treneer video notes and reflection & discussion...

Adapted from LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

Advancing the Gospel (1 Thessalonians) Assignments Summary

Mike Treneer

The assignments listed below are a suggested outline of study to accompany the webinar/video presentations for each session. See the Discussion Questions included with the notes on each session for complete assignments. Session 1: Advancing the Gospel with Power

Read 1 Thessalonians through in one sitting. Read Acts 13:1—17:17 for background information, noting similarities and differences. Scheduled discussion date: ___________________________

Session 2: Advancing the Gospel with Vision Read 1 Thessalonians through in one sitting. Read Colossians for background information, noting similarities and differences. Scheduled discussion date: ___________________________

Session 3: Advancing the Gospel by Discipling (Part 1)

Read 1 Thessalonians through in one sitting. Read Ephesians for background information, noting similarities and differences. Scheduled discussion date: ___________________________

Session 4: Advancing the Gospel by Discipling (Part 2)

Read 1 Thessalonians through in one sitting. Read 2 Thessalonians for further insights. Scheduled discussion date: ___________________________

Session 5: Advancing the Gospel Together

Read 1 Thessalonians through in one sitting. Reflect in a fresh way upon our Navigator calling, vision, and values. Scheduled discussion date: ___________________________


Session 6: Advancing the Gospel in Dependence on the Lord

Read 1 Thessalonians through in one sitting. Read Revelation 2-3 for insights as to how believers around Thessalonica turned out. Scheduled discussion date: ___________________________

VIDEO 1

Pre-Video Preparation: See reflection questions 1 and 2. Please read and respond in writing.

• Ministering in the Power of the Holy Spirit o 1 Thess 1:5—Our Gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with

the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.

o Acts 1:8—But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

o Luke 4:1—Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert….

o Luke 4:1-14—Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit….

o Luke 4:17-18—He found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me….”

o Reflection ! How is Paul living out his calling to advance the Gospel in the Spirit’s power? ! How can we advance the Gospel in the power of the Spirit? ! What spiritual “weapons” did Paul use to battle for the lives and eternal destinies of

men and women?

Our Navigator Calling To advance the Gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom into the nations through spiritual generations of laborers living and discipling among the lost. Course Outline

1) Advancing the Gospel with POWER 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:13 2) Advancing the Gospel with VISION 1 Thessalonians 2:6-3:13 3) Advancing the Gospel by DISCIPLING (Part 1) 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:11 4) Advancing the Gospel by DISCIPLING (Part 2) 5) Advancing the Gospel TOGETHER 1 Thessalonians 5:11-5:15 6) Advancing the Gospel in DEPENDENCE 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

on the Lord


• The Power of Prayer

o 1 Thess 1:2—We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.

• The Power of God’s Word

o 1 Thess 1:5—Our Gospel came to you ….

o 1 Thess 2:2, 4, 9—…we preached the Gospel of God to you.

o 1 Thess 2:13—…when you received the word of God… you accepted it… which is at work in you who believe.

o Isaiah 55:8-11—…so shall my word be. It shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

o 1 Thess 2:4-6—teach the Word of God carefully, with conviction and honesty; in large groups, small groups, and one-to-one

• The Power of Example

o 1 Thess 1:5-6—…You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord…

o 1 Thess 2:10—You are witnesses… of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.

o We cannot help others to be what we are not ourselves.

o We must engage with and “live among” those we disciple so that our lives can be seen and imitated (John 1:14—He dwelt among us)

o The most widely read translation of the Bible is “the translation into daily living.”

• The Power of Love

o 1 Thess 2:8—We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

o 1 Thess 1:5—Our Gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

Paul’s Prayers: § Ephesians 1:15-23 § Ephesians 3:14-21 § Philippians 1:9-11 § Colossians 1:9-12 § 2 Thess. 1:11-12

See also: Phil 1:6-8 – Friendship built on genuine love 1 Thess 2:7, 11-12 – Deep, personal involvement in the lives of your spiritual heirs


Video 1: Questions for Reflection & Discussion

1. Before watching the video presentation by Mike Treneer, read through the entire book of 1 Thessalonians in one sitting. What fresh insight or question did you encounter?

2. Read Acts 13:1 – 17:14 to grasp some of the history prior to Paul’s writing this letter. Are there any cultural insights that shed light on our understanding of 1 Thessalonians?

3. How does the theme of this video illustrate how Paul came alongside the Thessalonians and others?

4. Spiritual power was foundational to Paul’s ministry. How do you relate to and appropriate such power in your ministry context?

5. How are the people you come alongside doing in the areas covered by this video?

6. What two or three things can you do to strengthen and encourage the people you come alongside?


VIDEO 2


• Vision: Seeing the Potential of the Seed o How many seeds in an apple?

o How many apples in a seed?

o It depends on what happens to the seed!

