Life Group Questions 3/1/20
Sunday’s Sermon Text
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
A Life Pleasing to God
[1] Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. [2] For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. [3] For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; [4] that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, [5] not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; [6] that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. [7] For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. [8] Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. [9] Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, [10] for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, [11] and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, [12] so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. (ESV)
Summary: Live out God’s will by walking in sanctification with Him. This means abstaining from sexual immorality, devoting ourselves to brotherly love, and contributing to the common good through our work.
Observing the Text: Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
What clues in the passage indicate abstaining from sexual immorality is directly connected with walking with and pleasing God?
If you were to create a chart with the heading “holiness” vs. “impurity”, what words/phrases would you put under each category?
Interpreting the Text:
Why do you think our culture has such strong views about freedom of sexual expression?
What is the broad range of behaviors specified by the term "sexual immorality” (porneia)?
How does sexual immorality “transgress and wrong” a brother (V.6)
Pornography did not exist in Paul’s time and culture as it does today. How do the principles in this passage apply to the prevalence of pornography today?
If sexual immorality wrongs one’s brother, then the antidote, in addition to sexual purity, is brotherly love. How can you grow in expressing brotherly love today?
In regards to V.11-12, Justin talked about the idea of a “busy-body” - people who spend more time being concerned about others’ affairs than their own. When you have you observed others to be guilty of this? When have you been guilty of this?
How does God’s will in “work with your hands” (V.11) connect to competence in your vocation?
Applying the Text:
In gender-specific groups, confess and repent of sexual impurity and talk about ways to be held accountable. Plan specific steps for follow-up in the coming week.
What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?
To Announce:
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.