Life Group Questions 3/8/20
Sunday’s Sermon Text
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Coming of the Lord
[13] But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. [14] For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. [15] For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. [16] For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. [18] Therefore encourage one another with these words. (ESV)
Summary: In spite of all the different interpretations about the end times, one thing is clear from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians: Jesus is coming back. Therefore, we have an urgency to share the gospel because eternity is at stake.
Observing the Text: Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
How is this passage about the LORD’s return linked to other themes in this letter?
How can you tell sleep is a metaphor for death in this passage?
Interpreting the Text:
Why is there so much fear and misunderstanding around the end times and Jesus’ return?
In the passage, what indicates a believer will not experience immediate resurrection when he or she dies? Why is that a common misunderstanding? What happens instead?
How can you tell comfort and encouragement is the main idea in this passage?
What comfort do you find in knowing the LORD?
Comedian Penn Jillette’s says: “If you believe that there's a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell — or not getting eternal life, or whatever — and you think that, "Well, it's not really worth tellin' 'em this, because it would make it socially awkward", and atheists who think that people shouldn't proselytize, "Just leave me alone. Keep your religion to yourself"... How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? . . . I mean, if I believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you and you didn't believe it —that truck was bearing down on you — there's a certain point where I tackle you, and this is more important than that.” Agree or disagree and explain.
How can you prepare people for an eternity of bliss?
Applying the Text:
Who is someone you want to share the gospel with this week? How can you be held accountable for this?
What is God saying to you? What’s your next step?
To Announce:
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.
Mental Health & Faith Seminar - Join us after service on March 22 for a seminar on mental health and faith. You can learn more here.