Our Resurrection Weekend services begin with our Good Friday Evening Gathering, March 29 at 7:00 pm, and conclude with our regular Sunday activities on Resurrection Sunday Morning, March 31!

1 Thessalonians square

Prepare your heart for the Sermon by looking through these suggestions that will assist you in making the most of our time together hearing God's Word.

You will find suggestions for thinking more critically through the passage, meditating more intently on the text, and prayerfully seeking wisdom to deepen your understanding of the passage to be preached this Sunday.

Carefully Think

  • Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23-34,
  • What is the main theme of 1 Thess.? What did Pastor Bret say this book is all about?
  • What specifically is the “Now” linking back to? (What immediately preceded? A larger section immediately preceding? The whole book so far?) Why do you think this?
  • What are the requests in 23? Who is the one that is being requested?
  • What is the shift that takes place between vv. 12-22 and 23-24? Who is being addressed in these 2 sections? Why does Paul make this shift?
  • What does “sanctify” mean in this context?
  • What is Paul asking for in 23 when he requests the Thessalonians “be preserved”?
  • What is Paul highlighting in v. 24?

Prayerfully Meditate

  • Why do you think Paul described God as “the God of peace”?
  • What does it mean that God is faithful?
  • Why do you think Paul also describes God as “He who calls you”?
  • Why do you think Paul included v. 24?
  • What promise is being made in v. 24?
  • What do these verses contribute to our theology?