• Long-Term Vision for Our Fruit o Paul had a long-term concern for their well being and a long-term vision for their lives

o Vision of their potential for generation—1 Thess 2:17-19 …our intense longing … made every effort to see you… [you are] our hope, our joy, our crown….

o Vision for them to be established in faith—1 Thess 3:10 Night and day we pray earnestly… and supply what is lacking in your faith.

o Vision to stand firm—1 Thess 3:8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.

o Vision to overflow to others—1 Thess 3:12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else….

o Vision for maturity and fruitfulness—If those he discipled did not continue through to maturity and fruitfulness, Paul felt his ministry was in vain

o Vision for our fruit—1 Thess 3:5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.

• Paul’s Visionary Focus o Paul’s ministry was focused on bringing others to:

! Their full maturity and potential in Christ

! The overflow of their lives to others

NOTES:


! Spiritual generations

o Phil 2:14-16—shining like stars in a crooked and depraved generation o Judges 2:8-10—We are always only one generation away from extinction if we don’t

pass the baton to the next generation

• Expressions of Paul’s Vision o Personal involvement and care

! 1 Thess 2:7, 11-12—We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children… you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children

! Ephesians 1:10—Each person is unique, special; the dignity & value of every person

o Strengthening and encouraging ! 1 Thess 3:2—We sent… to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.

! Life is more difficult than we expect; laborers need encouragement all their lives

o Inquiring about their faith ! 1 Thess 3:5—…I sent to find out about your faith.

! Proverbs 27:23—Be sure you know the condition of your flocks.

o Developing fellow workers ! 1 Thess 3:1—…Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading

the Gospel of Christ…

! Multiply our efforts by developing fellow workers

Our Navigator Calling: To advance the Gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom into the nations through spiritual generations of laborers living and discipling among the lost


Video 2: Questions for Reflection & Discussion 1. Read through the entire book of 1 Thessalonians in one sitting again before watching the

next video presentation by Mike Treneer. What fresh insight or question do you encounter?

2. Read through the book of Colossians. What do you observe that sheds light on our study of 1 Thessalonians?


4. Having a long term vision was foundational to Paul’s ministry. How do you relate to and pass on such vision in your ministry context?




VIDEO 3

Pre-Video Preparation: See reflection questions 1 and 2. Please read and respond in writing. • Disciple: Instruct and Urge

o 1 Thess 4:1-2—Finally brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

• Disciple in Depth

o Urge to godly living 1 Thess 4:3-12

o Instruct for understanding 1 Thess 4:13—5:5

o Urge to godly living 1 Thess 5:6-11

• Disciple: Urge to Godly Living

o 1 Thess 4:1—…Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus….

o 1 Thess 4:10—Yet we urge you, brothers….

o Parakaleo (Greek): to urge, encourage, exhort

o Parakaleo: to call alongside, the critical role of the alongsider

o 1 Thess 4:10—Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.

• Parakaleo, Parakleesis, and Parakleetos in the New Testament

o John 14:16—And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever….

o Acts 9:31-32—The church was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit … as Peter traveled around the country.

o Acts 14:21-22, 22:33-22:35—Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith….

o 2 Corinthians 7:6—But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming


of Titus.

o Romans 12:1—Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices….

o Acts 27:33-34—Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive….”

• The Ministry of Encouragement

o To walk alongside someone in such a way as to counsel, encourage, comfort, exhort, and urge, so that they find the courage to persevere

o “Laborers need encouragement all their lives.”—Lorne Sanny

o 1 Samuel 23:16—…Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.

o “Urge” used to describe discipling among the Thessalonians

o Insiders need alongsiders to encourage and urge them

• What is Paul urging them to?

o Holy lives—family life/sexuality 1 Thess 4:3-8

o Loving lives—community life/relationships 1 Thess 4:9-10

o Productive lives—working life 1 Thess 4:11-12


1. Once again, read through the entire book of 1 Thessalonians in one sitting. What fresh insight or question did you encounter?


2. Read through the book of Ephesians. What do you observe that sheds light 1 Thessalonians?


4. Discipling in depth and urging to godly living were foundational to Paul’s ministry. How do you relate to and implement these things in your ministry context?



VIDEO 4


• Disciple: Instruct for Depth of Understanding o 1 Thess 4:3-12—Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live… you know what

instructions we gave you….

o 1 Thess 4:13—Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant….

• Paul teaches them: o About the second coming of Jesus

o To build their assurance of salvation

o To explore implications for the way they live


• Paul teaches them about Assurance of Salvation o The implications of the Gospel for our relationship with God and our eternal destiny

o The implications for our identity (self-understanding) and for the way we live

o Paul’s letters: Romans and Ephesians

o 1 Thess 4:14—…we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

o 1 Thess 4:17—…we will be with the Lord forever.

o 1 Thess 5:5—You are all sons of the light….

