1&2 Thessalonians - Jared McCormick
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a prayer and then dove into Paul’s third‑chapter prayer in 1 Thessalonians 3:11, emphasizing the apostle’s longing for the Thessalonian believers to return, increase in love, and be established blameless before God at Christ’s return. Jared explained how the first three chapters of the letter showcase Paul’s affection for the Thessalonians, his confidence in their growing faith, and his concern that persecution might derail their spiritual growth, likening it to the parable of the soils. Moving into chapter 4, the teacher outlined the structure of verses 1‑8 as instruction on pleasing God and living sanctified lives, verses 9‑12 as a practical display of love, and the promise of Christ’s coming. He highlighted that Paul’s exhortations were not corrective but encouraging, urging believers to continue growing in holiness and love. The session concluded with a preview of the upcoming discussion on the love‑manifested passages and the anticipated questions about the second coming that the Thessalonians asked, setting the stage for next week’s class.
Key Scriptures
Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all as we do for you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.