First Thessalonians, chapter number one. We are going to cover the first chapter tonight and we will go ahead and read all ten verses here.
Scripture Reference
Paul and Silvanus and Timotheus unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believed in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith to Godward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Introduction
Sermon Title: “Jesus Is Coming – Part 1”
Preacher: Dr. Terry LeQuieu
This sermon opens the study of 1 Thessalonians with clear emphasis on the imminence of Christ’s return and how that truth shapes prayer, faith, worship, and witness. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church shows us a pattern for intercession and discipleship: who we pray to, who we pray for, the gospel by which we pray, and the grateful posture from which we pray. These themes are practical for everyday Christian living and urgent because Jesus is coming.
New study tonight, going through the book of First Thessalonians. And then we’re going to get into the book of Second Thessalonians as well.
Quote from Preacher
New study tonight, going through the book of First Thessalonians. And then we’re going to get into the book of Second Thessalonians as well. First Thessalonians, Chapter one is where we’re going to begin here. This is one of the books or one of the churches that Paul had started on one of his missionary journeys there in the town of Thessalonica. And here he is writing a letter to them in regards to the coming of Jesus Christ. And that’s going to be the title of the series here as we go through First Thessalonians. The title is Christ is Coming. Christ is Coming. This is going to be part one, and we will get into some different aspects as we go through every part here of the book.
Outline
- The God to Whom We Pray
- Recognize God: The Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are explicitly named (v.1). Prayer is address to a sovereign, personal God.
- Receive Grace and Peace: Paul’s greeting places grace and peace at the heart of Christian prayer and life (v.1). We need grace daily and peace flows from the Spirit.
- Remember Prayer’s Purpose: Paul’s ongoing prayers show intercession is habitual and thankful (v.2). Prayer is not casual—it’s intentional and persistent.
Explanation: When we pray we must know who we are speaking to. The Christians in Thessalonica were reminded that their prayers belonged to a living, triune God who grants grace and peace. For young adults: begin forming a habit of short, regular intercessions—name the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, ask for grace, and seek God’s peace in the day.
- The Group for Whom We Pray
- Remember Faith: Paul remembered their “work of faith”—thank God for what He has already done in each other (v.3).
- Remember Love: The “labor of love” means loving takes effort—pray for perseverance in loving service (v.3).
- Remember Hope: “Patience of hope” points to a steady, waiting expectancy toward Christ (v.3).
- Remember Salvation: Paul acknowledges their election—pray for assurance and endurance (v.4).
Explanation: Intercessory prayer both celebrates spiritual growth and petitions for it. When praying for brethren, focus on their faith, their service, their patient hope, and their assurance in Christ. Young adults should learn to name these specifics in prayer—pray for co-workers, friends, roommates, and family members by remembering what God is already growing in them.
- The Gospel By Which We Pray
- Not Word Only but Power: The gospel is proclaimed in power—not mere philosophy (v.5).
- In the Holy Ghost: The Holy Spirit is the source of gospel effectiveness—pray for the Spirit’s work (v.5).
- With Assurance and Example: Paul’s integrity and example gave the message credibility (v.5–7).
- Practice What You Preach: “Your walk talks”—gospel power shows when Christians live consistent lives (v.5–7).
Explanation: Prayer should be gospel-centered. Pray that the Spirit will use the scriptural gospel to change hearts with visible fruit. This includes praying for preachers, teachers, and for your own life to match your profession of faith. Young believers: be willing to follow godly examples and then, as you grow, become an example for others.
- The Gratitude From Which We Pray
- Announce the Word: Their witness spread—the church’s faith was spoken of everywhere (v.8).
- Apply the Works: Repentance and service marked them; pray for tangible life-change (v.9).
- Await the Son: Their waiting for Christ meant active expectation—not passive idleness (v.10).
- Avoid the Wrath to Come: Give thanks for deliverance from coming wrath—motivation for holy living (v.10).
Explanation: Gratitude transforms prayer. When we thank God for gospel fruit and deliverance from judgment, our prayers become a testimony and a motivation to evangelize. Waiting for Christ produces urgency in witness because we want others spared from God’s coming wrath. For young adults: let thankfulness fuel gospel boldness—share Christ with friends and family while you wait.
Summary
1 Thessalonians 1 models an intercessory life shaped by the reality that Jesus is coming. Paul prays to the true God, remembers the spiritual condition of believers, relies on a gospel empowered by the Holy Spirit, and offers thanksgiving for conversion, testimony, and the hope of deliverance. Practical Christianity grows where prayer, example, and gospel proclamation meet.
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.
Quote to Ponder
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.
Application for the Week
Use these practical steps to live the truths of 1 Thessalonians 1 in the coming week. Each step aims to grow prayer, witness, gratitude, and expectant living.
- Daily Short Intercessions
Set three daily reminders to pray: morning (thank God for grace), midday (pray for one brother or sister’s faith and love), evening (pray for patience and hope as you wait for Christ).
- Pray With One Person
This week, intentionally pray aloud with one other believer—roommate, spouse, friend, or fellow church member. Practice brief, honest prayers so you become comfortable praying corporately.
- Be an Example
Choose one visible area to improve (speech, purity, generosity, or consistency in church attendance). Let someone know you’re working on it so you can be accountable and become an example to them.
- Share a Short Testimony
Prepare a 60-second testimony of what Jesus saved you from and what He’s done in you. Share it with someone (a friend, co-worker, or on a short social post) as an evangelistic seed.
- Memorize and Meditate
Memorize 1 Thessalonians 1:10 this week. Meditate on “to wait for his Son from heaven” and let it shape your decisions—use waiting as motivation to serve and witness.
- Give Thanks Publicly
At a family mealtime or in a small group, thank God for at least one specific way He has changed someone in your church or family. Gratitude sharpens memory of God’s grace and softens judgmental hearts.
- Act on an Opportunity to Reach One Soul
Identify one person who does not know Christ and take one intentional step: invite them to a worship service, give them a gospel tract, or simply ask to pray for them. Jesus may be waiting for that person.
Keep these applications practical and measurable. Make note of progress and give account to a friend next week—spiritual growth is often best sustained with mutual encouragement and accountability.
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