READY for His RETURN
Pastor Jeremy Helmuth
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
August 11-13, 2023
God’s WILL for YOU
We often spend much of our lives wondering what God’s plan
is us, but the message in this New Testament letter is clear.
We are given a blueprint for how to keep our lives pure.
where God has placed
Stay as
that separates
If we
then we’ll honor our
God
Prayer for PURITY
The Holy Spirit, who lives inside us, is the one who will give us the power to remain pure and restore us to purity when we fail. Pray this prayer of King David, who had a heart after God.
Create in me a
renew Your
Discussion Questions
What is God’s DEFINITION of Purity?
Meditate upon these “purity verses” (Titus 2:5; Phil 4:8; 1 Tim 5:22; Mt 5:8; Ps 119:9; Heb 13:4; Ps 51:10; 1 Pt 3:1-3). How does thinking “pure thoughts” create a pure heart within us? Did you know that living according to God’s Word leads to purity? How does self-control begin with having a pure heart? Why do some people have more difficulty maintaining moral purity than others?
How do we survive and thrive in a SEXUALIZED CULTURE?
What are the greatest temptations men and women face today in relation to the sexualization of our culture? What can be done to help young and old people remain pure in a world that highlights and celebrates immoral behavior? Have you ever prayed the “Prayer for Purity” that was presented in the sermon? If you struggle with feeling like a failure, ask God to “create, renew, and restore” you!
Why does Sexual Purity SET you APART from the world?
Read Leviticus 18:1-30 (especially verse 3). God didn’t want the Israelites to take part in the surrounding nations’ sins. Many ancient religions did sexual acts to honor their gods and goddesses. Why do you think so many religions and cults have at their center a form of worship where people engage in sexual acts? Discuss the connection between Lev 19:1 and 1 Thess 4:3-4 and God’s desire for holiness. Even though our society doesn’t directly honor certain gods through sex, the worship of sex is at the apex of our culture currently.
How can you PARENT your child towards PURITY?
What should you do when you notice that one of your children is getting too close to “the line” in their relationship with someone? How much have you prepared your child to live a pure life? How do you raise your child in grace and truth instead of oppressive legalism? Is there anything you can do to ensure that your child will live out
1 Timothy 4:12 by the time they are ready to leave the house?