1 Thessalonians 1:1–7 | Resources
Discussion/Reflection Questions
1. How have you seen the gospel transform you since you repented and believed in the work of Christ?
2. How should faith, hope, and love shape our daily lives as individuals and as a community?
3. Paul says that the gospel came “not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction” (v. 5). What does this phrase teach us about evangelism and our role in it?
4. Who have been spiritual role models in your life? Who is imitating you?
5. What qualities or actions make a person or community a model of faith to others?
Memory Verse
“…our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit, and you yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5–6
Supplemental Scripture Reading
Acts 15:22–32: “Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to select men who were among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leading men among the brothers. They wrote:
‘From the apostles and the elders, your brothers,
To the brothers and sisters among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings.
Since we have heard that some without our authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts, we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our dearly loved Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth. For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements: that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. You will do well if you keep yourselves from these things.
Farewell.’
So they were sent off and went down to Antioch, and after gathering the assembly, they delivered the letter. When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and sisters and strengthened them with a long message.”