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Women to Women 2023/2024

 


W2W June "Under Pressure"

Study 8: Under Pressure

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

 

Big Idea: When things are tough, good relationships with our leaders, one another and the Lord will help us cope.

Aim: to think about the relationships in our lives and how these might grow in love.

  1. What difference does having a good relationship with someone make when you are under pressure?

Story So Far:

As Paul concludes the letter to this young church he is so fond of, we see some of the themes of the letter recurring in his concluding remarks. His letter has spoken of the Faith of the young church in face of persecution, the Hope of the second coming of Jesus and how we must live holy lives while we wait and the Love of Paul for the church and the family relationship we have with one another.

 

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (NIV)

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies* with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

* “prophecies” at this time were more common because the canon of scripture was not complete.

First Impressions

Read the passage through a second time. What “1 Thessalonians” themes do you notice recurring in this last section of the book?

Digging in

  1. To help us see what the text is saying use this table to break down the content of the passage…

verses

In their relationship with….

Summarise instruction

What might this look like for you?

12-13

     

14-15

     

16-24

     

25-28

Paul

 

         ------

Talk:

Living it out

  1. When the pressure is on, which of our relationships are most likely to struggle?
  2. What might help us to build stronger, more loving relationships?
  3. Can you share a time when a good relationship helped you through a hard time?
  4. With Carrubbers being a big city centre church, how can you – in your circles - help us grow into a more loving church family?

Pray

In what circumstances do you need to rejoice, pray continually and give thanks?

Write them on a post-it note… and swap these around so that you can pray for one another. Take one another’s notes home to remind you to pray through the month.

Going Further

This passage may have made you think about specific relationships in your life… what might you do this month to invest in those relationships? It may be time to rejoice, pray, and give thanks… or take action and move towards someone.

Maybe ask someone from the group or someone you meet with regularly, to pray with you and commit to asking you over time how the relationship is going?

Read Philippians 1:27-30 NIV

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

  • What does this passage say?
  • What timeless principle does it teach?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

W2W May 2023 The return of Christ

Study 7: Christ’s return

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

Big Idea: Christ’s return changes what we believe and therefore how we feel about death and life.

Aim: to encourage one another through a reminder of the hope that Jesus’ return brings.

  1. When was the last time you thought about Jesus coming back? Is it something that feels far off or imminent?

Story So Far:

The young church has experienced some opposition and persecution. In his letter Paul has reminded them of the genuineness of their faith, and encouraged them to keep going.

Since Paul had left, some of the church members have died… possibly martyred for their faith. Paul writes to answer questions they have about Christ’s second coming and what happens to believers who die before he returns.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 (NIV)

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Now, brothers and sisters, 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 labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children 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 awake and sober. 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 sober, 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. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

First impressions

What do you notice about the tone of these passages?

Digging in

4:13-17

  1. How were the believers feeling at the start of this passage and why?
  2. What does Paul remind them of in order to restore their hope? (Past and future)

5:1-11

  1. When and how will Jesus return according to v 1-3?
  2. How are we to live in light of this v4-10?
  3. How do both sections of this passage finish (4:18 and 5:11)? Why is this a vital part of helping one another as we wait for Christ’s return?

Talk:

Living it out:

  1. Often discussions about end times don’t feel very encouraging. What are the unquestionable truths we can hold onto and use to encourage one another, whatever our view on how Jesus will return?
  2. How can we speak these truths sensitively to encourage those who have lost a loved one?
  3. How do we feel about Jesus’ return? How do the truths we know impact our feelings about it?
  4. What challenges you most about how we live in the meantime?

Pray

Take time to thank God for salvation and for the hope of the second coming.

Pray for those who are grieving and for one another as you live in light of the coming of Christ.

Who can you pray for who doesn’t know the Lord?

Going further

What questions do you have about the return of Christ?

