3-23-2014
1 Thessalonians 5. 12-28
"Final Instructions"

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS I Thessalonians 5. 12-28 I.  Paul’s letter Returns to Theme:  How Shall We Live to ______ God? A.  Paul lists several practices and attitudes  B.  There are some Inward & Outward __________ suggested. II.  Living to Please and Honor Christ has to do with Our External ________ A.  A creed is a statement of faith…or beliefs B.  Whether you know it or not you also profess an External ______ III.  1st Paul Mentions Our Treatment of Our _________ Leaders A.  “________those who work hard among you, and are over you in the Lord.” B.  Who are these people? C.  Paul encourages respect and ________ of our spiritual leaders.  IV.  Another External Creed: Our __________ of Brothers and Sisters A.  Be at ______ with one another- How do we do this?  B.  Warn the _____…Encourage the timid…Help the weak C.  Some inward disciplines:   D.  The way we treat our Brothers and Sisters in Christ is contagious V.  Our External Creed- Shows in our Attitudes and Our __________ A.  Be joyful always…Pray continually…Give _______ in all circumstances B.  A few more suggestions: · Do not ________ the Spirit’s fire · Do not treat prophecies with contempt  · Be wise & discerning- test everything & hold on to what is _____ · Avoid every kind of evil.   VI.  Paul’s Closing Blessing & Benediction: God is ________ A.  May God “sanctify” you B.  May you be kept __________ C.  The one who call you is faithful land he will do it. (V. 24) D.  Question: ____ God able to do what he has called you to do, and be?

3-16-2014
"What the Future Holds"
1 Thessalonians 4.13 - 5.11

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS 1 Thessalonians 4. 13- 5. 11 1. THE ____________ OF JESUS’ RETURN              A.  Those who _______  won’t miss out              B.  Don’t grieve as those who have no hope 2. BE _____________ (5. 1-3)              A.  Nobody knows for sure ______…but we know for sure                                     that he is coming.               B.  Like a thief in the night 3. LIVE ____________ SO THAT YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY (5. 4-6)              A.  “You are not of the _________ so that this day should                                       surprise you…”               B.  Christians should be different in attitude, in actions, in                                      __________              C.  Putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope                                     of salvation as a _________.”               D.  “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to re                            ceive salvation.” 4. THEREFORE. _________________ ONE ANOTHER (2x)              A.  What does the _________ hold…a major topic of our                                       day              B.  Because much of the future is unknown…it can be                                frightening, and for some even _____________              C.  Paul gives confidence to believers here…to “look                                 forward”              D.  Are you worried about your future? 5. PAUL’S LETTER GIVES ___________ POSITIVES:              A.  _____________ - “And so we will be with the Lord for                                     ever.”              B.  Hope- “Don’t grieve as those who have no hope.”              C.  ___________- “Therefore encourage one another with                                     these words” 6. YOUR ASSIGNMENT:              A.  Encourage one another ______ _______ ________              B.  Be self-controlled and alert              C.  Put on faith, ________, and the hope of salvation:

3-9-2014
"The Audience of One"
1 Thessalonians 4. 1-12

The Audience of One Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4. 1-12 I.  INTRODUCTION: Paul- the Coach:  II.  GOD’S WILL FOR YOU= SANCTIFICATION (Vss. 1-12) 1.  In ________ specific areas of life 2.  Sexual standards, __________ love, winsome lifestyle III.  BABY ________ GENERATION’S GIFT TO THEIR DESCENDENTS: · The Result: a ______ much like that of Ancient Greece, and Roman Empire IV.  MARRIAGE & FAMILY __________ ARE ONE OF BIGGEST  TARGETS OF OUR MODERN CULTURE: 1.  Christians today live with the constant sexual message from our culture: IT __________ MATTER WHAT YOU DO- ANYTHING IS OKAY.  2.  God has a _______ standard for those who call themselves Christians.  3.  God’s will for us is SANCTIFICATION- in our marriage & family relationships V.  SANCTIFICATION- IN 2ND AREA: _______________ LOVE   1.  Showing Jesus’ love in _________ ways to others is another way we demonstrate being sanctified- set aside for God 2.  Paul writes, “Keep doing this more and more…”             VI.  A ____________ LIFESTYLE HONORS GOD AND ATTRACTS PEOPLE TO JESUS: This is a 3rd area of Living to Please God. 1.  There were evidently some “________” among the church at Thessalonica 2.  Paul says, SHOW YOUR FAITH BY YOUR “winsome lifestyle.” VII.  SO- HOW DOES A BELIEVER LIVE TO PLEASE GOD?

3-2-2014
"The Blessing of Good News"
1 Thessalonians 3. 6-13

THE BLESSING OF GOOD NEWS 1 Thessalonians 3. 6-13 I.  GOOD NEWS A.  Timothy’s ___________- · you long to _____ us, just as we long to see you · The Tempter didn’t tempt them beyond their ability to endure B.  This week if you have some good news…______ it with someone II.  GOOD ____________ A.  It is pretty difficult NOT TO SHARE good news! B.  “Now we really live”- we have something to celebrate C.  Does God get the _______ for your good news?  III.  GOOD PRAYERS- Paul’s rejoicing turns to a ________ A.  “Night and day we most earnestly pray that we may see you again…” B.  Paul’s Prayer is for God to supply what is lacking in their faith C.  Making disciples and helping believers grow comes from ______ together. IV.  GOOD _______ FOR THE FUTURE A.  Paul believes that God will make a way for time together-  B.  Paul believes God for ___________ and overflowing love   C.  Paul believes God will strengthen their hearts D.  Paul believes that God will help them grow so that they may become __________ and holy in God’s presence            V.  THE POWER OF GOOD NEWS: A.  God can be ________ for answers to our prayers B.  Strengthened hearts, spiritual growth, overflowing love is powerful for those who are able to see God at work in other believers  C.  A Challenge: · _______ for one another   · Make sure you share your “good news” not only with good friends, but also with those who are really desperate to hear some.