A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

Ses s i on 6: The Ep i s t l es : The I nterpretat i on and App l i cat i on of Chr i s t 179

before, that those who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

c. The fruit of the Spirit will be displayed in all who keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Gal. 5.22-25 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

B. The early letters of Paul, 1 and 2 Thessalonians: Christ the Coming Judge

1. Two-fold purpose of the letters: 1) to defend himself against those who said he had fled the city because of his lack of care for these new converts, and 2) provide pastoral instruction to the particular needs of the Thessalonians

2. Paul’s identification of those with special need: 1 Thess. 5.14 – And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

3. Christ is presented to us as the One who has come to save, and also to judge.

a. Each of the eight chapters represented by 1 and 2 Thessalonians contain a reference to the Second Coming ( parousia ) of Jesus Christ.

b. Eschatology and the expectation to see Jesus Christ soon is a fundamental principle underlying Christian discipleship and mission.