Small Group Discussion Guide
Sermon Series: Unshaken
Sermon Title: Loved by God
BREAK THE ICE:
There are two ways that people can live in a broken and confused world, shaken or unshaken.
Which are you? After our study – live UNSHAKEN !
TRANSITION:
Thessalonians was written by Paul to the church of Thessalonica to help them become UNSHAKEN
Read 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3
What two reasons are expressed in v. 2 why Paul sent Timothy
in v. 3, what is promised as well?
Truth: So we are stengthened in our faith, and encouraged in our faith, so we will not be moved (SHAKEN) by afflictons.
Unshaken faith happens not by what you know, but who you know!
BRING THE WORD:
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:3
What three nouns are mentioned in v. 3?
________ by faith
________ by love
________ by hope
Transition: Our worth is not connected to our family, our bank account, our education, our citizenship
Read verse 4
Your worth is connected to what? God ____s me!!
Read John 3:16. God so loved what?
Read Romans 5:8. What do we see about God’s love in this scripture?
Read 1 John 3:1 What do we see here?
Points of Application:
A. The Starting Line is “You Are Loved by God“
Transition – God loves you and me, but we have a choice, what is it?
Read verse 6
What did the Thessalonians do, “what was their part”?
Their welcoming the message was in the midst of what?
Where did their joy come from?
B. Our Part is “Welcome the Message“
Truth – The Spirit of God can give us joy, in the midst of suffering to embrace the Message of love and grace!
Read verses 7-9
What four things were the Thessalonians praised for by Paul because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
A model for the Believers in Macedonia and Achaia . . .
- Your Sharing ____________ v. 8
2. Your Faith _______________ v. 8
3. Your Hospitality was shared and known v. 9
4. Your Worship moved away from I_____ to serve the L____ and True God v. 9
Personal Applications:
Can you and I follow the Thessalonians example in sharing Christ, living by faith, extending hospitality, and worshipping the living and true God?
Which area to you lag in?
- Sharing Christ with Others
- Living by Faith not Sight (Our Senses & Emotions)
- Extending Hospitality to Others
- Worshipping & Serving the True God
Read James 2:14-18, 26
What is the connection between faith and works?
Transition: Living for (welcoming the Message) and serving Jesus is our joyful response in light of v. 10
Read verse 10
What are you and I rescued from in Christ?
C. The Promise is Rescue from Wrath
Close it out:
The Truth Is – God Loves You and Has Chosen You!
The Choice Is – You and I must Receive and Accept the Message of Good News – Jesus Christ is Savior
The Promise Is – In Christ, You and I Are Rescued From the Coming Wrath !
What was your one compelling take-a-way this week?
Let’s Pray