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Stand Firm

How to live faithfully in light of Christ’s return; the book of 1 Thessalonians.

Weekly Lineup

Week 1

Known by Faith

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Sermon

Week 2

Worthy of Imitation

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Sermon

Week 3

Steadfast in Struggle

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

Sermon

Week 4

Holy Expectation

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

Sermon

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Music

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More on the Book of 1 Thessalonians

Paul, along with his ministry partners and friends Silas and Timothy, wrote this letter to the newly formed church in Thessalonica. (Their time there is documented in Acts 17:1-10).

 

Most scholars agree this was written around AD 50–51, during Paul’s second missionary journey while in Corinth, making it one of Paul’s earliest letters and one of the first Christian writings we have today. 1 Thessalonians gives us a snapshot of the very beginning of the Church – how the gospel was taking root, how early believers were learning to follow Jesus, and how they were navigating faith in a world that didn’t understand them.

Historical Context: Thessalonica was a strategic port city in Macedonia, situated on a major Roman road (the Via Egnatia) connecting east and west. Its status as a bustling “free city” and commercial hub meant it had some autonomy from Rome, but that freedom came with pressure to maintain peace and allegiance to the empire, and King Caesar. The gospel disrupted that status quo.

You’ll find 1 Thessalonians in the New Testament, between Colossians and 2 Thessalonians. Though only 5 chapters, it’s full of timely encouragement (especially for anyone feeling weary, uncertain, or in need of spiritual clarity).

Paul is writing to the young church in Thessalonica – mostly Gentile believers who had only recently come to faith. Many had only been Christians for a few months when persecution broke out (Acts 17:5-9). They were:

  • Suffering because of their faith
  • Surrounded by cultural pressure to return to old patterns
  • Wrestling with grief and questions about death and Christ’s return

Paul’s purpose was pastoral and urgent. He had to leave suddenly, and he feared the new believers might feel abandoned or confused, especially in a culture that was pushing back against their Christian values. Here’s what he wanted for them and us:

  • To encourage their faith in persecution (1:6–7)
  • To strengthen their resolve to live holy lives (4:1–8)
  • To clear up confusion about those who had died and Jesus’ return (4:13–18)
  • To affirm their spiritual growth and call them even higher (3:12–13)

Approach 1 Thessalonians as a spiritual survival guide for the weary but faithful believer.

  • Read slowly
  • Pay attention to Paul’s tone of care, not critique
  • Look for the recurring trio of faith, love, and hope
  • Notice the practical guidance Paul gives
  • Center your heart on Christ’s return

Resource Recommendations

Books

  • Galatians for You by Tim Keller

  • Galatians: The Path to Freedom by Dr. David Jeremiah

  • Life Lessons From Galatians: Max Lucado

Videos / Other

  • RightNow Media – Galatians by Kyle Idleman (12 sessions)

  • Tim Keller – Galatians: Gospel Matters (The Good Book Company)

  • Francis Chan – Galatians (BibleProject Classroom / YouTube)

Books

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