1 Thessalonians is written to a church in Thessalonica--a group of believers Paul reached after God gave him a vision of a man in Macedonia who was seeking God. Here Paul spells out three components of a healthy church: faith, their labor of love, and putting their ultimate hope in Jesus' return. These components give us a great model today to emulate in our Christian communities.

In this passage Paul describes several aspects of godly relating. They include valuing in-person time, serving and being served, being focused on prayer and time in the Bible together, and putting Christ at the center. Putting these aspects into practice will result in mature Christian love.

Paul addresses the issue of sexuality, and how Christians can, as with other areas of their life, treat it with holiness, devoted to God. Why does God care about our choices in such a personal area? Because He wants good things for our lives and has created sex to be expressed only in the committed relationship of marriage--for our enjoyment, expressing and enhancing unity and love between husband and wife. If we've failed in this area, God is ready to restore us and help us follow Him.

God wants good things for us, and one of those good things is productive work. The world's view of work is that it is primarily about making money to acquire comfort and material possessions, whereas God's view is that work gives us an opportunity to contribute to our community, use our God-given abilities, help bear the burden of others, and honor God. In this teaching Ryan also offers guidance for those who are unemployed and for those who are unsatisfied with their jobs.

Death is something people often don't want to think about, and regard it as the worst thing that can happen to you. But God's perspective is different, and He gives us the chance to have peace about our death if we accept His offer of a relationship. From this peace can flow purpose in this life, a freedom to give of ourselves, and hope that a better life is coming in heaven.

Here Paul offers an overview of Biblical end times. He lists three events: the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, and Jesus' return. In response, all people are called to a state of readiness, understanding that time is limited. For those who have never come to God, it is a call to start a relationship with God through Jesus--the only provision for their sins before God. For those who have a relationship with God, it is a call to tell others about God's offer of forgiveness, stand against injustice, and ease the sufferings of others, as we await Jesus' return.

Biblical leadership is accomplished through flawed people, willing to be servants. We are called to acknowledge the role of leaders, understanding they have a God-given role, and we should not make it difficult for them. We are also not to put them on a pedestal. Christian leaders are not called to control people, but rather to help people make decisions about their life, informed about the Biblical perspective on their choices.

As part of loving others, it is sometimes necessary to admonish other believers who are in the wrong. While uncomfortable and often counter-cultural, done properly, it is an act of love to help them, and is based on the common external standard of God's truth. It's essential to determine, with the help of the Holy Spirit, if a person is truly being "unruly," or instead is weak or disheartened, and to take action that is appropriate for them.