Session 8 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
underline Paul’s encouragement to believers.
9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.
Focus on verse 9 and note that Paul began his message about encouragement with a reference to God’s wrath.
Direct attention to two specific commands in verse 11: “encourage one another” and “build each other up.” Point out that Paul expected the church to live out these commands in the present and continually—he left no doubt what their next steps were to be. Discuss: What is the difference between encouraging and building up others? How have you seen these actions work together? (p. 71)
Read the three bulleted statements under Apply the Text (p. 72). Invite the group to propose additional insights that could be added to the list. Write additional statements on a board. Challenge the group to select one statement they most needed to be reminded of. Encourage them to record in the margin of their book their reasons for selecting that statement, assuring them they will not be asked to share their response. Challenge them to reflect on the statement each day this week.
Lead the group to respond to the first question set under Apply the Text (p. 71): Rate your level of confidence in the return of Jesus. How does this passage raise your level of confidence? What can you share from this passage with others to help them grow in their confidence of Jesus’ return? Challenge the group to reflect more on Paul’s teachings by completing the Daily Explorations in the coming week.
Conclude the group time with prayer. Express praise for the certainty of Christ’s return and asking for help to live in readiness.
Reinforce Scripture memory by challenging the group to memorize the memory verse in each session. Along with providing the group Pack Item 8 (Memory Verses Bookmark), suggest they incorporate steps in their time with God to memorize the Scripture passages.