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 2:1-4. What does Paul believe about his ministry to his original audience?
• What had Paul endured in the past and how did that impact his ministry?
• Under what authority did he preach to them? How authentic was the message he preached?

Prayerfully Meditate

• What was the basis for Paul’s perseverance in light of the opposition he referred to in vs. 2-3?
• How do you receive and respond to opposition of your witness for Christ? Does fear of a certain response ever change the message you communicate?
• Why do you think the last half of vs. 4 is here? Does this apply only to Paul as an apostle or to all believers? Why or why not?