March 16 = 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Living to Please God

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Affirmation of Continuing Love and Work

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

SECTION OUTLINE FOUR (1 THESSALONIANS 4)

Paul discusses the glorious hope of the church in view of Christ’s return.

I.    The Challenges in View of the Return of Christ (4:1–12)

A.  What we are to do (4:1–2): Believers are to live their lives in a way that is pleasing to God.

B.  How we are to do it (4:3–12)

1.   Be holy and pure (4:3–5, 7–8).

2.   Don’t defraud another believer (4:6).

3.   Love all believers (4:9–10).

4.   Take care of your own business (4:11).

5.   Earn your own living (4:12).

OPEN:

• What was the last thing you made from scratch?

DIG:

• What three areas of lifestyle, discussed here, most affect a Christian's ministry? How so? 
• What "behavioral psychology" is Paul using here? What is the guiding principle behind Paul's commands and warnings? What does this passage say to someone who has already made sexual mistakes? 
• When urged to love "more and more," how do you suppose the Thessalonians felt?

REFLECT:

• How will a lifestyle that bears witness to God affect sexual morality? Work relationships? Time priorities? Small group dynamics? 
• What do you say to someone who believes you can do anything you want, as long as you mind your own business (1 Thessalonians 4:11) and no one gets hurt (1 Thessalonians 4:6)? Would you say anything different to a Christian who believes the same thing about sexual freedom? If so, what?