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Insights from 1 and 2 Thessalonians
MELANIE NEWTON
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many women who served as contributors to the original study
guide, especially Joan Floyd and Robin Colley. We also are so appreciative to all those who served
as editors for the lessons in this revised study—Nancy Stephenson, Julia Gendron, Aimee Jones,
Marlyn Scott, Connie Crowley, Heather Newton, Vanessa Morris, Kim Newton, Lida Lowey, and
Sandy Sims. Your work is much appreciated.
Second edition: © 2020 Melanie Newton. Published by Joyful Walk Press.
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce for personal and group use but not for
commercial resale. For questions about the use of this study guide, please contact us at
melanienewton.com.
Cover graphic is a public domain image provided by Charl van Rooy on unsplash.com. The map
on page 11 is adapted from the public domain image, “second_missionary_journey-1024×604.jpg.”
Scripture quotations indicated NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International
Version ®, NIV ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by
permission of Zondervan Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations indicated NET are quoted by permission from the NET Bible®
copyright ©1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.
www.bible.org All rights
reserved. This material is available in its entirety as a free
download or online web use
at http://netbible.org.
Melanie Newton is the author of “Graceful Beginnings” books for anyone new to the Bible and
“Joyful Walk Bible Studies” for established Christians. Her mission is to help women learn to study
the Bible for themselves and to grow their Bible-teaching skills to lead others. For questions about
the use of this study guide, please visit melanienewton.com to contact us.
Joyful Walk Bible Studies are grace-based studies for women of all ages. Each study guide follows
the inductive method of Bible study (observation, interpretation, application) in a warm and inviting
format. We pray that you and your group will find Perspective a resource that God will use to
strengthen you in your faith walk with Him.
Grace-based studies • Always relevant • Never fluff
Flower Mound, TX
MELANIE NEWTON
Melanie Newton is a Louisiana girl who made the choice to follow
Jesus while attending LSU. She and her husband Ron married and
moved to Texas for him to attend Dallas Theological Seminary.
They stayed in Texas where Ron led a wilderness camping
ministry for troubled youth for many years. Ron now helps
corporations with their challenging employees and is the author of
the top-rated business book, No Jerks on the Job.
Melanie jumped into raising three Texas-born children and serving
in ministry to women at her church. Through the years, the Lord
has given her opportunity to do Bible teaching and to write grace-
based Bible studies for women that are now available from her
website
(melanienewton.com) and on Bible.org. Graceful
Beginnings books are for anyone new to the Bible. Joyful Walk
Bible Studies are for maturing Christians.
Melanie Newton loves to help women learn how to study the Bible for themselves. She also teaches
online courses for women to grow their Bible-teaching skills to help others—all with the goal of
getting to know Jesus more along the way. Her heart’s desire is to encourage you to have a joyful
relationship with Jesus Christ so you are willing to share that experience with others around you.
“Jesus took hold of me in 1972, and I’ve been on this great adventure ever since. My
life is a gift of God, full of blessings in the midst of difficult challenges. The more I’ve
learned and experienced God’s absolutely amazing grace, the more I’ve discovered my
faith walk to be a joyful one. I’m still seeking that joyful walk every day…”
Melanie
OTHER BIBLE STUDIES BY MELANIE NEWTON
Graceful Beginnings Series books for anyone new to the Bible:
A Fresh Start: Beginning study for new Christians
Painting the Portrait of Jesus: A study of the Gospel of John
The God You Can Know: The character traits of our Father God
Grace Overflowing: Seeing Christ through a survey of Paul’s letters
The Walk from Fear to Faith: Old Testament women
Satisfied by His Love: New Testament women
Seek the Treasure! Ephesians
Joyful Walk Bible Studies for growing Christians:
Graceful Living: The essentials of living a grace-based Christian life
Everyday Women, Ever Faithful God: Old Testament women (also in Spanish, Indonesian)
Live Out His Love: New Testament women
Heartbreak to Hope: Good news from Mark
Radical Acts: Adventure with the Spirit from the book of Acts
The God-Dependent Woman: Life choices from 2 Corinthians
Knowing Jesus, Knowing Joy: A study of Philippians (also in Spanish)
Healthy Living: A study of Colossians
Perspective: A study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians
Adorn Yourself with Godliness: A study of 1 Timothy and Titus (also in Spanish)
To Be Found Faithful: A study of 2 Timothy
Profiles of Perseverance: Old Testament men (also in Spanish)
Reboot, Renew, Rejoice: A study of 1 and 2 Chronicles
Connecting Faith to Life on Planet Earth: A study based on Genesis 1-11
Graceful Living Today: A 150-day devotional based on the Graceful Living study
Bible Study Leadership Courses
Bible Study Leadership Made Easy: Learn to lead with confidence & grace (online course)
The 5 C’s of Small Group Leadership: Handbook for small group leaders
Find these and more resources for your spiritual growth at joyfulwalkministries.org.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
LESSONS
Using This Study Guide …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians (NIV 2011) ……………………………………………………. 3
Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians (NIV 2011) ……………………………………………….. 6
1: Overview of 1 and 2 Thessalonians …………………………………………………………………………. 11
2: Perspective on the Gospel ………………………………………………………………………………………… 21
3: Perspective on Being a Servant-Leader ………………………………………………………………….. 31
4: Perspective on Suffering …………………………………………………………………………………………… 41
5: Perspective on Faithful Endurance …………………………………………………………………………. 51
6: Perspective on Sex and Love …………………………………………………………………………………….. 63
7: Perspective on Death and Beyond …………………………………………………………………………… 77
8: Perspective on Living in the Light …………………………………………………………………………… 89
9: Perspective on God’s Justice …………………………………………………………………………………… 101
10: Perspective on the Great Tribulation …………………………………………………………………. 113
11: Perspective on Life in the Waiting ………………………………………………………………………. 127
Extra Lesson: The Rest of the Story ……………………………………………………………………………. 139
Preview Lesson …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 151