Joyful Moments in Christ

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 23 – 1 Thessalonians 2-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 23 - 1 Thessalonians 2-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1

Week 23: Exploring 1 Thessalonians 2-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1

In week 23 of our journey to read the New Testament in a year, we will explore 1 Thessalonians 2-5 and begin 2 Thessalonians. In these chapters, Paul provides valuable insight into his heart for the Thessalonian believers, expressing his deep love and concern for their growth in faith. He encourages them to live lives that honor God, addresses the hope of Christ’s return, and offers practical guidance for daily Christian living. This week’s readings conclude with Paul’s letter of encouragement in 2 Thessalonians, where he reassures the church of God’s justice amid persecution and urges them to remain steadfast in their faith.

As we study these passages, we gain a glimpse of Paul’s pastoral care and the enduring hope he sought to instill in believers facing trials, challenges, and questions about Christ’s return.

1 Thessalonians 2

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV)

In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul reflects on his time with the Thessalonians, defending his sincerity and care as a spiritual leader, and affirming the importance of God’s Word. He praises them for enduring persecution, and he assures them of his deep affection, despite his physical absence.

1 Thessalonians 3

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. - 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (ESV)

In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul was concerned about the Thessalonians faith amid persecution, so he sent Timothy to encourage and strengthen them. Timothy returned with good news about their faith and love, bringing Paul great joy and prompting him to pray fervently for their continued growth.

1 Thessalonians 4

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (ESV)

In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul urges the Thessalonians to live lives that please God, emphasizing purity, love, and diligence in their daily conduct. He also provides hope regarding those who have died, assuring believers that they will be reunited with Christ at His return.

1 Thessalonians 5

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul discusses the unpredictability of Christ’s return, encouraging the Thessalonians to remain vigilant and hopeful. He concludes with practical advice for Christian living, such as praying continually, giving thanks, and holding on to good.

2 Thessalonians 1

Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. - 2 Thessalonians 1:4 (ESV)

In 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonians’ growing faith and love, even in the face of persecution. He reassures them that God will bring justice, comforting them with the promise of Christ’s return and righteous judgment.

Week 23: New Testament Reading Assignment

Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!

Printable Resource:

Reading Plan: New Testament in 1 Year

Week 23: Reflection Questions for 1 Thessalonians 2-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1

Consider the following reflection questions:

1 Thessalonians 2: Paul’s Ministry and Example

  1. How did Paul defend his intentions and actions among the Thessalonians, and how can we act with integrity in our own relationships?
  2. In what ways did Paul show genuine care for the Thessalonians, and how can we build trust and care with those around us?
  3. How did Paul encourage the Thessalonians while holding them accountable, and what does this teach about balancing encouragement with truth?
  4. Why does Paul compare himself to a parent caring for their children, and how can we take a similar approach in our relationships?
  5. How did the Thessalonians endure suffering for their faith, and what does their example teach us about facing challenges?

1 Thessalonians 3: Encouragement in Faith

  1. What was Paul’s purpose in sending Timothy to visit the Thessalonians, and how can we support those who are growing in faith?
  2. How did Paul respond to Timothy’s report about the Thessalonians’ faith and love, and in what ways can we celebrate spiritual growth in others?
  3. How does Paul’s deep concern for the Thessalonians’ spiritual well-being shape our understanding of community care?
  4. Why does Paul pray earnestly for the Thessalonians, and how might we prioritize prayer for others in our daily lives?
  5. How does Paul’s joy at their perseverance encourage us to be resilient, and how can we strengthen our own faith in difficult times?

1 Thessalonians 4: A Life that Pleases God

  1. How does Paul describe living a life that pleases God, and what steps can we take to apply these instructions in our own lives?
  2. What does Paul say about the importance of love within the community, and how can we increase love in our own communities?
  3. How does Paul address purity, and why is this an essential aspect of a life pleasing to God?
  4. How does Paul offer comfort concerning those who have died, and in what ways can his words offer peace in times of grief?
  5. How does Paul’s teaching on Christ’s return provide hope, and how can this hope shape our everyday decisions?

