Life Group Questions 2/23/20
Sunday’s Sermon Text
1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Timothy's Encouraging Report
[6] But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you—[7] for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. [8] For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. [9] For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, [10] as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? [11] Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, [12] and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, [13] so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (ESV)
Summary: Love is the fertile foundation discipleship to take root and grow. Receive God’s investment of love and life in us and invest your life and the gospel in face-to-face discipleship.
Observing the Text: Read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
What adjectives describe Paul’s desire to be present with the Thessalonians?
What is the context for Paul’s mention of the Lord Jesus’s return in V.13?
Interpreting the Text:
When have you experienced the joy of investing in another person? (this is an open question, no wrong answer, think as broadly as you can)
How did you do this week with encouraging someone as Ben suggested “ "I thank God for you because of _______” If you haven’t done it yet, who can you tell? Be as specific as possible.
Why face-to-face interaction important in building relationships? How is the spiritual growth associated with face-to-face interaction different from reading a book?
What are some ways you can grow in being present with others in your Life Group?
V.12 is Paul’s charge to abound in love for one another. That can be intimidating given the weightiness of the command. What are the specific ways God has provided this love for us in Christ?
Applying the Text:
In groups of 2-3, share what has been lacking in your faith and pray for one another
What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?
To Announce:
Family Dedications - THIS SUNDAY, 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 ASAP at cindy@gardencitysv.com
Church Plant Info Night - On March 1 @ 6 PM, we will have a brief info session where Justin and Fred will discuss the vision for the church plant and answer questions. Location: 2nd-floor seminar room.
Meet & Greet this Sun March 1 - Join us after service for a meal and a chance to get to know one another better! We love this time of gathering together for a meal!
Membership Class - After service on Sunday, March 8, we'll have the membership class in the Seminar Room. If you’d like to become a member or know what it means to be ‘all in’ with the vision and mission at Garden City, then please join us! If you plan on attending, contact your LG leader or Fred Mok at fred@gardencitysv.com
Women’s Gathering! - Garden City Ladies! We’re excited to announce an event on March 21 from 10:00-11:30 am where we’ll meet for a brunch and hear teaching from Garden City member, Karen Francis! We’ll meet together, brunch together, worship together, and hear from God’s word! RSVP Here.