The Manner of His Messengers

Passage

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

Sermon Summary

In the midst of conflict and mistrust, we are tempted to either pick a side and fight, or to shut up and be nice. Paul shows why neither approach is consistent with the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith. Instead, Christians are called to get close and give ourselves away, matching the manner of our lives with the message we proclaim.

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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. Which approach to conflict feels most tempting for you in this cultural moment, and why? “Pick a side and fight” or “Shut up and be nice”?
3. What role does social media play in how you relate to others about important issues like politics, gender, race, etc.?
4. The Gospel says that Jesus freely chose to save us from God’s own righteous wrath—a gift that we could never earn. Why is that incompatible with each of the most common approaches to conflict?
5. Describe a person who has embodied the Gospel for you in a way that seemed supernatural. What did they do that left such a mark?
6. The Gospel calls us to love like a good mother who gives herself away and like a good father who comes alongside and encourages. Do you tend to lean more toward one or the other? Where might God be calling you to grow?
7. How do you know when to give yourself away and when to withdraw and refresh your soul? Consider the example of Jesus in his earthly ministry.

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Prayer Prompts

• Thank you, Jesus, for __________ (an aspect of the Gospel that is especially sweet to you personally)
• Forgive me, Lord, for engaging in __________(issue or conflict) in self-righteous ways.
• Forgive me, Lord, for refusing to engage in __________(issue or conflict) with courage, humility and love.
• Help me, Father, to get close and give myself away in ___________ (situation or relationship)

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Resources Consulted

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• True to Our Native Land: An African-American New Testament Commentary, 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
• When People Are Big and God is Small, Ed Welch

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