Do we work at sanctification? A lesson in discernment
Examining the connection between ideas is a useful tool for Bible study and discernment. As practice in discernment, find the wrong turn in the following argument.
06 Handling Work (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)
Paul deals with a second issues related to how live as a Christian: work. His advice is strive to follow God, rather than impact the world.
What is sanctification?
As a new believer, I was confused about sanctification. My rather simple understanding was sanctification means your “sin-meter” is going down.
Easter: Why the resurrection is important
On Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It matters whether something is real or not. It also matters whether an idea is true or not. The historical fact is Jesus rose from the dead, and it makes a difference that he did.
March 2023 Reflections
I avoided teaching 1&2Thessalonians for a long time, because of the passages on the end times (e.g 1Thessalonians 4 and 2Thessalonians 2). But I wanted to teach them because of Paul’s advice for living your life now in 1Thessalonians 4-5. Those passages seem particularly applicable in today’s upside world. I hope you learn as much as I did.
05 Handling Sexuality (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8)
In 1Thessalonians 4, Paul addresses specific questions and issues in the Thessalonian church. First, Paul addresses how Christians should handle their sexuality. Then he tackles work.
04 Investing in People (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13)
While Paul laments his inability to visit the Thessalonians, he rejoices over their faithful response to the gospel. Paul claims his crowning joy is seeing people like them respond to the gospel.
03 Paul’s Example (1 Thessalonians 2:1-16)
Paul explains how he conducted himself at Thessalonica and why his message his trustworthy. Today we face the same choice: whether or not to believe Paul.
02 Faith, Hope, Love (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)
In their first year of faith, Paul sees three changes that confirm the genuine belief of the Thessalonians: their “work of faith,” “labor of love,” and “steadfastness of hope.”
Learn to teach the Bible
So you’d like to teach the Bible? How do you get started? How do you decide if Bible teaching is your calling? Here’s my advice for aspiring teachers. First and foremost you need to learn to study the Bible well. Start with Bible Study 101. Then progress to the topics below.
01 Thessalonians Introduction
Paul is writing to a very young church of people from different ethnic groups in a city that is intensely hostile to them. Paul wants to encourage them to persevere in the faith and clarify some issues that confuse them.
February 2023 Reflections
In March I’ll be starting a new series on 1&2Thessalonians. In his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul teaches a young church facing persecution how to live between the first and second coming of Christ. I hope you’ll join me.
About the Author
Krisan Marotta is a Bible teacher and host of Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.