m in?”

We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus also suffered, He understands our fears, our weaknesses, and our disappointments.

(Read Hebrews 2:16-18; Hebrews 4:14-16 - Discuss)

  • What did the new Christians in Thessalonians face because of their faith?

  • What happened as a result of the Thessalonian believer’s obedience to the Lord?

(Chapter 1, verse 9-10)

All of us should respond to the Good Nes as the Thessalonians did. Turn to God, Serve God, and look forward to the return of his Son, Christ from Heaven.

We should turn from Sin and move to be closer in our relationship with God, because we should be prepared for Christ’s return. We don’t know the day or the hour, and He will come like a thief in the night (that is His arrival will be unexpected).

  • Agree/Disagree

Paul emphasized Christs’ return. The Thessalonian church was being persecuted, Paul encouraged them to look forward to and remain in hope of the return of Jesus, who will return like a conquering King.

(Read Titus 13-14 - Discuss)

Other questions to explore:

  • What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?

  • What and where is this happening?

    • What makes what was happening meaningful?

    • Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?

  • Who is involved?

    • How do they respond to God?

    • What character traits do you notice about them?

    • What is the significance of their involvement?

  • What do you think is the key message?

  • Did anything surprise you? What was it?

  • Are there any key verses that stand out to you? Discuss among the group.

  • Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?

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  •  Is there anything that stood out to you? Share with the group and discuss.

  • Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss, and research.

  • Biggest takeaway?

  • Prepare for next week’s meeting. Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

  • Is there anything that stands out when reading these verses? Be ready to discuss it at the next meeting.

  • Think of things that you can do to encourage new believers over the next seven days.

  •  This Spring 2025 Semester Men’s group will be meeting every Wednesday, 05/07/2025 through 06/25/2025; 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Please monitor https://fv.church/events for more information.

References/Acknowledgements:

Elements of today’s Bible study were referenced from:

1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/

2. ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV); copyright 2001 by Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois.

3. NIV Study Bible, Revolution, copyright 2011. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV); copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.zondervan.com/p/niv-bibles-for-teens- true-images-revolution/

4. NLT Parallel Study Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2011 Tyndale House Ministries Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation

5. HCSB/CSB The Apologetics Study Bible, copyright 2007. The Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB/CSB); copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holmon Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

6. NKJV The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (NKJV); copyright 2013 David Jeremiah, Inc. Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. https://www.thomasnelson.com/bibles

7. Life Application Bible Studies: 1 & 2 Thessalonians / Philemon; copyright 1999, 2010 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

Schedule: Month, Meeting Number, Date, Book/Chapters/Verse/ (Total Verses)

May 2025:

_x_ 001, 05/07 1 Thessalonians Introduction & 1:1 – 10. (10 Verses)

__ 002, 05/14 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20. (20 Verses) + Location Study

__ 003, 05/21 1 Thessalonians 3:1 – 13. (13 Verses) + Bible Facts (p. 1296 Apologists HCSB)

__ 004, 05/28 1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 18. (18 Verses) + Twisted Scripture Study

(Apologists HCSB/student HCSB)

June 2025:

__ 005, 06/04 1 Thessalonians 5:1 – 28. (28 Verses)

__ 006, 06/11 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12. (12 Verses) + Cross References

__ 007, 06/18 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17. (17 Verses) + Cross References

__ 008, 06/25 2 Thessalonians 3:1 – 18. (18 Verses) + Cross References *

*Last meeting, please monitor FV.church/events for more information about the next semester.

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