Detailed Outline of 1 Thessalonians
The Coming of Christ for His Church Calls Us to Excel Still More in Holiness, Hope, and Love
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Paul’s prayer-report of thanksgiving—recounting the evidence of genuine conversion (1Th 1:2-10)
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The prayers of thankful pastors (1Th 1:2)
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The picture of transformed lives (1Th 1:3)
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Remembering your work of faith
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Remembering your labor of love
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Remembering your steadfastness of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ
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Remembering these in prayer before our God and Father
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The proclamation of a theological mystery—and the proofs that confirm God’s electing love (1Th 1:4-10)
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The doctrine of election declared—God’s electing love should be a source of comfort, rather than a source of contention (1Th 1:4)
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The comfort of God’s spiritual family (1Th 1:4a)
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The comfort of God’s steadfast love (1Th 1:4b)
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The comfort of God’s sovereign choice (1Th 1:4c)
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The doctrine of election demonstrated—God’s electing love results in supernatural evidence— a Spirit-empowered gospel heard; faith, hope, and love lived out (1Th 1:5-10)
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The elect have heard a Spirit-empowered gospel (1Th 1:5)
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The message was proclaimed with sincerity and supernatural power (1Th 1:5a)
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The messengers were servants—not those who demand to be served (1Th 1:5b)
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The elect demonstrate a sincere faith, a supernatural joy, and a striking example of the truth and power of the gospel [they are new creatures in Christ] (1Th 1:6-7)
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The gospel produces a sincere faith (1Th 1:6a)
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The gospel produces a sustaining power (1Th 1:6b)
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The gospel produces a supernatural joy (1Th 1:6c)
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The gospel produces a striking example to others (1Th 1:7)
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The elect communicate a sure testimony to others—evangelism and a life of genuine faith, repentance from sin, and hope in Jesus’ deliverance (1Th 1:8-10)
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The testimony of love—evangelism/proclamation of the Word of the Lord to others (1Th 1:8)
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The testimony of faith and repentance—evidence of changed devotion (1Th 1:9)
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The testimony of hope—eagerly waiting for Jesus’ return (1Th 1:10)
Alternate outline for 1Th 1:5-10
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[The particulars of a transformed life (1Th 1:5-10)
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A sincere faith in the truth and power of the Gospel (1Th 1:5)
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A supernatural joy in the midst of much tribulation (1Th 1:6-7)
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A solid testimony to the word of the Lord, genuine faith, repentance from sin, and hope in Jesus’ deliverance (1Th 1:8-10)]
Paul’s Pastoral Integrity—Recounting the Evidence of a God-Honoring [Sincere] Ministry (1Th 2; 1Th 3)
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