Off the Shelf Sunday School--1 Thessalonians

The Day of the Lord (5:1-11)

Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1.????Jesus said that nobody knows or can predict when he will return. He will return suddenly and unexpectedly. Christians should live as though Jesus might return at any moment. Is there anything you would do differently if you knew that Jesus was returning today? (Mk 13:32-37)

2.????Paul says that Christians have knowledge and a different view of life because of the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Bible provides knowledge which is like a lamp that shows the way we should live. (Ps 119:105; 1 Jn 1: 5-7) How has the Bible changed your views of life?

3.????There are two types of people: Christians who are children of God and sons of light and unbelievers are children of the devil and of darkness. Jesus said that he is the light of the world so those without Jesus live in darkness. (Jn 8:12 & 44; 1 Jn 3:10) These are some examples of the light that faith in Jesus provides:

A.????Christians have knowledge that unbelievers do not have.

B.????Christians expect the Lord to return suddenly, while unbelievers think the world will continue without sudden changes.

C.???Christians live with the knowledge that there will be a future judgment. Unbelievers live to please themselves and have no fear of being accountable to God for their actions.

D.???Christians are chosen by God to be saved from his wrath through faith in Jesus. (Eph 2:1-9)

1.????Paul says that faith, hope and love are required to live a life of obedience that glorifies God. (1 Cor 13:13) How does your faith, hope and love of God enable you to have self-control??

2.????Why do you think Paul says that faith and love are like a breastplate and that hope is like a helmet? (Eph 6:11-17)

3.????Paul again says that Christians have life with Jesus that is eternal. It begins by faith in this life and continues after death. (Jn 3:36; 5:24)

4.????How can you encourage and help other Christians to grow in their faith and love for Jesus?