During the Get Ready series, we’ve learned that preparing for Jesus’ return isn’t about just sitting around and waiting; we have important things to do while we wait! This weekend Pastor Jill Lewolt takes a look at three areas that Paul thinks are important to pay attention to while we live in the waiting: our time, our mind, and one another.

Group Discussion Guide

Introduction

Debrief as a group about last week. What was the “High” and “Low” from the week so far? How did last week’s application go?

After debriefing the past week, begin your time with prayer.

Memory Verse

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

Opening

This week we are talking about how we can honor God with our time while we wait for the return of Jesus. The books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians teach that this can happen in a few different ways: working, living quietly, and caring for others. This week in your group, discuss how we can incorporate our time around God while not distracting ourselves and others from the teachings of Jesus. This is one way we can seek to be diligent, not growing tired of doing good around us, and persevering in our calling to teach the things Jesus taught.

This leads us to our big idea:

Big Idea for this week
We should pay attention to what is most important as we prepare for Jesus’ return.

Connect

• How often do you think you become distracted from important things in your life? Why? Give an example if you are comfortable.
• What do you think the difference between rest and being idle is?
• Why is it easier to persevere through difficulty when the good end is in sight?

Unpack

Go around your group and have someone read each of the following verses, then discuss the connected questions.

READ

• 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

DISCUSS

• When you work, do you view it as a way of glorifying God? Why or why not?
• What do you think your work ethic says about your relationship with God?
• How can working hard allow you to care for others around you?

READ

• 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

DISCUSS

• What do you think it means to “live a quiet life”, as it states in verse 11? What is the purpose of doing this when waiting for Jesus’ return?
• What would it look like to stay busy in a healthy way? What is the harm in not doing this?

Apply

Based on the verses we just read, there are a few things that we can do in response. Take a moment to discuss these application questions as a group:

• What are some ways that we can live out our faith in practical ways every day with our time? In our work? In how do we care for others? In our demeanor?
• How can we apply this entire series (having the right motives, expecting challenges, pursuing purity, living in hope, and paying attention) to our lives as we wait for the return of Jesus?
• What is one practical step you can commit to following for the rest of the year that will help you pay attention to God? How can the group help you follow this commitment?

Closing

As we end this series, remember why the things we have discussed are important. Jesus is alive and moving and active; correct motives, expecting challenges, purity, hope, and paying attention are all also active processes and help us live well while we wait for Jesus’ return. Continue in your desire to grow closer to Jesus and follow the teachings we have discussed during this series.

• Ask for prayer requests and conclude your time with prayer.

Daily Bible Reading

Use the S.O.A.K. method to reflect on the verses below.

Scripture: Read the verses several times out loud.
Observation: As you read the scripture, what do you observe?
Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do or feel based on what you have read?
Kneel: This is a chance to pray about what you have read and learned.

• Day 1: Proverbs 16:19-20
• Day 2: Galatians 6:4
• Day 3: Philippians 2:4
• Day 4: Ephesians 5:15-17
• Day 5: 1 Peter 5:8
• Day 6: Hebrews 3:1-4