The apostle Paul identifies himself as the author of the 2 letters written to the church at Thessalonica. His co-worker Timothy reported on conditions in the church. Paul wrote the first letter shortly after he arrived in Corinth about A.D. 51. Then, he wrote the second letter within a few months after the first letter. In the letters, Paul addressed issues in the church and questions people asked. Over a quarter of 1 Thessalonians and nearly half of 2 Thessalonians deal with problems and issues regarding the end times and the coming of Christ from heaven.

Perspective is an objective assessment of any situation, giving all aspects their comparative importance. This action must be taken whenever you need to make a decision. The right perspective about God helps you grow in confidence because you will learn that your self-worth is not derived from any human being but from God. You will be able to stand firm and press onward regardless of obstacles in your life. You will have assurance of your future with Christ in eternity. You will not fear death as those who have no hope. When we gain a proper perspective of God, ourselves, and the world in which we live, we begin to serve our God with greater enthusiasm and growing freedom. There is then no limit to what can happen as God works in us and through us to impact our world.

Through this Perspective study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, you will grow in confidence as you learn that your self-worth is not derived from any human being but from God. You will be able to stand firm and press onward regardless of obstacles in your life. And, if you like eschatology (prophecy about the end times, especially Jesus’ return), you’ll enjoy this study as well. Over a quarter of 1 Thessalonians and nearly half of 2 Thessalonians deal with problems and issues regarding the coming of Christ from heaven. You will gain perspective about the end times.

Paul reassures us that when a believer dies, you simply go to sleep on earth and wake up in heaven. Believers should not be afraid of death. And, Jesus declared that He was definitely, positively, you-can-count-on-it-with-certainty coming back to earth to gather all of His followers across the planet. He will gather them to Himself in the clouds. There’s no mistake about it. If Jesus said that was going to happen, it will! Paul describes in 1 Thessalonians what that will look like if we are still alive when He comes for His own.  

The best way to study the Bible uses the inductive process. First, carefully observe the text. What does it actually say? Then, interpret the text. What was the author’s intended meaning for the audience that would read or hear it, including us today? And finally, apply what you learn. How do you live this out in your life? This is the best way to study the Bible. Look at what is there. Learn what it means and teaches you. Then, live it out in your life. All “Joyful Walk Bible Studies” use the inductive process. 

We recommend working through the book of Colossians. It includes a lot of wonderful information about Jesus Christ that you should know. It also shows you what God does for you whenever you choose to put your faith in His Son. Colossians shows you how to approach many practical areas of life living God’s way rather than the world’s way. And, it helps you build godly relationships with those around you. Start with our “Healthy Living Bible Study” of Colossians. If you want an overview of all of Paul’s letters to get a good perspective of what they teach, work through the short and easy study “Grace Overflowing” before studying Colossians. Ask the Lord to show you where to start.