Why not get together with someone to chat about these. Perhaps you could look in Scripture for the answers. If the answers aren’t clear, pray for one another to trust that God will bring about his good plans and purposes in His time, and for His glory and our good.

Encourage one another that we have an incredible hope that far outweighs any earthly hope.   

Read John 14:1-7 NIV

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

  • What does this passage say?
  • What timeless principle does it teach?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

W2W February: Face to Face

Study 4: Face to Face

1 Thessalonians 2: 17 – 3:10

 

Big idea: God uses us in one another’s lives to encourage, while Satan wants to keep us apart and isolated during times of struggle.

Aim: to see the value of being encouraged by others and spending time with other believers when afflictions come our way.

  1. In the pandemic, we experienced connecting via zoom rather than meeting face to face. While thankful we are/were still able to connect virtually, what are the advantages of meeting together physically when it is possible to do so?

The story so far:

The Thessalonian church began as believers genuinely responded to the gospel Paul had preached during a short visit (Acts 17). His time with them was painfully cut short as persecution kicked in and these young believers were left alone to face trials and hardships. Paul was concerned for them, that they would be persevering in their faith despite the situation and is eager to know how they are doing. So far in the letter, Paul has commended the Thessalonian church for how they have persevered under trial, and their faith has become known everywhere.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 (NIV)

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labours might have been in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

 

First impressions

What strikes you about Paul’s feelings for the people in a church where he only spent a few short weeks?

 

 

Digging in

  1. What was going on in Thessalonica as Paul writes to them (also see v ch1 v6 and ch2 v14)
  2. What is mentioned about Satan’s role in their situation? (How would Paul know it was Satan?)
  3. How was the church doing despite the separation? Why might this be?
  4. What do you notice about how the situation affects Paul?

Talk:

 

Living it out

  1. Trials are inevitable in the Christian life. What can we learn here about persevering in our faith when things get tough?
  2. What can we learn about the challenges of seeing others go through tough times? What can we do in such situations?
  3. How can we have joy as Paul does despite the circumstances?
  4. Review the benefits of meeting face to face with believers in your life. How do we make the most of this and how do we make the most of times when this is not possible?

Pray

Use this passage to help you pray for those in times of trouble and those separated from church family.

Going further

How can you seek to encourage someone who is going through a difficult time?

What verses have you found encouraging to remember when things are hard?

Plan to meet up or send them a message to encourage them to persevere.

Read Hebrews 10:19-25 NIV

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,  and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

  • What does this passage say?
  • What timeless principle does it teach?
  • How do I apply this to my life?


 

 


 


W2W March: Praying with Paul

Study 5: Praying with Paul

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Big idea: Paul’s prayers reflect the most important eternal desires of God for his church.

Aim: to help us shape our prayers for others around God’s word.

  1. What is prayer and why do we pray?
  2. What does prayer look like for you in daily life? (be honest – no one is judging… we can all struggle and feel guilty about our prayer life)

Story so far:

The Thessalonian Church was planted during a visit by Paul and cut short due to persecution. The young church is growing strong and is enduring through trials and persecution. It brings Paul much joy to know that God is holding them firm in their faith. He is keen to encourage them, so he lets them know he is praying for them and longs to see them

In this study we will see that in writing to the church in Thessalonica, Paul structures his letter around three prayers which help us see his deepest desire for the church.

Read:

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NIV)

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 (NIV)

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV)

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

First impressions

What strikes you about what Paul does or does not pray for?

Digging in

  1. What themes do we see repeated in the prayers?
  2. How do they link with what we have seen so far in the letter?
  3. How might these be encouraging to the Thessalonian church?
  4. In what ways is God described?

Talk:

 

Living it out:

  1. Bearing in mind that Jesus is going to return, how might you pray for the current situations in your life?
  2. In what ways is God at work to make you more holy just now? How might you pray for this in your life?
  3. Have you ever shared with someone what you’ve been praying for them? How did that go? How might you pray for someone you are concerned about in light of Paul’s prayers?

