For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. Truth to Learn Christians who have died will come with Jesus at the rapture. Behind the Words There are three classes of conditional clauses (if statements) contained in...
1 Thessalonians 4:13 – Dead, But Still Alive
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. Truth to Learn For Christians, physical death is not the end of existence. Behind the Words “I … want” is translated from the Greek verb...
1 Thessalonians 4:12 – Lacking In Nothing
that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. Truth to Learn There is a key to receiving everything that we need in life. Behind the Words The word “that” is from the Greek conjunction hina, which means “so that” or “in order...
1 Thessalonians 4:11 – Love, Don’t Meddle
that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, Truth to Learn Loving others is right. Meddling in their affairs is wrong. Behind the Words “Aspire” is translated from the Greek word philotimeomai. This...
1 Thessalonians 4:10 – Increase Your Love
and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; Truth to Learn We need to greatly increase our love for all Christians. Behind the Words The words “you do” are translated from the Greek...
1 Thessalonians 4:9 – The Christian Birthmark
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; Truth to Learn Brotherly love is the birthmark of a true Christian. Behind the Words The words “brotherly love” are from the Greek word philadelphia,...
1 Thessalonians 4:8 – Spirit-filled Living
Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. Truth to Learn We live godly lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. Behind the Words “Therefore” is translated from toigaroun, which made up three separate Greek words. The first...
1 Thessalonians 4:7 – Uncleanness or Holiness
For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Truth to Learn We are to avoid uncleanness and separate ourselves to God. Behind the Words The word translated “call” is kaleō. This word primarily means “to call out to someone, inviting him or her to come or to...
Vacation Break
Dear Friends, We will not be posting any new verses for the next two to three weeks. We will resume this ministry around August 1, 2012. In God's service, for His glory, Will
1 Thessalonians 4:6 – Avoid The Avenger
that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. Truth to Learn Don’t deceive, either in business or in marriage. Behind the Words The word translated “take advantage” is...
1 Thessalonians 4:5 – Uncontrolled Desires?
not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; Truth to Learn Uncontrolled passion is bad for a marriage and Christian faith. Behind the Words The word translated “passion” is pathos, which is derived from the verb paschō, meaning “to suffer.” In general usage it refers...
1 Thessalonians 4:4 – Sacred and Honorable
that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, Truth to Learn Sex within a marriage is undefiled, sacred, and honorable. Behind the Words Eidō it the Greek word translated “know.” We have pointed out previously that this word literally means “to see...
1 Thessalonians 4:3 – It’s Very Clear
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; Truth to Learn Christians are to avoid all sexual impurity. Behind the Words “Will” is translated from the Greek noun thelēma, which is one of two Greek words translated “will.” The other word is...
1 Thessalonians 4:2 – God, our Father
for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. Truth to Learn Christians are God’s children, not just His subjects. Behind the Words “You know” is translated from the verb eido, which means “to see with perception.” As in English, this verb can refer to visibly seeing...
1 Thessalonians 4:1 – Love Others!
Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; Truth to Learn Being more loving is our responsibility. Behind the Words “Finally” is translated from the...
1 Thessalonians 3:13 – Blameless Saints
so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. Truth to Learn God will declare all genuine Christians to be blameless. Behind the Words “Establish” is translated from stēridzō, which is a...
1 Thessalonians 3:12 – Growing, Overflowing Love
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, Truth to Learn All Christians need to grow in our love for others. Behind the Words Kurios is the Greek word translated “Lord.” It is derived from...
1 Thessalonians 3:11 – Our Constant Guide
Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. Truth to Learn God is involved in the details of the life of every Christian. Behind the Words The word “now” is from the particle de, which can be used to indicate a...
1 Thessalonians 3:10 – Improve Your Prayer Life
night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? Truth to Learn All Christians should work on improving their prayer lives. We need to thank God more and pray more for others. Behind the Words “Praying” is translated from deomai,...
1 Thessalonians 3:9 – Thanks To God
For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, Truth to Learn It’s important to give thanks to God for His fruit. Behind the Words “Thanks” is from the Greek word eucharistia, which is composed...
1 Thessalonians 3:8 – Stand Firm!
For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. Truth to Learn Christians must learn to stand firm in the midst of battle. Behind the Words The word translated “now” is nun, meaning “the present time.” “Live” is from the Greek verb dzaō, meaning “to live” or “to...
1 Thessalonians 3:7 – Focusing On Others
therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. Truth to Learn Paul was concerned about how his own persecution was affecting the faith of others. Behind the Words “Therefore” is from the Greek words dia touto. The word dia denotes the channel...
1 Thessalonians 3:6 – Fond Memories
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you— Truth to Learn Remember those who have helped you in...
1 Thessalonians 3:5 – Faith Strengthening Trials
For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. Truth to Learn Trials and temptations can be good for us. Behind the Words “No longer” is translated...
1 Thessalonians 3:4 – Faithfully Suffering Servants
For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. Truth to Learn Effective ministers of God will suffer opposition and trouble. Behind the Words The words “we told … before” are translated from the verb...
1 Thessalonians 3:3 – Suffering From God
that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. Truth to Learn Some of our suffering is because God has determined it. Behind the Words “No one” is translated from mēdeis. This word is made up of mē, which is...
1 Thessalonians 3:2 – Growth and Service
and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, Truth to Learn Christians are called both to grow in faith and to serve God through faith. Behind the Words The verb “sent”...
1 Thessalonians 3:1 – Family Ties
Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, Truth to Learn Christians are all part of the same loving family. Behind the Words The words “we could no longer endure it” are translated from the Greek verb stegō. This word...
1 Thessalonians 2:20 – A Joyful Coming
For you are our glory and joy. Truth to Learn There will be rejoicing for Christians when Christ returns. Behind the Words The word “glory” is translated from the Greek word doxa. This word primarily means “thought” or “opinion,” especially a favorable opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation,...
1 Thessalonians 2:19 – Present Suffering or Future Glory?
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? Truth to Learn Keep your focus on eternity when you suffer as a Christian. Behind the Words Elpis is the Greek word translated...
1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Opposition to Ministries
Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. Truth to Learn Christians’ plans may be hindered by God – or by Satan. Behind the Words “We wanted” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” However,...