SF588 - DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES (1 Thessalonians 1 1-10)

SF588

DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

INTRODUCTION

Central Bible Truth

Christians have access to spiritual resources that enable them to stand firm in a hostile world.

Teaching Aim

To help young adults identify spiritual resources that enable them to stand firm in a hostile world.

Create Interest

Distribute paper - Write a letter of encouragement to a friend that is facing hostility because of their faith.

Ask two volunteers to share their notes.

1A.       A CHURCH THAT IS GOD’S (1)

Paul and Silas Monologues

The Church

Capital of Macedonia

Important trade route - Egnatian Way

Primarily Gentile

The Greeting

Grace = Greek “charis” = to rejoice

Peace = Hebrew “shalom”

2A.       A FAITH THAT WORKS (2-3)

Produces Thanksgiving in Others (2)

Is Motivated by...

Love

Hope

3A.       A SPIRIT THAT EMPOWERS (4-6)

The Source of Our Power (4-5a)

“Chosen” = elect of God

“Conviction” = power to change

The Scope of Our Power (5b-6)

The example (5b)

The evidence (6)

Case Study

Mary is a Christian and is trying to follow Christ faithfully. For the past four years, she has worked in and office setting where no one else is a Christian. Next week, the company vice-president is having a party at his home. All employees are expected to attend, but Mary is hesitant. She has attended office parties before and knows how wild they can get. She expressed her reluctance to attend the party to several fellow employees. Now they are ridiculing her publicly because of her Christian values.

How would you help Mary stand firm?

4A.       A MESSAGE TO MODEL (7-10)

What was the result of the Thessalonians’ faithfulness?

How far had their reputation of standing firm spread?

What change had occurred in the Thessalonians as a result of their faith in Jesus?

Which usually travels faster, good news or bad news?

What good news do you have to share about WHBC?

APPLICATION

God provides spiritual resources for believers to stand firm.

Believers find strength for standing firm by remembering that they belong to God.

Faith in Jesus is a faith that works.

The Holy Sprit empowers Christians to stand firm.

Standing firm is a testimony to others of the truth of the gospel.