Pray together for one another – try to ask for prayer for the eternal work in your life as well as the situations that seem more pressing.

Going further

Why not meet with someone and talk about what you find helpful in your own prayer life? Some people use journals and lists, some have photo prompts, some use bible apps, some use daily scripture and there are many other ways too. Try something new or ask one another to pray for your prayer life. Accountability helps.

 Read Ephesians 1:15-23

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

  • What does this passage say?
  • What timeless principle does it teach?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

W2W April: Holiness

Study 6: Holiness

Thessalonians 4:1-12

 

Big Idea: Holiness in our relationships pleases God and honours each person in God’s family.

Aim: To help us to keep on seeking to grow in personal and relational holiness

  1. In what ways do you live that is different from the world around you?

Story so far:

After leaving the Thessalonian church at a time of persecution, Paul is keen to hear how they are doing and sends Timothy to bring back a report. Generally speaking, things are good but there are some things Paul thinks are lacking in their faith, and he wants to see them again to give them further teaching. He is particularly keen to encourage the Christians to grow in Christlikeness.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (NIV)

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality*; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honourable, not in passionate lust** like the pagans, who do not know God; 

*sexual immorality is any kind of sexual behaviour contrary to God’s design for sex which is between one man and one woman within a marriage relationship

** lust is a strong intense distorted desire… therefore not just sexual

and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

First Impressions

Why does living in a holy way honour and please God?

Digging in

V1-8

  1. Complete the table below. What is Paul instructing/calling the Thessalonians to do/ not do?

To do

Not to do

  1. What motivation does Paul give for living according to these instructions?
  2. What might the church have been in danger of doing for Paul to use the words “more and more” in v1b and v10b?
  3. Paul is urging holiness during a time of trial and opposition. Why might this be something he is concerned about while the church had so many other challenges?

V9-12

  1. Contrast the better way of love to the way of lust we have seen so far in v 3-8.
  2. Discuss how verses 9-12 might help us see how to live lives of love towards one another
  3. Can you think of an occasion when living to please God won the respect of outsiders?

Talk:

 

Living it out

  1. What does living to please others and living to please God look like in your life?
  2. In what area of personal holiness would you like to grow?
  3. How do we help one another to strive for holiness more and more and not grow apathetic in our spiritual lives?
  4. Which outsiders in your life would you like to be a witness to? How can you personally, and as part of the church community, show them the way of love is better than the way the world lives?

Pray

Spend time praying for one another in relation to personal holiness.

Going Further

Take a quiet minute to reflect on your own heart.

 If we put lust and love on a sliding scale where 0 is lust and 10 is pure Godly love. Where would these attitudes and activities be on this scale?:

  1. The way you think about brothers in Christ
  2. The way you treat others in the church family
  3. Your relationship with someone you are attracted to
  4. Your TV watching
  5. Your desire to be liked or noticed
  6. Other…

0                                                      5                                                    10

I_________________________I_____________________I

Lust                                                                                                  Love

Growing in holiness requires us to take a hard look at the state of our hearts, confess God’s way is better and turn to him for forgiveness and help to live in the way he designed us to live. The GREAT news is God sees our hearts and knew our motivations and desires when he died for us. He is quick to forgive and He loves when we come to him to ask for His help to align our desires with His.

12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Phil 2:12-13

 

This week, take some time to look up and share some verses relating to the area of personal holiness that you thought of in Question 10. The instructions given in God’s word come with the promise that God will help us in these areas by His Spirit in us.

Pray for yourself in this area.

Ask a friend/ mentor/ someone you meet with to pray for you in this area too.

Read 2 Peter 1:3-5, 7-11 NIV

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

  • What does this passage say?
  • What timeless principle does it teach?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

Study 3 "Integrity"

Study 3: Integrity

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

 

Big Idea: Paul reassured the church of the authenticity of his message and his heart for them. By his words and deeds, Paul’s ministry had been used by God to bear fruit “that had lasted”.

