powerpoint presentation designed by claro ruiz vicente

http://clarovicente.weebly.com

Adult Bible Study GuideJul • Aug • Sep 2012Adult Bible Study GuideJul • Aug • Sep 2012

Adult Sabbath School Bible Study GuideAn Appeal

Dear User….This PowerPoint Show is freely shared to all who may find it beneficial. While intended primarily

for personal use, some find it useful for teaching the lesson in church.

There are those, however, who add illustrations, change background, adjust font size, etc. While

their intention may be good, this is not right. Slide #1 says “designed by claro ruiz vicente.”

For honest Christians, it is not necessary for another’s creation to be copyrighted in order to

be respected. PLEASE USE AS IS.

Jon Paulien, Principal ContributorJon Paulien, Principal Contributor

1 The Gospel Comes to Thessalonica 2 Preserving Relationships 3 Thessalonica in Paul’s Day 4 Joyous and Thankful (1 Thess 1:1–10) 5 The Apostolic Example (2:1–12) 6 Friends Forever (2:13–3:13) 7 Living Holy Lives (4:1–12) 8 The Dead in Christ (4:13–18) 9 Final Events (5:1–11)10 Church Life (5:12–28)11 Promise to the Persecuted (2 Thess 1:1–12)12 The Antichrist ( 2:1–12)13 Keeping the Church Faithful (2:13–3:18)

1 and 2 ThessaloniansContents

1 and 2 ThessaloniansOur Goal {5}

We’ll get a glimpse into the life of an early Christian church and see

some of the struggles and challenges that it faced,

including the difficulties that arose from the fact that Christ had not

yet returned.

1 and 2 ThessaloniansLesson 3, July 211 and 2 ThessaloniansLesson 3, July 21

Thessalonica inThessalonica inPaul’s DayPaul’s Day

Thessalonica in Paul’s DayKey Text

1 Corinthians 9:19 NIV

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to

everyone, to win as many as possible.”

Initial WordsImportance of Material {31}

First, it helps us to understand how Paul’s original readers would have understood him. It clarifies the meaning of what he wrote and the impact it had back then. Second, the more we know about the ideas and beliefs of the Thessalonians, the better we can understand that against which Paul was reacting.

Thessalonica in Paul’s DayQuick Look

1. Summary From History (John 11:48-50)2. Summary From Literature (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)3. Summary From Archaeology (Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15)

Thessalonica in Paul’s Day1. Summary From History

John 11:48-50 NKJV

“‘If we let let Him alone…everyone will believe Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place

and nation.’ … Caiaphas…said to them, ‘… It is expedient for us that one man should die for the people,

and not that the whole nationshould perish.’ ”

1. Summary From HistoryThe Romans Arrive {32}

In the context of a civil war among the Greek city-states, the Thessalonians invited the Romans around 168 b.c. to take over their city and protect it from local enemies. The Romans rewarded Thessalonica for being on the “right side” of the civil war by largely allowing the city to govern itself.

1. Summary From HistoryThe Romans Arrive {32}

It became a free city within the empire, which meant that it could

largely control its own internal issues and destiny. As a result, the

wealthier and more powerful classes in the city were allowed to continue

life much as they had before.They were, therefore, pro-Rome and

pro-emperor in Paul’s day.

The Romans ArriveNegative Aspects {32}

1. Economic dislocation. Markets were disrupted.2. Political powerlessness. Some local leaders were replaced.3. Colonial exploitation. Tax exportation.

Roman rule created stresses. Thessalonians longed for a change

in the situation.

1. Summary From HistoryPagan Response to Rome {33}

The pagan response to the powerlessness was a spiritual movement: the Cabirus cult.

The Roman response to the Cabirus cult left a spiritual vacuum that the

gospel alone could fill.Christ was the true fulfillment of

the hopes and dreams that the Thessalonians had placed on Cabirus.

Thessalonica in Paul’s Day2. Summary From Literature

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NKJV“For though I am free…I have made

myself a servant to all…; to the Jews; …those who are under the law;…without law;…the weak;… I have

become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”

2. Summary From LiteratureGospel as Point of Contact {34}

The gospel has the greatest impact when it impacts the needs, hopes,

and dreams of the audience.Among the changes that open

people to new ideas are economic turmoil, political strife, war,

weddings, divorce, dislocation, health challenges, and death.

2. Summary From Literature“Street Preacher” {35}

1. Form a lasting community. Requires formation of emotional bonds and a deep commitment to the group.2. Taught that conversion was a supernatural work of God from outside of a person.

Thessalonica in Paul’s Day3. Summary From Archaeology

“Likewise greet the church that is in their house.” Romans 16:5

“The churches of Asia greet you…with the church that is in their house.” 1 Corinthians 16:19

“Greet the brethren…and the church that is in his house.” Colossians 4:15

3. Summary From ArchaeologyHome Churches {36}

Domus, a large, single-family home built around a courtyard, typical of the wealthy. A meeting place for 30–100 people.Insula, with shops and workplaces on the ground floor facing the street and apartments on the floors above. Primary urban housing of the working classes.

The ideal location for an urban house church would be near the city center. The shops and workplaces connected to the house would foster contact with artisans, tradespeople, shoppers, and manual laborers looking for work.

3. Summary From ArchaeologyHome Churches {36}

This was the setting in which much of Paul’s missionary work may have been done.

Thessalonica in Paul’s DayFinal Words {37}

At this time the systems of heathenism were losing their hold upon the people. … They longed for a religion that could satisfy the heart.”—The Desire of Ages 32

ripe for the coming of the Deliverer

“Providence had directed the move-ments of nations, and the tide of human impulse and influence, until the world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer….