Here and Now (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Community Group Discussion Questions

Making disciples through the mutual ministry of

redemptive relationships

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

  Sermon Title: Here and Now

Date: December 1, 2019 

1. Read Isaiah 9:1-7. Four titles are given to Jesus here: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Which of these four titles does your current neediness motivate you to press into? Explain.
2. The holiday season can be a very painful time for those of us who are grieving a loss. For who or for what will you be experiencing a loss during this season? How do you plan to express this grief? How can others be here to help you grieve with the hope described in this passage?
3. Whether grieving or not, how will the pending return of Jesus function (or practically work) to bring you hope and comfort this month?
4. In what ways will His return shape your Christmas plans and celebrations?
5. How does knowing your future with certainly- you will be with Jesus and with His people forever- give perspective to your past, current, and/or future afflictions? To your past, current, and/or future joys?
6. Given that the point hope isn't about the “where” of heaven as much as it is about the “Whom”, evaluate what is so great about heaven. Use the questions below to help you and share with the group.
   1. What will heaven be like. Why will it be enjoyable? How do you think most people in the world view heaven? How does your understanding differ from the popular conception? Be specific.*
   2. Would you want to be heaven with every good thing in the world and without Jesus? What would that be like?*

7. In what intentional ways and in what specific area(s) of life can we be encouraging one another with the certain hope that “we will always be with the Lord”?
8. What will you do this week to encourage yourself in this hope? 

*Questions adapted from “God is the Gospel Study Guide”, by John Piper.

Sex for New Christians (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8)

Community Group Discussion Questions

Making disciples through the mutual ministry of

redemptive relationships

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

     Sermon Title: Sex for New Christians

Date: November 17, 2019 

1. Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. What is unique about sexual sin versus every other sort of sin? Based on this text, what power or aid does God give us in order to help us flee sexual immorality
2. What comes to your mind when you think about “sexual holiness”? Contrast this with what comes to mind when you think about the idea of “sexual immorality”.
3. Do you tend to minimize or over-empathize the importance of sex? Why?*
4. In what particular ways are you currently living this out?
5. What false promises is sexuality immorality making to you presently? What fears do you have about sexual holiness?
6. How honestly have you talked about your particular sexual brokenness with other Christians up till now? Explain.
7. Which of the following Spirit given gifts do you most need to receive today in order to walk in sexual holiness: (1) Contentment 2) Conviction 3) Hope 4) Community)? Explain
8. What confidence do you have that He will give you this specific grace?

*Adapted from a re|engage workbook question.