Brotherly Ambition

Passage

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Sermon Summary

God made us to work, but our work is often marked by frustration. Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians orients their work toward a master motivation: Brotherly love. Christians who seek to love their fellow believers in tangible ways can submit it to three tests: 1) Are you living quietly? 2) Are you minding your own affairs? 2) Are you working with your hands (or at least willing to)? When we live this way, those outside the church will be attracted to our lives, and we will avoid unnecessary dependence on others.

Discussion Questions (choose any—you don't have to answer them all!)

1. [Optional starter question] What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. Name an aspect of your work that is not especially fulfilling or well-suited to you personally. How might it still be part of God's redeeming work in the world?
3. Which end of the work spectrum do you tend to lean toward: the hamster wheel of restless striving, or the hot tub of pleasure-seeking resignation? (or both!)
4. "Aspire to live quietly" (v. 11) is one of many paradoxes in the Bible. Why is it so hard? What cultural currents do you have to swim against?
5. How are you tempted to meddle in the affairs of others rather than minding your own?
6. Describe a Christian you know whose work is characterized by brotherly love. How do you long to be like them?
7. What is a specific habit you can practice this week to work in a more God-honoring, brother-loving way?
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Prayer Prompts

• Thank you, God, for giving the opportunity and ability to __________ (a form of work)
• Forgive me, Lord, for ____________ in the way that I pursue my work
• Holy Spirit, give me strength to pursue my work with___________ (more Biblical motives and practices)

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Resources Consulted

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• True to Our Native Land, ed. Bryan K. Blount
• The New Testament in Color, ed. Esau McCauley
• Thessalonians for Everyone, NT Wright
• Cornerstone Commentary on 1 Thessalonians, Philip W. Comfort
• The Bible Speaks Today Commentary on 1 Thessalonians, John Stott
• IVP Commentary on 1 Thessalonians, GK Beale
• Tyndale Commentary on 1 Thessalonians, Leon Morris
• Work: Its Purpose, Dignity and Transformation, Daniel Doriani
• Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work, Tom Nelson

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