CONNECT: What is one daily rhythm that would help you to more readily enable the Word to be at work in your life this week?

WARM-UP Questions

1. Who is someone who encourages you in your Christian walk?
2. If you’re comfortable sharing, what’s your relationship with God like at the moment?

READ 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

1. How does Paul feel about the Thessalonians? Why do you think he’s telling them this?
2. Have you ever had a friend who stopped being a Christian, or a friend you thought would never become a Christian, but did? How did that make you feel?
3. Why did Paul find it difficult to visit the Thessalonians?
4. How does Paul describe the Thessalonians in v.19-20? Do you feel this way about those you have discipled?

READ 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

1. Who did Paul send to the Thessalonians? Why did he do this?
2. Why do you think Paul told the Thessalonians, that he was destined for trouble?
3. How and why are people tempted to walk away from the Gospel in Australia
4. How can we use what we have to encourage other Christians who are facing trials?

READ 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

1. What does v.6 tell us about the context within which this letter was written? What do these historical details show us about the Bible?
2. How does Paul feel upon hearing about how the church in Thessalonica is going?
3. How do you encourage the faith of others? What sorts of things encourage you to follow God?

READ 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

1. What is Paul doing in v.11-13? What is he modelling for us today?
2. What do these words tell us about Paul’s heart, and ultimately, God’s heart for all followers of Christ?
3. Who in your life prays that you keep growing as a disciple of Jesus? Who can you be praying for?

APPLY This Week: What are some practical ways we can rejoice in, encourage, and pray for one another as we commit to maturing as disciples of Jesus this week?

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For Families

• ‘5 Ways for Pray for your Kids’ Friendships’ by Rachel Wojo (ideas for praying for your kids and their friends)
  

Video

• ‘Gospel Care’ by Lee McMunn
  

Audio

• ‘Our Glory and Joy’ by Alistair Begg
• ‘Matt Smethurst on Teaching 1 Thessalonians’ by Nancy Guthrie and Matt Smethurst
• ‘Part 2: People (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13)’ by Don Carson
• ‘Christian Ministry’ by John Stott
• ‘The Best News all Year’ by Phillip Jensen

Helpful Books and Articles

• ‘The Warm Heart of a Disciple-Maker (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13)’ by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
• ‘Spiritual Futurists: Love Abounders (1 Thessalonains 3 Sermon Notes)’ by Larry Parsley
• ‘What Satan did to Paul: Hindrance’ by Pastor Russ McKinney

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