Session 8 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
write the statement
“While the cat’s away, the mice will play”
As the group arrives, encourage them to think about the meaning of the phrase
and identify examples.
Share the example from the first paragraph on page 69.
Discuss:
Tell about a time when someone’s absence opened the door for misbehavior
that was eventually discovered (p. 69).
Paul was concerned that the Thessalonians would live each day with an eye
toward the time Jesus would come back.
Instead of being lulled into a false complacency,
he challenged them to stay alert for Christ’s return
and to work as if He could come back at any moment—which He could.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
Lead the group to locate the Outline of 1 Thessalonians (p. 9)
and also draw attention to Pack Item 2 (Outlines of 1, 2 Thessalonians).
Use information from Understand the Context (p. 69)
to briefly recap the previous sessions.
Point out Pack Item 3 (Themes of 1, 2 Thessalonians)
displayed on the wall, directing attention to the theme “The Return of Christ.”