Scripture
1 Thessalonians 4:3-12
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
At the time Paul was writing, sexual purity was not a feature in the Roman world. However, Paul writes, Jesus commanded that those who follow Christ must live lives of purity and virtue. Christians were to be set apart from the immorality of Roman society. In other words, they must be sanctified. Those who did not know God would not be able to live in this way, but Christ-followers would be given the strength to do so. As a result, Christians would not defraud their spouse, their children, their future spouse or any illicit partner.
Paul informs his readers that the Lord will punish such acts; he continues that those who follow Christ have been called to holiness, and they should glorify God with their bodies. Anyone who rejects this idea, rejects God Himself. Paul wrote this as a warning to the Thessalonians, rather than a rebuke. He does not mention any specific sin here. The Holy Spirit will empower Christ-followers to resist such sin. It was up to them as individuals to tap into this resource for victory.
Paul acknowledged that the Thessalonians knew all about the importance of love, having been taught by God Himself. They were known for their love for others, even beyond their congregation, but Paul encouraged them to increase their love for one another.
He also encouraged them to live a quiet life, rather than continually chasing after excitement and entertainment, which prevented them from spending time listening to God and getting to know Him better. They should appreciate the worth and honour of their work. The Greeks despised manual labour and believed that important men should not work. However, Jesus gave His followers the example of working with His hands as a carpenter. In addition, His followers comprised fishermen, a tax collector, and a tent-maker, amongst other professions.
Living in this way – working and loving others would set an example and influence the lives of those who did not know Jesus. So the Thessalonians would grow in their faith and lack nothing.
Icebreaker:
How does living a quiet life make you feel? Are you prepared to spend an hour or two this week forgoing excitement and entertainment to put time aside to listen to God? Why/why not?
Application
- Do you find your faith is real and relevant to your life and its struggles and your relationships? How does it influence the way you deal with 21st century living. How do you cope with challenges? What part does God play in your coping mechanisms? Do you think if you allowed Him to have a bigger role, you would be able to manage your life in a calmer fashion? Why/why not?
- Live a life of purity in an age of ‘anything goes’. What does this statement mean to you? How do you see it being relevant to you in society today? How would such a life-style differ from that of today’s world? How would it impact your own life? Is it possible to live in this way? Why/why not?
- What would it mean for you to follow the principles of self-control, self-respect, and self-giving in this complex world?
Love – in an age of ‘look after #1’. How are you responding to Paul’s urging to love more and more? Spend a few moments in silence and ask God what the next step is that He is urging you to take to do this. What are you hearing? - Be productive in an age of wishful thinking. What have you got in your hand? What do you use on a daily basis that could be used to be a witness for Jesus and grow the Kingdom of God? Again, spend a few moments in silence and ask God. Perhaps it is your pen, or your stethoscope, or your tennis racquet? How can you use these tools and others like them to influence those around you and set the example of Christian witness?
- Christ says ‘give Me all’. What are you reluctant to surrender to Christ? Are you prepared to trust Him with your ‘all’?
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.
Service
Think about what God has said to you during this session. Take at least one step this week to follow His command and put His words into practice. What happens as a result? Be prepared to share with one another next week.
Bibliography
Recent Comments