The Encouragement of the Resurrection

In week 6 of Out of Context, Pastor Chip dives into the preexisting ideas we put onto scripture in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Dive deeper into the message with these discussion questions! 

General:

  • Have you heard this passage used out of context before (1 The 4:17)? How has this message changed the way you’ve viewed or heard this verse?
  • Examine yourself for a moment - What are some preexisting ideas or concepts that you might be bringing to Scripture?
  • Imagine you’re present during the Second Coming of Christ. How do you imagine you would respond to His return?
  • How does the idea/belief of resurrection affect you in the here & now?
  • What changes in my life do I need to make based on this weekend's message?

Take Home 1: The return of the Lord is an essential part of Christian teaching

  • Does this Take Home point surprise or challenge you? If so, how?
  • What has been your understanding or belief about the “end times”?

Take Home 2: We need to be people who are well informed about what we can know concerning the return of the Lord (1 The 4:13a,17-18)

  • What is the “anchor of faith” in your life?
  • What are you most looking forward to in the life to come?
  • How does Paul’s words in this passage (1 The. 4:13-18) encourage you? How can you encourage others with these words spoken by Paul?

Take Home 3: Properly understanding the Lord's return affords us an entirely different approach to this life (1 The 4:13b)

  • How is the way you live your life today impacted by your belief & trust that Jesus is returning one day?
  • Does your life (your attitude, reactions, conversations, etc) look as though you have hope? How so?
  • Does the passage in Hebrews 11 change the way you view your time in this world? How so?
  • When you’re going through difficulty or defeat, how can you remind yourself that Jesus is victorious and that you’re on the team that wins?

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Keep learning

Learn about our Discover Classes and Grace University. Browse through topical short video series, view interviews with Christian thought leaders, or take an in-depth systematic theology video class with Pastor Chip.