1 Thessalonians

Theme 1 : The gospel when it is embraced by people results in a changed life in which holiness, mercy and love are evident. Christians are also people who pray continually. Paul noted that the Thessalonians believers after receiving the gospel in the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit became imitators of it despite facing persecution. ( 1:5-6). Paul noted that holiness, purity and love were the traits for which he wished the Lord would increase in their life and which he had prayed about. ( 3:12-13). A final characteristic of the changed life of a Christian is that it is one in which prayer is done on a continual basis. Paul stated to the Thessalonians Church that they were to pray without ceasing , giving thanks in all circumstances for this was the will of God in Christ Jesus for them. ( 5 :17).
Theme 2: Christ alone matters and not things , idols or ideas for he is the one who saves us. We have hope for Christ has been victorious over death and will come again to bring us to himself and the Father in heaven. Paul stated that Jesus had rescued them from the wrath that was coming. ( 1: 10). He told the Church that they were not without hope for they would spend eternity with Christ. Paul stated that all who had died would meet Christ in the air at the time of his return to earth. The living believers would follow. All believers would live in heaven with Christ forever. (4:16-18).

Theme 3: Christians have an adversary called Satan who wants to destroy us and so we must be on guard for him and use the weapons Christ has given us to defend ourselves against him. Paul noted that their adversary Satan had at times blocked their plans for ministry. ( 2: 18). He told the believers to use the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of salvation to defend themselves against Satan. ( 5:8). finally we are to encourage and build each other up so that we do not become discouraged in the Christian faith. ( 5:17).