Letter to the Thessalonians | Week 2 – Results of Change

 

Where our spiritual journey as a follower of Jesus will take us, we cannot be sure. We will certainly experience the mountain tops as well as the valleys. As long as we stay connected to Jesus and are obedient to His calling, every situation is an opportunity to grow. We grow and become the people that God intends for us to be. But this journey is a chance for us to show the world the power of Jesus. Perseverance is a great testimony to God’s grace and mercy. The hope of the Gospel is fully on display when we are not shaken by the ups and downs. 

 

READ Philippians 4:5

 

 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

 

READ the passage again and consider these related questions.

 

How is gentleness a characteristic of Jesus?

 

Why does it take courage and confidence to be gentle? 

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

 

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16; Romans 5:3-5

 

1. What do Paul’s personal experiences tell us about suffering and perseverance?

 

Read 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Acts 24:16

 

2. Why is it so important to know God’s Word?

 

3. How does evidence of the fruit of the Spirit help us to be more credible in our witness?

 

Read Ephesians 4:1-2; Romans 12:15-16

 

4. How does a life transformed by the Gospel affect how we interact with others?

 

Read Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:9-11; Psalm 29:4

 

5. What is the relationship between faith, belief and the Word of God?

 

6. How do we discern between the word of man and the Word of God?

 

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; James 1:26-27

 

7. Compare these passages to vv.14-16. How do we avoid pursuing a loveless religion?