Church of The Future -- 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 -- March 2, 2019

GETTING STARTED

Who are some people you respect and why?

This week we're exploring Paul's response to Timothy's report about Thessalonica. In his
reply, Paul provides three tactics for the church to win the respect of those outside the
Christian community: (1) demonstrating brotherly love, (2) minding one's own business, and
(3) working hard.

WE WANT TO:

- Better understand why people in our neighborhoods, work places, and local communities
show respect to others.

- Commit to a life of brotherly love, minding our own business, and working hard.

- Invite the Holy Spirit to show us the areas we need His help.

READ

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

WATCH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcMnzPPi2NA

DISCUSS

1. What do the terms “respect” and "contempt" mean to you? How do you define them?

2. What is Paul saying about phileo (“brotherly”) love in this passage?

3. How can our church increase in brotherly love? What can we do practically to
communicate love to one another (read John 13:34-35; Lev 19:18; 1 Pet 4:8; Rom 13:8; 1
John 3:18)?

4. What do you think it would have looked like to “lead a quiet life” in the ancient world (read
Job 3:26; 11:19; Ezek 38:11)? What do you think it would look like to “lead a quiet life”
today?

5. What steps can we take as a church to mind our own business? How can we hold each
other accountable to this in a loving manner?

6. How should we, as Christians, approach work? How does this differ from culture's
approach?

7. In what areas of your life do you feel like it would be challenging to apply Paul's advice?
Why?

8. Why do you think Paul teaches that demonstrating brotherly love, minding your own
business, and working hard will win the respect of outsiders/unbelievers? How does this
apply to winning respect today?

9. What is at least one area in your life that you would like to win the respect of unbelievers?
How can your group be praying for you in this?