Thessalonians - Part 7

Discussion Questions:

• Leaning Into Leaders

      •    What does it mean in practical terms to “respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you” (vv. 12–13)? How can we show love and esteem for our pastors in daily church life?

  Healthy View of Authority

      •    Why do you think people today often resist spiritual authority? How does Scripture challenge our cultural resistance to authority, and how can we guard against both abuse and abandonment of authority?

  Responsibility for One Another

      •    Paul gives four commands in verse 14: admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with them all. Which of these comes most naturally to you, and which is hardest for you?

  Quenching the Spirit

      •    In what ways might we “quench the Spirit” in our own lives, families, or church? What habits or attitudes keep the flame of the Spirit burning instead of putting it out?

  Growing in Holiness

      •    Paul prays that God would sanctify us completely (v. 23). How does the tension between God’s role in sanctifying us and our responsibility to “be holy” (1 Pet 1:15–16) play out in your everyday discipleship?

  Mutual Burdensomeness

      •    John Stott said, “We are all designed to be a burden to one another.” How does this perspective reshape the way we view church membership, community, and relationships?