Life Group Questions 2/2/20
Sunday’s Sermon Text
1 Thessalonians 2:1–12
[1] For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. [2] But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. [3] For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, [4] but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. [5] For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. [6] Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. [7] But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. [8] So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. [9] For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. [10] You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. [11] For you know how, like a father with his children, [12] we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (ESV)
Summary: Discipleship is about affectionate desire to share the gospel and one’s life with others. Discipleship does not arise from self-centered motives but from the nurturing love of God the Father.
Observing the Text: Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
List the characteristics of impure gospel motivation in V.3-6 [error, impurity, attempt to deceive, pleasing men in flattery, greed, and glory from others]
What terms indicate Paul’s sentiment towards the Thessalonian church? [affectionately desirous]
What is Paul’s goal in this passage? [to demonstrate his boldness in sharing the gospel and his life and to maintain the purity of his motives for discipleship]
Interpreting the Text:
Which of the list of impure motives in V.3-6 are you most guilty of?
V.7 speaks of a mother’s nurturing in gentleness. How can you grow in gentleness in how you make disciples?
V.8 speaks of Paul’s affectionate desire for the Thessalonian church. Who do you feel affectionate desire for? Perhaps less awkwardly, how do you develop an affectionate desire for someone?
V.8 describes Paul and Silas’ eagerness to share the gospel and their lives. What are you contagious with?
Who has modeled the gospel for you and how has that impacted how you model the gospel for others?
Applying the Text:
What is your role on God’s team (local body) to make disciples?
What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?
To Announce:
Meet & Greet - Meet & Greet will take place this 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