Along with some final greetings, Paul’s last segment of this letter gives us some basic exhortations to living our hope out in everyday life as God’s new community, the church.
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)
SERMON OUTLINE
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Living as the Good Community of God (1 Thessalonians 5:12-15)
- Acknowledge those who serve
- Warn those who are idle
- Encourage those who are worn down
- Turn from grudges
- Strive to do good to one another and everyone
Living in Joy, Prayer, and Thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- Learning the Imperatives of hope
- Learning the will of God
Living in the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)
- Not quenching the Spirit
- Living with discernment
Living into the Blessing of God (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
- Yielding to the sanctifying work of God
- Relying upon the faithfulness of God
Continuing as the Community of God (1 Thessalonians 5:25-28)
- Mutual prayer
- Mutual affection
- Mutual edification
- Mutual grace
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are some of the most joyful things in your life today?
- This weekend we conclude our series, “Hope Rising,” from 1 Thessalonians by turning to 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then, whether you’re on your own or with a group, read that text aloud.
- As with many of Paul’s letters, this last section is a series of final instructions to the believers. What stands out to you most about verses 12-15?
- What do you think it looks like to always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else?
- Verses 16-18 offer a series of succinct encouragements to the believers. Which of these do you find easiest to live out? Which do you find it most difficult to live out?
- As we draw near to Thanksgiving, take a moment to give thanks for specific things in your life. Perhaps you want to simply write them down or share them as a group. Or perhaps you want to stop and turn them into prayers of thanksgiving to God.
- Why do you think Paul gives the instruction about not quenching the Holy Spirit and being discerning about prophecy? What did that mean for the Thessalonians and what might it mean for us today?
- Verses 23-24 read as a benediction or blessing over the congregation of believers. Think about the situation of the believers in Thessaloniki, who may have been enduring suffering for their faith. Why would these words have been particularly important for them to hear?
- The final few verses return to the life of the community one with another. What stands out to you from verses 25-28?
- What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 or 5:23-24
- Make a joy or thankfulness inventory this week. Take time to write down at least 25 things you are thankful for or joyful about. Share this with friends or family sometime this week.
- Choose a portion of this passage to draw, ink, or paint out in a way that expresses worship and prayer.
- Consider reading:
- Timothy J. Keller, The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
- Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts