1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 (CSB): 5 About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 When they say, “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness. 6 So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.
For believers, the Day of the Lord will be a joyful surprise, like a surprise party! To be ready for Jesus’ return, let’s keep our focus on His promise every day. This anticipation shapes our spiritual journey and growth, helping us align our lives with God’s will and purpose. When we live with this focus, we find our place in His mission and are better prepared for His return.
Read this week's text. You might be tempted to skip this step, but it's the most crucial part of your time together.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Paul describes the Day of the Lord as unexpected, like a thief in the night. How does this “surprise” nature of Jesus’ return change the way we think about preparing for it?
2. What does it mean to focus on the promise of Jesus’ return in our everyday lives? How can this focus shape our spiritual growth and our decisions?
3. How does anticipating Jesus’ return help us better understand and live out God’s will for our lives?
4. In what ways can we encourage and support each other to stay focused on Jesus’ return? What practical things can we do to build each other up?
5. How does thinking of Jesus’ return as the “ultimate surprise party” inspire or challenge you? How might it affect your view of eternity and your daily life?
In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Paul describes the Day of the Lord as unexpected, like a thief in the night. How does this “surprise” nature of Jesus’ return change the way we think about preparing for it?
2. What does it mean to focus on the promise of Jesus’ return in our everyday lives? How can this focus shape our spiritual growth and our decisions?
3. How does anticipating Jesus’ return help us better understand and live out God’s will for our lives?
4. In what ways can we encourage and support each other to stay focused on Jesus’ return? What practical things can we do to build each other up?
5. How does thinking of Jesus’ return as the “ultimate surprise party” inspire or challenge you? How might it affect your view of eternity and your daily life?
Sunday we continued to focus on the theme of being a 'ready church' and the importance of community and sanctification. Dr. Ueckert emphasized the significance of baptism, the joy of worship, and the power of God's word in our lives. We also addressed the topic of grief, particularly the grief associated with losing loved ones, and how our hope in Jesus Christ's resurrection informs and transforms our grief.
Read this week's text aloud as a group. You might be tempted to skip this step, but it's the most crucial part of your time together.
1. In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Paul describes the Day of the Lord as unexpected, like a thief in the night. How does this “surprise” nature of Jesus’ return change the way we think about preparing for it?
2. What does it mean to focus on the promise of Jesus’ return in our everyday lives? How can this focus shape our spiritual growth and our decisions?
3. How does anticipating Jesus’ return help us better understand and live out God’s will for our lives?
4. In what ways can we encourage and support each other to stay focused on Jesus’ return? What practical things can we do to build each other up?
5. How does thinking of Jesus’ return as the “ultimate surprise party” inspire or challenge you? How might it affect your view of eternity and your daily life?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Keeping our focus on Jesus’ promised return is essential for following Him and being ready when He comes. This focus guides our spiritual growth, helping us align our daily lives with God’s will and our part in His mission.
2. As we wait for Jesus’ return, we need to encourage and support one another. By building each other up, we can stay focused and wait together in a way that honors God, looking forward to the joyful day of eternal life that He has promised.
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