Paul commends the Thessalonians for being a model church. This church exhibits 3 characteristics of a healthy church: 1) a work of faith (they believe in God and humbly receive His gift of grace); 2) steadfastness of hope (they have spiritual confidence even in life's storms); 3) labor of love (they actively share their faith with others). God wants each of us to have these traits individually and as a group.\r\n

Paul describes the profile of a spiritual catalyst: 1) they focus on God's grace; 2) they live to please God, not people; 3) they get personally involved being accessible, affectionate, empathetic, and vulnerable; and 4) they combine their example with challenges to others.\r\n

Paul explains two aspects of spiritual parenting: 1) prioritizing face to face relating; and 2) a willingness to be affected by another person's spiritual health. Technology is not a replacement for face-to-face relating. It actually can be a hindrance. We should prioritize face-to-face relating with our own children, in our own spiritual development, and in our efforts to impact others for Christ. Being affected by others' spiritual health is different than codependent relationships. Our identity is secure in Christ, not in another person.\r\n

Paul speaks about God's design for sexual purity. The Bible defines sexual immorality as all sexual relations outside heterosexual marriage. Common rationalizations to this truth include: 1) Paul's instruction is personal opinion or cultural, and therefore not authoritative; 2) suppression of sexual desire is unnatural and harmful; 3) sexual relations between consenting partners is not harmful; and 4) sexual purity is unconnected to spiritual vitality. God's provision for restoration in this area includes forgiving our guilt and healing our wounds.\r\n

There are two kinds of grief: 1) sadness because of temporary separation; and 2) hopelessness because of permanent separation. Paul explains that while believers may grieve the loss of a loved one, our separation is only temporary. God promises a personal embodied reunion for those who believe in Him. The promise of our future resurrection is rooted in Christ's past resurrection.\r\n

Encouragement is a major theme in Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica. Encouragement is one of the central features of true spirituality and a quality that all Christian communities should be known for. God is the ultimate Encourager, but He primarily wants to communicate His encouragement through His followers. Biblical encouragement communicates God's truth and hope in ways that personally strengthen others to follow His will for their lives. The four types of encouragement are affirmation, praise, consolation, and exhortation. We should strive to be both givers and receivers of Biblical encouragement. This teaching includes a video testimony from Tim Gleason on how encouragement has changed his life.\r\n

Paul praises the Thessalonians for their love, but urges them to continue to excel, especially in the area of admonition. Despite our culture and pride that oppose correction, we are called to humbly receive correction and give correction to other believers out of love for them. As we participate in this task, there are several principles that lead to effective admonishment.

Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to always rejoice and give thanks. Gratitude in the Christian life is both an indicator of spiritual health and a medicine that promotes spiritual growth, allowing us to experience peace, recognize God's love, and positively impact others. We can cultivate a grateful attitude by prioritizing thanksgiving in our prayer life and asking God to sensitize us to our internal complaining, amongst other things.