Always Maturing Together:
Our Discipleship Pathway:
What comes to mind when you think of “What you pass on?”
As the passage below is read, look for words or phrases that points to intentionality.
1 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children[a] among you.
Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. —1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Two Hurdles to Intentionality:
1.
Intentionality pours out of you because
2.
How do you define what a great parent is?
Practical Steps:
1. Be intentional with a
2. You gotta
3. Intentional relationships will
4. I move towards a lifestyle of intentionality because
SMALL GROUP GUIDE
WARM UP: Share a bit about the most intentional/relational person you know. Why do you think they live that way?
HEAD: These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.
- Review 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. Notice each statement about Paul’s intentionality both to serve Jesus as well as to love others.
- Why was Paul’s commitment to Jesus and others so strong do you think?
- Do you struggle with either of the hurdles to being an intentional person? (The hurdle of feeling like you need to be an expert or the hurdle of seeing yourself as a spiritual parent.)
- What do you think about the statement: “Intentionality pours out of you because Jesus has poured it into you?”” (Acts 4:13)
- Do you agree with Pastor Steve’s statement: “When a passion for Jesus and what He’s doing to change you becomes your everything, your whole perspective on intentionality changes”?
HEART: These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.
HAND: These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday life.
- What does “intentionality with a few” look like for you right now?
2. Pastor Steve said: “intentional relationships must alter your life? Have you found this to be true?