Preparing for Sunday - The Church He Builds pt. 5

Last Sunday we prayed out loud, "Here I am." This Sunday we find out what that looks like, and the answer is in a letter to a church that was only months old. Take some time this week to read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 a few times, work through the questions below, and come ready to hear that the gospel travels life to life.

Critically Think

1. Read verses 2-3. Paul starts with thanks to God, not with praise for the church. What three things does he remember when he prays for them? What does it tell you that the "work," the "labor," and the "steadfastness" each come attached to faith, love, and hope?
2. In verse 4, Paul says he knows God has chosen them. What does verse 5 give as the evidence? Notice the order: God chose them, then the gospel came, then they received it. Why does that order matter?
3. Verse 5 says the gospel came "not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit." What does the Holy Spirit do that words alone can't do? Then look at the second half of verse 5: "You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake." Why does Paul count his own life as part of the evidence?
4. In verse 6, the Thessalonians "became imitators of us and of the Lord." Who did they imitate first, and who second? What did they copy about how Paul received the word (hint: look at "much affliction" and "the joy of the Holy Spirit")?
5. Verses 7-8 say they became "an example" to believers in Macedonia and Achaia, and that "the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you." What two things traveled together? Why does Paul say "we need not say anything"?
6. In verse 9, people everywhere were reporting on this church. What two things were they talking about? Note the three moves of the turn: to God, from idols, to serve the living and true God. What does it say that Paul names God first?
7. Read verse 10 slowly. What is the church waiting for? How does Paul describe the One they wait for ("whom he raised from the dead," "Jesus who delivers us"), and from what does He deliver?

Prayerfully Meditate

1. Who put the gospel in front of you in a way you could see and touch? Take a few minutes to thank God by name for that person. If you can't think of anyone, ask God to bring someone to mind this week.
2. Somebody is watching how you follow Jesus, whether you've noticed or not. A child, a grandchild, a coworker, a neighbor. What are they learning from you on an ordinary Tuesday?
3. Psalm 135:18 says of idols, "Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them." What are you most tempted to serve in place of the living God? A paycheck, a reputation, the approval of other people, comfort? Be specific with the Lord about it.
4. Verse 10 describes Jesus as the One who "delivers us from the wrath to come." Take a moment to think about what that means for you personally. Where are you tempted to trust something other than Jesus to deliver you?

Intentionally Act

1. Write down two names this week. First, who is investing in you? Second, who are you investing in? If the first line is blank, ask God for a name, then ask that person to meet with you. If the second line is blank, ask God who is already watching you, then offer to open the Bible with them.
2. Send a short note or text this week to the person who invested in you, and tell them what it meant.
3. Pick one thing on your list of things you serve that has crowded out Jesus. Name it to a trusted believer, and take one practical step to turn from it this week.
4. If you have never turned to Jesus and trusted Him, talk with Pastor Chris or someone you trust this Sunday. You don't have to clean yourself up first.