Sermon notes for July 21-23, 2023
Part of 1 Thessalonians
July 19, 2023

READY for His RETURN

Pastor Jeremy Helmuth
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
July 21-23, 2023


PLEASING God

and mistreatment is a

that God is working to spread the

.


PLEASING People

The traits of a people

is a sure sign

that

is working to spread .


Becoming a God PLEASER

God pleasers are

so that

the

is displayed through them.


God pleasers look up for

,

look out for

living and look inward for .


God pleasers

cheer people on

to

Christ with their life.

Discussion Questions

Why has CANCEL CULTURE risen in our society?
According to Matthew 24:10 (NKJV), we are told that “many will be offended” in the last days. Could Jesus have been referring to our time when people bypass forgiveness and compassion in favor of anger-filled rejection? What are the dangers of cancel culture? Does fear of being “canceled” tempt you to be more of a people pleaser?

How can I become TRANSPARENT?
Take these steps if you want to break free from wearing a mask around others: (1) Acknowledge that your heart is deceived (Jer 17:9); (2) Pray for God to search your inner being (Ps 139:23); discover what the Spirit enlightens (Pr 20:27); (4) decide that you will live in the Spirit (Rom 8:5; Gal 5:16). If you are stuck in a cycle of trying to please people with being fake, then take a step towards freedom in Christ.

What does it mean to MAGNIFY Christ?
Meditate upon the ways we exalt and glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Luke 1:46; Heb 2:12; Is 25:1; Ps 148:1-14; Phil 1:20; 1 Cor 10:31; 1 Pt 4:11). Do these actions describe your countenance towards God? Are you focused on Him, or yourself?

How can I rid myself of FLATTERY?
What is the difference between encouragement and flattery? If you can discern “the motive,” then you can see the difference. Flattery is a compliment shared to manipulate another person for personal gain. A flatterer compliments someone for attention, to seduce, to solicit compliments, and to gain favor (Ps 5:9; 12:1-4; Pr 29:5). Check the motivation of your heart when you compliment others.

Why is being a people pleaser so DESTRUCTIVE?
When you are focused on making sure everyone likes you, you create an atmosphere of perceived perfection. No matter how hard you try, you will never meet all the expectations of others. This week, spend time asking yourself, “What will please God the most?” Then live it.