(Reading Nov 28-Dec 4)
49. Letters to Thessalonica and Corinth
1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, parts of Acts
Key Point:
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to the young church in Corinth to stop division, urge morality, and encourage them to faithfulness by teaching on the hope of resurrection. A few months later, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to defend his authority and affirm his love for them.
Key Verse:
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20, DB page 1554)
Outline:
First and Second Thessalonians
Paul, Silas, and Timothy exhort, encourage, and teach the Christians at Thessalonica.
Third Missionary Journey
Paul begins his third tour and spends about three years in Ephesus.
First Letter to the Corinthians
* Division in the church (1-4)
* Church discipline (5,6)
* Marriage and divorce (7)
* Doctrinal disputes and Christian freedom (8-10)
* Worship and spiritual gifts (11-14)
* The resurrection and concluding matters (15, 16)
Second Letter to the Corinthians
* Greetings and assurance of concern (1:1-2:13)
* Defense of Paul’s ministry (2:14-7:16)
* Collection for brethren in Judea (8, 9)
* Further defense of Paul’s apostleship (10-12)
* Closing warnings and benediction (13)
Thought Questions:
1. From 1 Thessalonians, describe the needs, questions, and “hang-ups” of early Christians.
2. Are we guilty today of being divided over matters of personality or pride?
3. When should we refrain from judging our fellow Christians? When must we judge them?
4. What do their serious morality problems tell you about the church in Corinth?
5. Is it ever right for a Christian to take another Christian to court (1 Cor. 6)?
6. How would you summarize Paul’s teaching on marriage and divorce in 1 Cor. 7 ?
7. What does it mean to you to be the “temple of the Holy Spirit”?
8. What could we do as individuals and a congregation to make our worship more meaningful?
9. What emotions do you think Paul felt as he wrote 2 Corinthians?
10. What principles of giving can you find in 2 Cor. 8 and 9?
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