Life Group Questions 1/26/20
Sunday’s Sermon Text
1 Thessalonians 1:6–10
[6] And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, [7] so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. [8] For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. [9] For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, [10] and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (ESV)
Summary: The gospel reverberates outward from the Thessalonian believers - through the life and example of these Jesus followers who turned from idols and imitated Paul and the LORD.
Observing the Text: Read 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
What is the tone of this passage?
What are some themes (repeated ideas) in this passage? [example and imitation, and the believers’ word and reputation spreading]
Interpreting the Text:
What are gospel truths you’ve learned by spending time with another Christian? Describe the situation and person you learned from. How do you imitate that person today?
Instagram measures the reach of Influencers by the number of followers. How might Paul measure influence based on the example of the Thessalonians? Who is influenced by the example of your life?
In what ways does our culture communicate that joy cannot exist alongside affliction (V.6)? When have you experienced joy from the Spirit during affliction?
Which idol do you struggle with most - comfort, approval, power, or control? What’s a recent example of when you were tempted by a particular idol?
Our culture emphasizes freedom as the rejection of any master whereas the gospel teaches that freedom comes from serving the right master. How can you experience true freedom today?
Applying the Text:
How can you build your identity and worth in Jesus today?
What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?
To Announce:
Super Bowl Sunday Morning Service - On February 2, we’ll be combining services with Crossroads Bible Church! Join us at 11 am that Sunday morning for service! Kids’ Ministry will be available.
Meet & Greet - Meet & Greet will take place next weekend, February 9 after service. It’s a great time to bring a friend, enjoy a meal, and get to know someone better!
Discipleship Culture Seminar - After service on February 23, we’ll host a seminar to talk about the Garden City Discipleship Culture and to offer steps to practice discipleship in your life. We will discuss why discipleship in important, what it can look like, habits to develop, and resources to learn more.
Family Dedications - On March 1, we will celebrate dedicating families to the Lord. It's a special time where we commit to love and partner with families to raise children to love Jesus. If you’d like to participate, contact our Kids’ Ministry Director, Cindy Garcia at cindy@gardencitysv.com