READY for His RETURN

Pastor Jeremy Helmuth
1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
July 7-9, 2023

When we pass from this earth (either by death or Christ’s return), we will only take three things with us: faith, love, and hope. The first letter to the Thessalonians teaches us how to live out our FAITH, display LOVE to God and others, and to hold onto HOPE until the end.

“WORK of FAITH”

Our

is all from God,

but our

should work to serve God’s

Reveal Answer

.

“LABOR of LOVE”

When we receive God’s

, we give away

that

despite seasons of

Reveal Answer

.

“ENDURANCE of HOPE”

We have

in our

Reveal Answer

, no matter how

dark the

, because we are

Reveal Answer

of Christ’s

Reveal Answer

.

A Powerful PRAYER to God

Give me a faith-filled

a love that doesn’t

grow

, and a hope that

Reveal Answer

.

Discussion Questions

Do you believe that Christ could RETURN Today?
If you grew up as a Christian, you were probably taught something about the second coming of Jesus Christ. How much was this topic talked about in your church and home? Did this subject bring fear to your young heart and mind? Has your upbringing affected how you view the rapture, great tribulation, and the end times? Why do you think so many churches steer clear of this topic today, even when there are so many New Testament passages about it?

Do these VIRTUES describe you: Love, Faith, and Hope?
At least seven other times in the NT letters we read about these three virtues (1 Cor 13:13; Rom 5:2-5; Gal 5:5-6; Col 1:4-5; Heb 6:10-12; 10:22-24; 1 Pt 1:21-22). Which of these virtues come naturally to you? Which virtue manifests itself the least in your daily life?

Do you HOPE for the APPEARANCE of Jesus Christ?
Study Titus 2:11-14. Do you genuinely believe in your heart that heaven will be better than earth? Too many Christians want to live until they are 75 years old and then they want Jesus to appear. How can you make sure that you are growing in a desire for God to make a new heaven and a new earth (2 Peter 3:10-13)?

Do you love others NO MATTER how MESSY it gets?
Do you see people as God sees them? Or do you become weary of people? What would happen if God became fatigued because of your problems and threw you away? Read Galatians 6:1-10. What must you remember if you are to carry other people’s burdens?

How can you ENDURE until the END?
When we realize our God-given purpose, we won’t swerve from it even when we face opposition or obstacles. Are you firm in your purpose? How can you make sure that you are serving God’s purpose instead of building your own kingdom (Acts 13:36; Mt 25:21)?