• Paul roots his teaching in: o The teaching of Jesus:

! 1 Thess 4:2—by the authority of the Lord Jesus

! 1 Thess 4:15—…according to the Lord’s own word

o The death and resurrection of Jesus:

! 1 Thess 4:14—We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so….

o The second coming of Jesus:

! 1 Thess 4:16—For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven….

• Paul teaches implications for the way we live: o 1 Thess 5:6—So then… let us be alert and self-controlled.

o 1 Thess 5:8—… putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

o 1 Thess 5:10—He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

• Disciple: Instruct for Depth of Understanding o Mark 10:1—Discipling is teaching—Jesus taught!

o All of Paul’s letters, even the most personal, have significant teaching

o Paul exhorts his team to teach (Titus 2:1-3; 1 Tim 4:11; 2 Tim 4:1-2)

o Don’t confuse “teaching” with a particular method


• Disciple: Teach for Depth of Understanding o “The greatest crime a man can commit is to bore people with the Word of God.”—

Charles Spurgeon

o Jesus’ example—use variety:

! Different contexts

! Different styles

! Life-based

! Attractive, kind

! Large groups, small groups, individuals

• Disciple: Instruct for Depth of Understanding o Ecclesiastes 12:9-12—Turn your wisdom into teaching:

! Organize (vs. 9)

! Evaluate (vs. 10)

! Clarify (vs. 11)

! Simplify (vs. 12)

• Discipling: Laying Foundations for Life and Ministry o Community Impact

o Gospel Influence

o Living Life

o Character

o Walk with God

o Convictions

• Disciple: Instruct and Urge o Tell them why

o Show they how

o Get them started

o Keep them going

o Encourage them to pass it on

o Repetition is key!



1. Hopefully we are not getting tired of this assignment, but again, read through the entire book of 1 Thessalonians in one sitting. What fresh insight or question did you encounter?

2. Read through the book of 2 Thessalonians. What do you observe that sheds light on our study of 1 Thessalonians?


4. Teaching, instructing, and laying foundations were foundational in Paul’s ministry. How do you relate to these and implement them in your ministry context?




VIDEO 5


• Advancing the Gospel Together o 1 Thess 5:11-12—. . . encourage one another and build each other up….

o Paul deliberately points the Thessalonians to one another

o People need community to flourish

o Jesus’ emphasis: love and serve one another (John 13-17)

• The Example of Paul, Silas, and Timothy o Model partnership: Paul, Silas, and Timothy…we…our… (1 Thess 1:1—5:28) o Build community: Commitment to one another (1 Thess 5:11-15)

• Laying Foundations for Generations o The importance of building a foundational generation of local insiders with deep

commitments:

! To the Lord

! To one another

! To the advance of the Gospel

o The challenge of building community. . . What context is appropriate?

! Churched environments

! Neutral environments

! Hostile environments

! Divided loyalty tension

o Identity: Who are we?

o Purpose and Vision: Why are we together? For what?

• Building Strong Community at the Local Level o Teach “one anothering” (1 Thess 5:11) o Develop/appoint local leaders who “… work hard among you … are over you in the

Lord…admonish you…” (1 Thess 5:12) o Teach respect for leaders (1 Thess 5:13) o Teach the basics of relational health (1 Thess 5:13): o Live in peace with each other


! Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak

! Be patient with everyone

! Make sure nobody pays back wrong for wrong

! Always try to be kind to each other

• Notice the Different Contributions o Pioneers: Paul, Silas, and Timothy plant the Gospel in Thessalonica

o Insiders: The Thessalonians are insiders in their own city and they live out and advance the Gospel in their natural contexts

o Local leaders: Paul appoints local leaders, those who are over you in the Lord

o Mobile alongsiders: Paul and Timothy stay in touch through visits and letters to strengthen and encourage

o Refer to The Navigators’ Vision Statement: o Ordinary people in many walks of life…live as fruitful insiders among the lost…

o Crossing cultures into new cities and nations, teams of mobile pioneers

o The leaders of this movement… leaders are emerging rooted incarnationally in their local and national contexts

o An international leadership community brings focus, alignment, and energy to their movement…

• In and Through Our Different Contributions o A commitment to the Lord as we trust Him to anoint and enable us

o A commitment to the Calling and Vision of The Navigators

o A commitment to one another as we advance the Gospel together



1. Yes, please read through the entire book of 1 Thessalonians in one sitting. What fresh insight or question did you encounter?

2. Read through The Navigators’ Vision Statement (see next page) and remind yourself of our Calling and Values. These core documents are part of the presentation. Did anything strike you in a new way as Mike referenced these statements?


