daily life | 1 thessalonians 4.9-12

November 25, 2012

mark mccabe

The call of every Christian is to become more Christ like. There is a progressive path that unfolded for the Thessalonians. The sanctification they were experiencing was filled with God’s love that caused them to live quietly, take care of their own business, and work hard so that they could contribute rather than take from those around them. This path is also one that we are called to walk.

How can your work be part of God’s sanctification in your life?
Does the way you live contribute more to those around you or does it take from those around you?

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sex | 1 thessalonians 4.3-8

November 18, 2012

david von

The way in which Christians approach sex, work, and death are in direct contradiction with popular culture. One of our greatest hermeneutics is how we treat our money, sex, and death. We have revolutionary impact when we live lives of sexual purity as God designed. Not just in this letter but throughout the Bible sex is a major theme, when used within a Godly covenant it is one of the most wonderful and powerful gifts we have from God. When used outside of that covenant for selfish ends it is powerfully destructive.

Has your sexual practice been defined by covenant relationship or consumerist consumption?
Are there sexual sins in your life that you would like to confess and repent of?

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pleasing god | 1 thessalonians 4.1-3

November 11, 2012

david von

Knowing the truth is very different from believing the truth. Sanctification is the process in which our knowledge becomes our reality. How we live and act prove exactly what we believe. Paul’s plea is to tangibly live out of the power and richness that Christ has given us so that we will show a life pleasing to God.

What is the difference between moralistic living and sanctification?
How have you seen Christ’s transformative work shaping your life?

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november 4 abounding in love | 1 thessalonians 3.11-13

November 04, 2012

brent harris

Loving others – all others – is of supreme importance to the Lord. This love is the root of holiness. Paul’s prayer for us to increase in this love is right in line with God’s plan to sanctify us. As this love is poured into our lives not only are we transformed but our world is as well.

Why do you think Paul would pray that our love would increase for “one another” and for “all”?
How will the answer to Paul’s prayer change us & impact our world?

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october 28 afflictions | 1 thessalonians 2.17-3.10

October 28, 2012

mark mccabe

The Bible clearly states that all of us will be confronted with trials in this lifetime. But God also promises that we will overcome those trials as we walk with Him. How is it that some are discouraged or even devastated and others seem to triumph in the face of adversity? Our study will help us recognize trials, equip us to confront them and grow closer to God in the process!

What trial(s) are you currently experiencing in your life?
How is the work of Christ good news to that situation?

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october 21st word at work | 1 thessalonians 2.13

October 21, 2012

david von

Objective: we would know the power of God’s word effectually at work within us

We place our trust in so many different things, some good, some bad. But there is only 1 thing that has the power to rescue you, transform you, and free you. The very word of God. Paul repeatedly speaks the gospel to the Thessalonians. He speaks the gospel to the head (exhorting), heart (encouraging), and hands (charging), so that his disciples grow up and mature and become a trophy of grace. When the gospel does the work, no one gets to take credit other than Jesus, but we get to boast and rejoice in his work through us.

How is the word of God currently working in your life?
What things other than the word of God do you place your trust in to rescue, transform, and free you?

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october 14 giving our own selves | 1 thessalonians 2.1-12

October 14, 2012

david von

Paul acted with great boldness in proclaiming the gospel because he had been “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.” He knew his new identity and his new mission, and he refused to back down despite persecution and suffering. He has no desire to please man, flatter his hearers, or gain monetarily from his preaching. We believe our call is the same as Paul’s. With confidence we are to clearly proclaim the gospel and willingly share our very own lives. We are to be gentle “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” and courageous like a good father “exhorting, encouraging, and challenging”, calling people into the kingdom and glory.

What is your heart and passion for this community of Christ followers we call emmaus?
What is your mission, who are you discipling, how is that going?

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october 7: gospel explosion | 1 thessalonians 1.1-10

October 07, 2012

david von

We live in a culture and time where almost everyone believes they are a Christian. But even a cursory look would demonstrate that many are living under a false presumption of what it means to truly be Christian. Although many people attend church, try and live good lives, and even agree with sound doctrine we are not Christian until we have experienced the power of the gospel in our lives. While the gospel consists of assertions and affirmations it is so much more. Irreligious people don’t believe the affirmations of the gospel, religious people believe the affirmations of the gospel but a Christian is something altogether different. A Christian is someone to whom the gospel has become a power in their lives.

What is the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Have you experienced the power of this gospel in your life?