Review:
Be the Church!
Be Authentic! (1 Thes 1:1-3)
Be an Example! (1 Thes 1:4-10)
Be Done with People Pleasing! (1 Thes 2:1-8)
Be an Imitator! (1 Thes 2:9-16)
Be the Church!
5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Trials 20 Years Ago:
- I can't always PREPARE for trials. (1 Thes 2:17)
- I can't always OVERPOWER trials. (1 Thes 2:18)
- I can't face trials ALONE . (1 Thes 2:19-3:3a)
- I can't always AVOID trials. (1 Thes 3:3b-3:4)
- I can't let trials STOP me. (1 Thes 3:5)
Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above with your cursor for answers!
Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
- What is it about trials that make some people walk away from following Jesus (2:17, and see Matthew 13:21)?
- Why do you think Satan hindered (roadblocked) Paul (2:18)? What seemed to be Paul's attitude about this?
- Why did Paul send Timothy to the Thessalonians (1 Thes 2:19-3:3a)? How are YOU being established and exhorted in your faith?
- "Jesus doesn't eliminate all your problems – sometimes He introduces you to new ones." What "new problems" does Jesus introduce a person to? (1 Thes 3:3b-4)
- What was Paul concerned Satan would tempt the Thessalonians to do or not do (1 Thes 3:5)? Have you ever been tempted in this way?
Breakout Questions:
Pray for your group to trust God's purposes in the trials being faced. Pray for one another!