1 Thessalonians 5: Living in Readiness

  1. How does Paul explain the suddenness of Christ’s return, and what does it mean for us to be ready at any time?
  2. What does it mean to live as “children of the light,” and how can we embody this in our daily actions?
  3. How does Paul encourage the Thessalonians to support one another, and how can we build a community of mutual encouragement?
  4. What advice does Paul give for daily Christian living, such as praying continually and giving thanks, and how can we practice these habits?
  5. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of discernment, and how can we develop wisdom to recognize and hold on to what is good?

2 Thessalonians 1: Perseverance and Faithfulness

  1. How does Paul encourage the Thessalonians in their growing faith and love, and what steps can we take to grow spiritually despite difficulties?
  2. How does Paul remind the Thessalonians of God’s justice, and how can this assurance provide comfort in times of hardship?
  3. What does Paul say about the future reward for the faithful, and how does this hope influence the way we live now?
  4. How does Paul view suffering for the sake of faith, and in what ways can we find strength to endure challenges in our own lives?
  5. How does Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians’ worthiness and resolve inspire us to live with greater purpose?
Reflection Questions for 1 Thessalonians 2: Paul’s Ministry and Example How did Paul defend his intentions and actions among the Thessalonians, and how can we act with integrity in our own relationships? In what ways did Paul show genuine care for the Thessalonians, and how can we build trust and care with those around us? How did Paul encourage the Thessalonians while holding them accountable, and what does this teach about balancing encouragement with truth? Why does Paul compare himself to a parent caring for their children, and how can we take a similar approach in our relationships? How did the Thessalonians endure suffering for their faith, and what does their example teach us about facing challenges?
Reflection Questions for 1 Thessalonians 3: Encouragement in Faith What was Paul’s purpose in sending Timothy to visit the Thessalonians, and how can we support those who are growing in faith? How did Paul respond to Timothy’s report about the Thessalonians’ faith and love, and in what ways can we celebrate spiritual growth in others? How does Paul’s deep concern for the Thessalonians’ spiritual well-being shape our understanding of community care? Why does Paul pray earnestly for the Thessalonians, and how might we prioritize prayer for others in our daily lives? How does Paul’s joy at their perseverance encourage us to be resilient, and how can we strengthen our own faith in difficult times?
Reflection Questions for 1 Thessalonians 4: A Life that Pleases God How does Paul describe living a life that pleases God, and what steps can we take to apply these instructions in our own lives? What does Paul say about the importance of love within the community, and how can we increase love in our own communities? How does Paul address purity, and why is this an essential aspect of a life pleasing to God? How does Paul offer comfort concerning those who have died, and in what ways can his words offer peace in times of grief? How does Paul’s teaching on Christ’s return provide hope, and how can this hope shape our everyday decisions?
Reflection Questions for 1 Thessalonians 5: Living in Readiness How does Paul explain the suddenness of Christ’s return, and what does it mean for us to be ready at any time? What does it mean to live as “children of the light,” and how can we embody this in our daily actions? How does Paul encourage the Thessalonians to support one another, and how can we build a community of mutual encouragement? What advice does Paul give for daily Christian living, such as praying continually and giving thanks, and how can we practice these habits? Why does Paul emphasize the importance of discernment, and how can we develop wisdom to recognize and hold on to what is good?
Reflection Questions for 2 Thessalonians 1: Perseverance and Faithfulness How does Paul encourage the Thessalonians in their growing faith and love, and what steps can we take to grow spiritually despite difficulties? How does Paul remind the Thessalonians of God’s justice, and how can this assurance provide comfort in times of hardship? What does Paul say about the future reward for the faithful, and how does this hope influence the way we live now? How does Paul view suffering for the sake of faith, and in what ways can we find strength to endure challenges in our own lives? How does Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians’ worthiness and resolve inspire us to live with greater purpose?

Reflective Prayer

Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method — Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:

  • Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 23 - 1 Thessalonians 2-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV)
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. - 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (ESV)
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. - 2 Thessalonians 1:4 (ESV)

Other Reading Plans

Old Testament in 3 Years
Whole Bible: Daily
Whole Bible: 5 Day/Week
Whole Bible: Weekly

Online Resources

Read the Bible in a Year: Blog Series

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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