Courageous & Contagious STUDY GUIDE

Icebreaker: In your own words, what does it mean for you to live expectantly, with a sense of urgency?

Sermon Title: The Model Church “Courageous & Contagious” 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Group Discussion:

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 – The church in Thessalonica was living expectantly; it was all about Jesus, and they chose to live on mission and with purpose as a model for others. What specific attitudes and actions can we embrace as disciples to exemplify this model more fully and live with a sense of urgency?

Read Acts 1:8 & Acts 9:31 – The church movement is a multiplying movement. We must possess a burden for people who are still “lost.” What practical steps or strategies can we implement as individuals, and as a body of believers, to foster a strong sense of community reaching out beyond our circles and comfort zones?

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:3 & Ephesians 2:8-10 – A church multiplies because of its work of faith. Work by faith, labor by love, and endurance by hope are a direct result of Jesus in our lives. How can we ensure and maintain our faith-work so that it is rooted in Jesus and not in our own efforts or accomplishments?

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 – A church multiplies because of its labor of love, because changed people serve people. Can you share examples from your own experiences or observations where acts of service have played a significant role in sharing the gospel and bringing others into community and fellowship?

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:10 – A church multiplies because of its hope in a returning Jesus: an enduring and patient hope. How can our collective hope in the return of Jesus impact the effectiveness of our mission?

What practical ways can we cultivate and express this hope in our lives and outreach efforts?

Spiritual Discipline:

I Thessalonians is a letter containing five chapters, so take time to read and study one chapter per day this week with a goal of reading the entire letter multiple times during these next seven weeks.

Also, check out our sermon resources, including the Bible Project’s brief video on I Thessalonians through RightNow Media from the home page on our Church Center app. And you may create a RNM account for free at: Church Center/Sermon Resources.

Action Steps:

Take tangible steps to answer and live out your response to this question: “If I knew Jesus was returning tomorrow, how would I live differently today?” Also, be intentional this week by sharing with someone what Jesus is doing in your life and invite them to church next week.