Going Deeper in “What will People Remember About You?”
Read the following slowly a few times:
1 Thess 1:1–10; Heb 12:1-3; Rom 5:1-5; 1 John 3:16-18; Rev 21:1-5
Going Deeper Questions:
A Faith That Holds On Through Hardship - Vss. 6-7
- The Thessalonians experienced suffering and joy from the Holy Spirit together. What does this reveal about Christian joy? How does it differ from happiness based on circumstances?
- The believers move from following the example of others to becoming examples themselves. Why are relationships and living examples so important in learning to follow Jesus?
- Remember someone whose faith encouraged you during a difficult season. What did their example teach you? How might your honest response to hardship encourage someone else?
A Love That Makes Faith Visible – Vss. 8-9
- Paul describes how they had turned away from idols and turned toward serving God. Why do both movements matter? What would be missing if faith involved only giving something up?
- What good things can become idols when we give them our deepest trust or highest loyalty? How can we tell when comfort, approval, possessions, or control has begun to take God’s place?
A Hope That Looks Beyond This Life – Vs. 10
- Why does Paul connect hope for Christ’s return with the fact that God raised Jesus from the dead? What makes this hope more than wishful thinking?
- They were both serving God and waiting for Jesus. How can hope for the future deepen our involvement in the needs of the present?
This Week's Challenge:
- Think of someone who helped you see Jesus more clearly. What specific habit, quality, or act of love made their faith memorable?
- Our influence takes shape while we are still living. What would you hope someone might one day say they learned about Jesus through knowing you? What ordinary choice could help make that true this week?