1 Thessalonians 5.12-28
Them (12-13)
Us (14-15)
"Care for others is not to be left to any special class of believers" - Leon Morris
Recommended Resource: "Jesus Christ is NOT One-Size Fits All" - a sermon by David Powlison
Free MP3 download: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A2090-04-51
Do's and Don'ts (16-22 & 25-27)
Attitude in three parts
Five things to do and not do
Where God is the Focus (23-24 & 28)
Only God can bring all of these commands, corrections, and areas of growth to fruition. Not the force of personality, not the depth of love from a true and trusted friend, not the ringing voice of apostolic authority, not the kind and gentle words of a pastor, and not even the careful explanation and effective transfer of life-changing data. God will use these means of grace, but they are not the source of grace... only God.
The point? Where God is the focus; hope is the result.
Caregroup Application Questions:
1. What does obeying the command to "always seek to do good to one another and to everyone" look like in your own life? Where has God revealed that He would like you to grow in this?
2. How is being patient related to admonishing, encouraging and helping others and how can you grow in these areas?
3. How can we practically encourage others in our caregroup to grow in sanctification and holiness?
4. How does knowing that the God of peace will be faithful to sanctify you completely, and keep your whole spirit and soul and body blameless until Jesus returns enable you to obey His commands?
