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

• Skim 1 Thessalonians, paying attention to the chapter and paragraph headings.
• Specifically from chapter 1: What is Paul thankful for? What is his relationship with original audience? What does he say about the Thessalonians’ reputation?
• How was Paul encouraged when he received report about this church in 3:6-9?
• What is stated about God’s will for believers? (4:3 and 5:9 specifically)
• From 5:12-22, what instructions are given? From 5:23-24, what is Paul’s desire for the church and how confident is he this will come about?

Prayerfully Meditate

• What topics or passages came to mind when you would previously think of this letter?
• What do you see as the theme of 1 Thessalonians?
• How much of what Paul reveals about this church in chapter one could be said of you?
• What specifically did you find encouraging, to help you grow in the Lord?