Aim: to be people who live out what we believe.

  1. Can you think of someone whose life really does ooze integrity?

(According to the Cambridge Dictionary, integrity means “The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change.”)

Story so far

Having been forced to leave the young Thessalonian church after a short stay, Paul reassures them in chapter one that the gospel they responded to led to genuine salvation and that the impact of their new faith in Christ is being felt far and wide. They are an example of the power of God to change lives.

Meanwhile, in Thessalonica, opposers to the faith are casting doubt on Paul’s ministry saying he was just a passing preacher, more interested in money and fame than in their welfare.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 (NIV)

You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.

First Impressions

What stood out for you from this passage?

 

Digging in

  1. How does Paul describe his ministry amongst the Thessalonians (1-7)?
  2. What does Paul do instead of seeking approval from people?
  3. What do we see here of Paul’s relationship with these believers (v7-12)?
  4. How might the Thessalonians have been encouraged by being reminded of Paul’s ministry among them and his heart for them?
  5. How might Paul’s use of comparisons in verses 13-16 bring the Thessalonians comfort and encouragement?

Talk:

Living it out

  1. What areas does Satan use in your life to try to make you doubt the gospel or the teaching you have received?
  2. How does this passage help you in these areas?
  3. What does it look like to have integrity and love as we share the gospel with those God has put around us?
  4. Verse 8 talks about sharing the gospel of God and our lives as well. How can we practically do this in the midst of our busy lives?
  5. What could seeking approval from God, rather than others look like in our lives?
  6. We are part of a wider church family around the world, many of whom are suffering or persecuted. In what ways does that encourage you to persevere? How might you connect more with other believers to help you persevere?

Pray for the worldwide church to have integrity as we share the message of the gospel

Going Further

Read the passage again and reflect on the verses that talk about Paul being like

  • A child
  • A mother
  • A father

Discuss with someone about how and when we are like a child, mother or father with those people whom God has given us, to witness to or care for?

Why not look further into the persecution of the church. James Morris’s sermon on 10th July 2022 at Carrubbers is a good place to start. Or look at the Open Doors website https://www.opendoorsuk.org/ for current situations to pray for.

Read Ephesians 6:11-13 NIV

Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

  • What does this passage say?
  • What timeless principle does it teach?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

 


Transformation

Study 2: Transformation

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Big Idea: God’s transforming work in us helps us to endure and helps the gospel spread to those around us.

Aim: to encourage one another when we see evidence of God’s transforming work in our lives.

  1. What are some of the ways people respond to trials and troubles in life?

Story so far:

Having been chased out of Thessalonica after a short but fruitful few weeks there (Acts 17), Paul is anxious to know how the new believers are doing so sends Timothy back to find out. When Timothy returns with news, Paul is heartened that they are growing in their faith. He writes this letter to the church to encourage them and to answer some of their questions.

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (NIV)

Paul, Silas and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you.

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

First impressions

What strikes you most about the way Paul begins his letter?

 Digging in:

V1-3:

  1. Paul addresses the believers and prays for them. What is the focus of his prayer?
  2. How does our work, our labour and our ability to endure look different as believers?

V4-10

  1. Why might the young Thessalonian church have needed reassurance that the gospel they responded to was genuine?
  2. List all the signs mentioned in this passage that tell us the Thessalonians had made a genuine conversion to Christ?
  3. How is God described in this passage?

 

Talk:

Living it out:

V6 says “You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”

  1. What does joy look like for a believer?
  2. Who do you aspire to imitate because you see Christ in them?
  3. How do you see Christ’s transforming work in your own life? (This could include where you have turned from idols to the living God.)
  4. In what ways do we compare ourselves with others when we are looking for signs of spiritual transformation?
  5. How does this passage help us to see one another and ourselves as Christ does?
  6. How does waiting for Christ’s return shape our perspective on our current circumstances and our spiritual growth?

