In these two chapters Paul describes the history of his ministry and relationship with the church of Thessalonica from its founding up till now. We gain insight into the importance of the gospel but also how hope is sustained by relationships.
(1 Thessalonians 2:1-3:13)
SERMON OUTLINE
“For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 3:8)
Paul’s circumstances were not good, but he was still “really alive” (1 Thessalonians 3:7)
The reason he is “really alive” is because the Thessalonians are standing firm in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 3:8)
- Faith
- Hope
- Love
Paul was present to the Thessalonians in the same way that God is present to all of us (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12)
- Like an infant
- Like a mother gently caring
- Like a father comforting, encouraging, urging to live a life worthy of God
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Do you believe you can be fully alive in the life you have now, or do your circumstances need to change?
- How would you define standing firm in the Lord?
- How would you describe what it means to be “really alive”?
- Tell of a time when you know God worked through you to impact another person’s life. How did that feel?
- In verses 2:7-12, why does Paul use a family (infant, mother, father) to illustrate how he loved and related to the Thessalonians?
- In verse 2:20 Paul says the Thessalonians are his glory and joy. What does that mean?
- What would it look like for you to live in a way that makes it easier for the people in your life to believe God loves them?
- What is keeping you from being fully alive in the way Paul describes in verse 3:7-9?
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize John 10:10
- Journal a prayer for someone else each night this week.
- Practice being “alive” in a way that makes it easier for others to believe God loves them.