CONNECT: How can we encourage each other to ‘live a life worthy of God’ today?

WARM-UP Questions

1. How do you think God’s Word is at work in your everyday life?

READ 1 Thessalonians 2:13

1. In this context, what is Paul talking about when he refers to the ‘word of God’? What do we know as the ‘Word of God’ today?
2. What is the significance of the word being God’s word? How does/should the source of the word change how we approach it?
3. Why do you think people are sometimes resistant to receiving the Bible as God’s Word?
4. Who had the Thessalonians received the word of God from? What gave it power?
5. What does Paul mean when he says that they had heard, accepted, and received God’s Word? What do you think it looks like us to do the same?
6. Who teaches and preaches at St Bart’s? How often do you pray for them?
7. How can and should we pray for those who teach and preach at St Bart’s?

READ 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

1. What were the accusations that Paul asserts against the Jews? Who in particular is he talking about?
2. Why can we be certain that Paul is not simply being ‘anti-Jewish’?
3. Are you surprised when you suffer for the Gospel? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever known anyone who has been seriously persecuted for following Jesus? What could possibly give us strength in the face of such persecution?
5. In the letter so far, what are the various ways in which the Thessalonians had been transformed?
6. How was the imitation of the Judean church unintentional? What do you think would be worth imitating in the life of our church?
7. What is the true cost of the Gospel being obstructed? Do you think this ever happens today?
8. In the face of persecution or suffering, how does the promise of God’s justice bring comfort and confidence? Can you think of an example of when this has been true for you?
9. How have you seen the ‘Word at work’ in the life of Christians you know? How about in you?

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For Families

• A great video of children answering questions about the Bible
  (ideal to watch with children, this was used at Sunday School)
  

Video

• Introduction to 1 Thessalonians by the Bible Project
  

Audio

• “A Model Worker” by Mark Chew
• “Word at Work” by Less Gatiss (St Helen’s Bishopsgate)

Helpful Books and Articles

• “1 & 2 Thessalonians – Tyndale New Testament Commentary” by Leon Morris
• “First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians” by Gordon Fee

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