4. In Paul’s ministry, laying foundations and building strong community together with others was very important. How do you relate to and implement these things in your ministry context?




The Navigators Vision Statement

We see a vital movement of the Gospel, fueled by prevailing prayer, flowing freely through

relational networks and out into the nations. Workers for the Kingdom are next door to everywhere!

What characterizes this movement? A heart for the whole person ... climates of grace ... compassion for the vulnerable and broken ... sacrificial unity embracing diversity ... cultural relevance and sensitivity ... interdependence with others in the wider family of God ... transformed men and women, fragrant with humility and the aroma of Christ.

They are marked by a deep engagement with and obedience to the Scriptures as the Word of God. They believe the promises of God. Both personally and in committed communities, they seek to know and pursue the purposes of God.

Laborers and leaders are emerging, with an increasing passion for Jesus Christ. They demonstrate faith and courage as they live and move among their friends and families. As spiritual parents, they model authenticity and relevance.

Ordinary people, in many walks of life, are joyfully leading integrated lives. They live as fruitful insiders among the lost. There is perseverance in the face of hardship and suffering. Around the world, many are coming to faith. As they become established in discipleship, some grow to be foundational for further generations. The Gospel spreads naturally and powerfully, as believers share Christ ... life upon life ... family to family.

Crossing cultures into new cities and nations, teams of mobile pioneers intentionally proclaim and embody the good news of Jesus Christ, in such a way that transformed communities multiply. These communities are bringing joy and hope to their surrounding environments as relationships are healed and justice increases. Indeed, the lost and unreached burn in their hearts, as they move the Gospel into the nations.

The leaders of this movement, developed and empowered for God’s service, live out a growing commitment to Christ-likeness. They are dependent upon the Holy Spirit. New generations of leaders are emerging, rooted incarnationally in their local and national contexts.

An international leadership community brings focus, alignment and energy to their movement. These leaders are clearly committed to long-term impact in generational ministry.


VIDEO 6

Pre-Video Preparation: See reflection questions 1 and 2. Please read and respond in writing. • Advancing the Gospel in Dependence on the Lord

o 1 Samuel 23:16 (RSV)—Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose, and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God.

o Amy Carmichael—“God make us all His Jonathans… Notice what he does: he does not so comfort David that he becomes necessary to him. ‘He strengthened his hand in God.’ He leaves his friend strong in God, resting in God, safe in God. He detaches his dear David from himself and attaches him to God…. If David had leaned on Jonathan, if Jonathan had made himself necessary to David, David would not have learned to lean on his Rock and proved the glorious strength of his Rock; his whole life would have been lived on a lower level, and who can tell how many of his songs would have been left unwritten…. So let us not weaken those whom we love with weak sympathy, but let us love them enough to detach them from ourselves and strengthen their hands in God.”

o 1 Thess 5:23-24—May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

• Paul Models Dependence o Trusting God for ourselves

o Trusting God for others

o Leading others into trusting God

• Dependence: Trusting God for Ourselves o 2 Corinthians 1:8-9—…We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure,

so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

o 2 Corinthians 4:1—…since we have this ministry by the mercy of God, we don’t lose heart.

o 1 Timothy 1:12-14—I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to His service. Even though….

• Dependence: Trusting God for Others o Praying for them

! 1 Thess 1:2—We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.

NOTES:


! 1 Thess 3:12-13—May the Lord make your love increase and overflow… may he strengthen your hearts…

o Expressing confidence in God for them

! 1 Thess 1:4—For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you.

! 1 Thess3:9—How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of God because of you?

! 1 Thess 4:9—…we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.

• Dependence: Leading Others into Trusting God o 1 Thess 5:16-18, see also vv. 26-27—Teach and model Christ-centered spiritual

disciplines

o 1 Thess 5:19-22—Teach and model the leading and empowering of the Spirit, with wisdom and discernment

o 1 Thess 5:23-24—Pray big, God-confident prayers for them and with them

o 1 Thess 5:25—Get them praying for you

o 1 Thess 5:28—Keep pointing them and trusting them to the grace of God


1. In your final read through the entire book of 1 Thessalonians in one sitting, what fresh insight or question did you encounter?

2. In Revelation chapters 2-3 we see a glimpse of what churches like the one at Thessalonica looked like near the turn of the first century. What important seeds can we recognize Paul sowing at the foundation of the church at Thessalonica that are critical to continuing and finishing well? Do you notice any parallel that instructs us today with a generational ministry?



4. Trusting God and depending on the Lord were foundational to Paul’s ministry. How do you relate to and practice these things in your ministry context?



7. Think back over this course. What insight or application will you remember most from this study?

8. Spend a few extra minutes in prayer for one another that we will better model the life and ministry of Paul in our context.

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