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1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:18 Discussion Guide

DISCUSSION GUIDE 01.30.22

1 Thessalonians 4-5:18

Group Discussion Questions:

As you reflect on the sermon this week, how did the Holy Spirit speak to your heart?

Was there a verse/passage that stood out to you? Share why the verse or passage struck you.

In a Nutshell

Paul calls all Christians to holy lives, emphasizing sexual purity and a growing agape-love for each other. He reminds us to live our own lives with care, in view of the assured return of Christ to earth and in view of the coming resurrection.[1]

Read and discuss verses 4:1-10

  • Terry summarized these 10 verses this way, “Paul wrote, here is what it looks like to live a life that pleases God—you are already doing this—do it ‘more and more,’ grow.” What were the two things that marked off believers in that time and place? What are those things that please God?
  • In what ways were the believers’ lives counter-cultural?
  • Terry said, “These believers were living this ‘already/not yet’ kingdom kind of life now.” What Does Terry’s comment tell us about their end-time beliefs?
  • What are some personal implications we can make from these verses? How can we live them out daily?

Read and discuss verses 4:11-12

  • What do you think was Paul’s purpose in writing this statement?
  • Terry stated, “This is not advocating for passivity or boredom, but rather for eternal perspective in daily activity—a normal life, lived faithfully—this is how to live with an of time perspective. Be faithful with the normal, so you will draw people to Christ and be able to take care of yourself and others.” What does this look like for you personally?

Read and discuss verses 4:13-18

  • In verse 13, Paul says, “…so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope.” What is this Hope that Paul is talking about?
  • In these verses, Paul writes about the comfort of Christ coming. Why is this thought a comfort to people?
  • Verse 18 says to encourage each other with this word. What words? To do what? How does this lead to a beautiful biblical life?

Read and discuss verses 5:1-11

  • What does verse 2 tell us about knowing the end? How might it play out if we knew the exact day?
  • What can you do personally to just live in a state of faithful readiness?
  • Verse 11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” This seems to be Paul’s main point. What can we do to live in this same manner?

Application: How did the Holy Spirit speak to your heart today? What personal implications can you make? What do I need God to do in me or through me as a result of today’s discussion?

 

[1] Larson, K. (2000). I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon (Vol. 9, p. 50). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

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