READY for His RETURN
Pastor Jeremy Helmuth
1 Thessalonians 1:4-10
July 14-16, 2023
LIVING with CONVICTION
The apostle Paul described how to live a fulfilling, joyful Christian life. We see this process in the picture below (fill in the four shapes). We all must go through this process, and it is the Holy Spirit who gives us the confidence and assurance to mature in Jesus Christ.
TURNING to God
At a certain point in our lives, we realize that the “idols” we chase are worthless. In that moment, we have an opportunity to turn towards God. The apostle Paul gives us two ways to move closer to the Lord.
We
who will judge the evil of earth with His
We
of Jesus Christ because of His
Discussion Questions
What is the meaning of the HOUND of HEAVEN?
As the hound follows the hare, never ceasing in its running, ever drawing nearer in the chase, with a steady and patient pace, so does God follow the fleeing soul by His Divine grace. Have you ever felt like God has chosen you more than you have chosen Him? How is that reassuring to your faith?
Why is it important for us to realize that we are CHOSEN?
Meditate on these verses (1 Pt 2:9; Eph 1:4-5; 1:11; John 6:44; 15:16; Rom 8:28-30; Dt 7:6; 14:2; Mt 22:14; 2 Th 2:13). Because we’re dead in our sin before Christ, it’s up to God to raise us to new life (Eph 2:5).
Who do you IMITATE (and are you a MODEL)?
Paul invites others to follow his example (1 Cor 11:1-2). Is your walk of faith strong enough that you can invite others to learn from you? This is very humbling, because no one feels worthy to state, “follow me as I follow Christ”, but we must if we are to mentor others. Discuss whom you learn from and how you are becoming a person from whom others can benefit from your guidance.
Do you SERVE the LIVING and TRUE God?
Discuss what it would be like to open up your eyes after death and realize that you followed the wrong god. What convinces you that Jesus Christ is the genuine God of the universe? Why is the resurrection the greatest proof of the Christian faith (1 Cor 15:14-20)?
Will you WARN the lost about the WRATH of God?
When is the last time you have talked to someone about what will eventually happen to this earth? If at least 58% of people will die during the tribulation, combining seal #4 (25%) and trumpet #6 (33%), that means that more than 4.5 billion people (out of 7.8) will taste death from this wrath. Decide that you will share the “bad” and “good” news this week with someone who desperately needs it.