Passages: 1 Thessalonians
Big Idea: Get ready, live ready, because Jesus is coming back.
Ages: 8-11
Six lessons exploring 1 Thessalonians.
Paul has lots to say to the new Christians in Thessalonica. In just three weeks (Acts 17), he had taught them the basics of the gospel - that Jesus died for them, that God raised him to life, and that Jesus will return to take his people to heaven forever.
Many Thessalonians responded to the gospel in repentance and faith - so the church in Thessalonica was born. But just as it got started, Paul was chased out of town by jealous Jews. Out of loving concern for his new brothers and sisters, Paul sent Timothy back to find out how they were going. When he heard Timothy’s news that they were persevering in their faith despite persecution, he wrote this letter to them out of great joy and with further encouragement to stand firm in Jesus till his return.
Paul reassures them of the truth of the gospel, of his love for them and his pure motives in preaching the gospel to them. He seems to be answering particular questions on significant issues they are facing: persecution, sexual purity, death, work and Jesus’ return. Paul closes his letter in chapter 5:12-18 with a series of exhortations - reminding them that they can only do these because of God’s work in them. God will complete his work of salvation and sanctification in them.
Paul Tripp's summary of 1 Thessalonians beautifully captures the theme of this letter - get ready, live ready, because Jesus is coming back.
‘Waiting, in the New Testament, isn’t meaningless. Waiting is a call to action… I wait, committed to grow in holiness. I wait, committed to be self-controlled. I wait, committed to stay alert. I wait, committed to live in such a way that I gain the respect of others. I wait, committed to love others as Christ has loved me. I wait, committed to live at peace and in peace. I wait, committed to give thanks in everything.’
The unit comes complete with stories, pictures, suggested songs/memory verses, games, drama activities, crafts, large and small group activities. A resource pack full of crafts and worksheets is also included.