 

Pray

Which verse stood out to you and why?  Pray in response to it. Give thanks for those in your life whom you look up to and pray for those who may be encouraged to hear of your faith.

Reflect personally on an area where God is 2nd, 3rd or 4th place in your life, ask for the Spirit’s help to “turn to God from idols” and make God number one in that area. (You can pray too for help from the body of Christ.)

Going further

We are to imitate others as they imitate the Lord (v6).

  • Think of a situation in your life that is tough just now. Can you think of someone who has been through something similar and remained faithful throughout? Or just persevered through a hard time themselves… we have all known challenges. Why not meet for coffee and ask them how they managed to persevere or text someone to ask for prayer for your situation.
  • Can you think of a young believer who may need to be encouraged in their faith? Why not get in touch and look at this passage together to help reassure them.

If there is an area in your life where you are struggling to turn to God from idols, why not think about who you could ask to pray with you and help to hold you accountable. There are some great resources to help you such as a course called Real Change by BCUK and books like Tim Chester’s You Can Change, or Tim Lane’s Unstuck. Do feel free to chat to Karen Clark about where to find help.

Read Philippians 3:17-21 NIV

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

  • What does this passage say?
  • What timeless principle does it teach?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

Oct 22: The Gospel comes to Thesselonica

Study 1: The Gospel Comes to Thessalonica

Acts 17: 1-9

 

Big Idea: God establishes a new church full of faithful believers despite many challenges and fierce opposition.

Aim: to encourage us to persevere in sharing our faith even in tough circumstances.

  1. If you are a Christian, how did others take the news when you told them that you had decided to follow Christ?

Story so far:

Paul and his team are on their second missionary journey when they visit Thessalonica. God sovereignly used a fall out with Barnabas (Acts 15), and a dream of a Macedonian man (Acts 16) to guide them to the capital of this Roman province. They had not planned to come here initially but God had it all planned. They travelled here from Philippi where Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for sharing the gospel.

Read Acts 17:1-10a (NIV)

17 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go. 10 As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. 

First impressions

What stands out to you on first reading this account in Acts 17 of Paul and his companions in Thessalonica?

Digging in

  1. What was Paul’s “technique” for reaching out?
  2. What did Paul teach?
  3. List the different responses of the people in Thessalonica?
  4. What verse stands out to you most from this passage and why?
  5. Where do you see God at work in the circumstances that Paul and his companions face?

Talk

Living it out

  1. If Jesus is your Lord, what challenges or opposition have you experienced since receiving him?
  2. What responses have you had when sharing the gospel?
  3. How does this passage encourage you to keep going even when you have challenges and negative responses?

Pray

On a post it note, write down the name of a particular person or a situation where you would like to share more about your faith. Give this to someone in the group so that you can commit to praying through the month for one another in this area.

Going Further

This is an opportunity to think further and connect deeper with someone in the month between W2W nights. Why not have a coffee with somebody/ some people from your group, or see if someone from your homegroup wants to meet up. There are folks doing the same study in different contexts or perhaps share what you have learned with someone who can’t make it along at all. If you would like to do this but are not sure who to meet with, do ask your group leader, a homegroup leader or Karen Clark who would be happy to help. (karen.clark@carrubbers.org)

Some ideas:

Why not read the whole of the first letter to the Thessalonians (it only takes about 15 mins)

  • How do you think the believers had been getting on since Paul left?
  • What do you think were some of the issues that Paul wanted to write to them about?
  • Who have you not been in touch with in a while? How might you reconnect to encourage them in their faith?

Use the verse you highlighted in Q5 or another that this study has brought to mind and spend some time meditating on it through the week ahead

How to meditate?

