Grieving with Hope
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 3 Reasons for hope: Hope in the Resurrection of Christ. Hope of the Return of Christ. Hope of the Reunion of the Saints. Assurances for believers in the midst of grief: We know where they are. We know who they are with. We know we will see them again.
Sanctified Living
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Sanctification through Brotherly Love Sanctification through Christian Lifestyle The Christian Lifestyle is demonstrated through Quiet Living The Christian Lifestyle minds its own business The Christian Lifestyle works diligently Brotherly Love and Quiet Living result in new converts
Sanctified Sexuality
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Sexual Sanctification: Abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Learn how to control your body (1 Thessalonians 4:4) Refrain from wronging others (1 Thessalonians 4:6) We must obey God’s instruction on sexuality. Because Christ will judge us for taking advantage of others (1 Thessalonians 4:6). Because God’s will for us is holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:7). Because we reject God when we reject His will (1 Thessalonians 4:8).
On Mission in the Midst of Affliction
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Being on mission binds you together. Being on mission makes you a target. Being on mission prepares you for Jesus’ coming. Exhortation to stand firm (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3) Expectation of affliction (1 Thessalonians 3:4-5) Encouragement in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:6-13)
Sturdy Faith
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 Don’t let your faith be shaken… God has spoken (13) God is watching (14-16a) God is working (16b)a. Unperceived Wrathb. Visitation Wrathc. Tribulation Wrathd. Damnation Wrath
A Model for our Ministry
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 We desire to be a church that: Glorifies God Supremely Proclaims Jesus Boldly Teaches Biblically Focuses Missionally Gathers Intentionally Multiplies Locally and Globally
The Transforming Power of the Gospel
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 The Gospel changes a person: Conversion changes our virtues (1 Thessalonians 1:2-5). Conversion changes our resolve (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7). Conversion changes our priorities (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Conversion changes our master (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). Four reasons 1 Thessalonians 1:10 is a reference to a pretribulation rapture: Waiting for Jesus is related to being rescued from wrath. Paul’s flow of thought in Thessalonians supports identifying “wrath” with the Tribulation. The word ῥύομαι with ἐκ can communicate removal to safety…
Trust, Entrust, and Rest
Exodus 2:1-10 The calling for every mother, parent, grandparent, and every believer. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Entrust your children in the hands of the Lord. Rest in the providence of the Lord.
The Triumph of Forgiveness
2 Corinthians 2:5-17 Christ’s forgiveness leads our church in triumph over Satan: By giving the group restraint in correction (2 Corinthians 2:5-11). By helping us turn the page on personal offences (2 Corinthians 2:12-13). By giving us gospel authority and opportunity everywhere we go (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).
To Anyone Who Has Ever Blown It
John 21:1-25 To anyone who has ever blown it, remember: Failure isn’t final. God is merciful. He calls us out of darkness, into his marvelous light.