READY for His RETURN
Pastor Jeremy Helmuth
1 Thessalonians 5:16-28
September 22-24, 2023
FOCUS on the INNER LIFE
We were created to delight in God, talk with God, and thank our God. But if we neglect these things, our hearts will become darkened.
grows our
Preserved BLAMELESS
In the NKJV of the Bible, we read that our body, soul, and spirit will be “preserved blameless” (1 Thess 5:23). How can we make sure that these three areas of our existence are ready for Christ’s return?
Secure your soul with
Connect your spirit in
Offer your body as a
While we wait for the return of Jesus Christ, make it a point to say goodbye to each other with these words:
Discussion Questions
How HEALTHY is your INNER LIFE?
Would you describe your heart in the following way: joyful, prayerful, and grateful? How much time do you spend focusing upon the Lord throughout the day? Do you have a dedicated time of solitude with Christ? How much do you think about God? Are you satisfied with your relationship with God, or do you long for something deeper?
What does it mean to PRAY without CEASING
According to researchers at Queen’s University in Canada, humans think 6,000 thoughts a day (6.5 per minute). They used data from MRI brain scans of 184 volunteers and noted when brains shifted from one thought to the next. How many of your 6,000 daily thoughts are negative? How many are repetitive, hindering your mind from healing from past hurts? What would happen if most of those thoughts were prayers focused upon God? Is your mind being transformed daily (Rom 12:2)? Are God’s thoughts precious to you (Psalm 139:17)?
Do you DELIGHT in the PRESENCE of the Lord?
Have you ever prayed silently in your mind as you drive your car, prepare a meal, do the dishes, fix a problem, or exercise? How can you be more conscious of God every moment (Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18; Luke 18:1; 1 John 5:14; 1 Peter 5:7; Heb 4:16; Ps 55:17; 145:18)?
Why does God love THANKFUL PRAYERS?
Many times, in the Bible, we are told to pray with a grateful spirit
(Phil 4:6; Col 4:2; 1 Tim 2:1; 1 Chron 16:8). Since an appreciative heart shows God that we trust Him, it is important to fill our prayers with thanks. Do your prayers drip with a gladness of God’s goodness?
Are you PRESERVED BLAMELESS?
How well can you answer these questions: Is your soul secure by Christ’s salvation? Do you connect your spirit to God in worship? Do you daily deny yourself, offering your body as a sacrifice? Discuss how these questions must be answered by a reliance upon God’s grace.