Life Group Questions 2/9/20
Sunday’s Sermon Text
1 Thessalonians 2:13–16
[13] And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. [14] For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, [15] who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind [16] by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last! (ESV)
Summary: When people reject our message of the gospel and our lives, it does not erase but rather affirms our identity in Christ because we join with him and the saints in suffering.
Observing the Text: Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
What themes from earlier in this chapter are echoed here? What key words indicate this? [gratitude, imitation, preaching of the gospel, and suffering]
What’s the tone of this passage? [begins positive but ends on a dark note]
Interpreting the Text:
Agree/disagree with this statement and explain: In V. 13, the word of God = gospel of Jesus Christ.
What does it mean for the word of God to be “at work in you believers”?
V.14-16 describes the common experience of persecution by Jews endured by both the Thessalonian believers and the Judean churches. How does this passage indicate Israel’s rejection of God pre-dates Jesus’ time? What is the history of Jewish rejection of God’s word?
Is there anything in this passage that indicates the Jews’ rejection of God’s word is/was strategic and part of God’s sovereign plan of salvation? What do other scriptures teach?
How is our culture today rejection phobic? What are some examples? How about in your own life? How does the bombardment of messages make it easier to simply ignore messages rather than reject them?
What’s an area of life where gospel proclamation has been stifled by the fear of rejection?
Applying the Text:
What’s a way you can proclaim the gospel, risk rejection, and affirm your identity in Christ?
What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?
To Announce:
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
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.
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