Title: Community of Hope
James Arnold
1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace.
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- How are some ways that the Gospel shapes the church and the church spreads the Gospel? (How can people live lives that resemble the Gospel?)
- Why is the church to be committed to missions? Discuss the following statement: “Missions exists to bring in more worshippers to the body of Christ to give more glory to God.” Do you agree or not?
- Prayer was one thing that Paul modeled well. Study Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians in chapter 3:14–21. What can we learn/apply from Paul’s example? Do you have a regular time to pray with others from your church?
- Paul began his letter by giving the Thessalonian church praise. Later he would be rebuking them for some things. How does this model a balanced approach to discipleship? How do we respond to a rebuke from someone who loves us? Watch Dr. Paul Tripp’s video and discuss
- What is faith, love and hope? How are they exhibited by Jesus? Paul? And how can you demonstrate these in your neighborhood or work place in a meaningful way?
- As Christians we are to exhibit faith, hope and love. In this passage hope is mentioned last? Why? In 1 Corinthians 13:13 the order is changed and love is last? What is their significance?
- What are some personal applications you are taking away from this passage? Can you state them in a way that is meaningful and measurable (you know when you have done it)?
