Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:4-11
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Observation
Paul tells the Thessalonian believers that they are children of the light – of God – and so the return of Jesus Christ on the appointed Day should not take them by surprise. He continues that they have no need to be afraid of that time as they will be living in harmony with God’s plan.
It is true that no one knows the exact hour or day when Jesus will return but believers can recognise the times (the measurement of time) and seasons (the critical nature of the time), so it will not be a complete surprise. They need to make themselves ready for His return by getting rid of any sin in their lives. They need to be aware of what is going on around us and be sober and watchful. The word Paul uses for sleep here implies spiritual indifference rather than death (as in 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Sober, in this sense, means taking life seriously (but not without the joy of being a follower of Christ). Such a person would not become hysterical about what was happening around them nor would they fritter their life away on inconsequential activities.
Paul used the images of a soldier’s armour to illustrate the state of readiness of a believer. The breastplate represents faith and love – equipment that every believer will be provided with to live their Christian life. The hope of salvation is represented by the helmet and provides confident expectation of God’s presence and role in the future. All believers have been rescued from the wrath of God by Jesus on the cross and have been given salvation by God as a result of their declaration of faith. So, they can be confident in their future hope that they will spend eternity in the present of the Lord.
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to comfort one another and build one another up. In this way the Church can be filled with active participants, rather than passive spectators. Such work was done by every believer in the early Church. The Thessalonians were already doing this for one another and Paul encourages them to continue to live in this way.
Icebreaker:
What are the greatest words of encouragement that have ever been given to you? What did they mean? What did they change? How do you feel about them now, looking back?
Application
The Covenant invites us to:
… know who you are: Who do you see yourself to be – in life; in work; in your family; amongst your friends; in your Christian community; in Christ? As each member speaks about these things how can the group encourage each one of them, especially where there may be some doubts expressed?
… be awake and alert: What signs, if any, are you aware of that are happening at the moment that may indicate the imminent return of Christ? How do you feel about His coming again? What are you doing to be ready for when He comes back?
… live together with God: Are you aware of God’s presence with you … always? Does this idea fill you with joy and praise – or does it inhibit you in any way? Why? How would this continual awareness impact the way you pray? How do you feel about the idea of praying for a greater awareness of God’s presence with you, rather than inviting Him to be present? What would that do for your faith and your relationship with Him?
… be an encourager: How is God calling you to be an encourager? Who needs your encouragement? How do you feel about encouraging someone in some way, every day in February – and on into March etc.
Where do you need encouragement from other group members?
How can the group help you with the struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time, and in regard to other needs of the group. Pray for family members, friends and colleagues who may not yet know Christ, that they may meet Him as their Lord, and greet Him with joy when He returns.
Service
Find someway to be an encourager every day this month – and beyond – so you can spread the good news of the Gospel and Jesus’ return to those around you.
For those who were not in the service on Sunday, here is the version of the Covenant that was used:
I am no longer my own, but Yours.
Put me to what you will; rank me with whom You will;
Put me to doing, put me to suffering; Let me be employed for You, or laid aside for You;
Exalted for You or brought low for You; Let me be full, let me be empty;
Let me have all things, let me have nothing;
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to Your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
You are mine, and I am Yours. So be it.
And the Covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Bibliography
Recent Comments