CONNECT: How can you be reminded – every single day – that Jesus will return? (Try to think of something really practical that can form part of your daily rhythm of life.)

WARM-UP Questions

1. Do you have anyone in your life who is preparing for something big in the future? How do they go about their preparations? 
2. What do people in our world believe about the end of the world? Is it helpful to think about the end?

READ 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

1. Why do you think Paul writes, in v.1, that ‘about times and dates we don’t need to write to you’?
2. What analogies does Paul use for the ‘day of the Lord’? What do you think he’s trying to say? 
3. What are some of the contrasts drawn in v.4-11? What are we being told about how we should live?
4. What are the privileges and responsibilities of being ‘in the know’ about Jesus’ return? 

READ 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

1. How wIn these final verses Paul gives words of encouragement. How many encouragements can you find? 
2. Who are verses 12-14 about? What does this say about such people in churches today? 
3. What are the parallels between Jesus’ teaching (see Matthew 5:43-48; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 6:27-36; John 13:34) and Paul’s teaching in these verses? 
4. Do v.16-18 mean we have to be happy all the time? Do you know someone who lives this out?
5. What is Paul teaching about the Holy Spirit and prophecy in v.19-21? How should we respond when someone says they have heard something from God? 

READ 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

1. What do v.23-28 tell us about the way Christians are to care for each other?
2. Outline the logic that convinces us that when we suffer it means that God doesn’t care. What are the holes in this logic?
3. What is sanctification and what value does it hold for Christians?
4. A ‘holy kiss’ was a form of greeting in the ancient world. How can we greet people in a way that conveys God’s love but doesn’t freak them out or give them the wrong idea today?
5. What have been the challenges and highlights of our 1 Thessalonians series for you?

APPLY This Week: What are some applications that you can take from our 1 Thessalonians series that will help you live in preparation for Jesus return? 

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Video & Audio

• ‘The Day of the Lord’ by Dan Wells
• ‘God of Faithfulness’ by Richard Bewes
• ‘Worship’ by Richard P. Kaufman (Paid)
• ‘A God who will do it’ by David Jackman
• ‘Waiting on the Lord’ by Devin Toh
• ‘Living in the Daylight’ by Phillip Jensen
• ‘Bible in Five: 1 & 2 Thessalonians’ by Tim Mackie
  

Helpful Books and Articles

• ‘Jesus said he would return soon, so where is he?’ by John Piper
• ‘How will the world end?” by Jeramie Rinne
• ‘Bring Back the Holy Kiss’ by Megan Hill
• ‘Authority and Nature of the Gift of Prophecy’ by John Piper
• ‘Being a Christian a Work – at Advent and Christmas’ by Kara Martin
• ‘6. Keys to Healthy Christian Community (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)’ by Ralph F. Wilson

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