  • Memorise it. Ponder it. Apply it and Pray it.
  • Check out David Nixon’s introduction to bible meditation from February 2022 on the Carrubbers YouTube site: 

Read Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

  • What does this passage say?
  • What timeless principle does it teach?
  • How do I apply this to my life?

 


 


Living in Light of Christ's Return

 


W2W We are the temple of the Holy Spirit

Watch Kirsty share her testimony

Eilidh shares what it means that We are the temple of the Holy Spirit 

 

We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit

Ephesians Ch 2 v19-22

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

Questions

  1. Did anything in particular stand out to you from the talk?
  1. What do you think it means for God to dwell with us? Or us to dwell with Him?
  1. Looking at Eph 2 v 11 – 22: How does God dwelling in us, both individually and as a group (the church) make a difference to how we live?

        How does it affect our identity and our choices in life? 

  1. The Temple helped God’s people to see their sin and the holiness of God more clearly, what difference does it make to us that Jesus came?
  1. If Jesus is the cornerstone in whom the whole building is joined together, how does He help us to grow together as the temple?


          What would happen if he wasn’t there?

  1. We have looked at the theme of belonging this term and how the Bible describe us as his church: saints, the body of Christ, God’s family, a Royal Priesthood, Ambassadors for Christ, the bride of Christ.

    Which of theses has resonated with you most or been most helpful?
    How do all these pictures together help us to understand our identity better?

 

Resources

NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible

New Dictionary of Biblical Theology

  • Temple, T D Alexander

Book - Even Better Than Eden, Nancy Guthrie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTnq6I3vUbU

https://bibleproject.com/blog/temple-of-god/


W2W "We are the Bride of Christ"

The Bride of Christ

Marriage: A Taste of Eden and a Foretaste of Home

Ephesians Chapter 5 verses 22-33 (NIV)

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[b] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Questions

Context:

  • What do you know about the book of Ephesians?
  • Skim through/read the headings of chapters 1-3, then chapters 4-6. What differences do you notice?
  • According to 2:4-9, who are we as the Bride of Christ? Does looking through the “Bride of Christ” lens give you a different perspective of this passage?

Observation:

  • Fill in the chart, noting what commands and descriptions are given to each.

Wives

Husbands

Christ

Church

       
  • Judging solely on the amount of ink spilled, who is the true focus of this passage?
  • Does this change the way you view the passage? If so, how?

Interpretation:

  • Take each of the descriptions of Christ and make inferences about what this means for the Bride of Christ. Finish the sentence “The Bride of Christ is…”
  • Read v. 31, then read John 1:1-2 and 3:16-17. What parallels do you see?

Application:

  • The truths we learn about the Church in this passage are true both for the Church collective and each individual within the Church. Read over the inferences again, personalizing them. What does this stir within your heart?
  • How should we as the Church respond to our Bridegroom?
  • How should we as the Church encourage and respond to one another?
  • How could this passage help us think about brokenness in the Church?
  • How should this passage encourage/challenge those who are married? Single? Divorced? Widowed?


We are Ambassadors of Christ

Ambassadors for Christ

“Use everything at your disposal to be a gigantic, illuminated billboard of God’s glory!”

Lindsey Carlson

Watch Liz share her testimony

Lynda and Emily share what it means to be Ambassadors in Christ

2 Corinthians 5 (NIV)

Awaiting the New Body

5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Questions

Intro

  1. Was there any person or people that were ambassadors to you and helped lead you to Christ?

 

  1. What was it they did or said that helped you put your faith in God?

Context (v1-10)

  1. At the beginning of this passage Paul uses a lot of imagery to get across his points. He talks of the “earthly tent” and “heavenly dwelling”, and also being “clothed…with our heavenly dwelling” and “unclothed”.
    1. What does he mean by earthly tent and heavenly dwelling?
    2. What does he mean by clothed with our heavenly dwelling and unclothed?

 

  1. Verses 6 to 10 Paul reminds us of why we should be ambassadors and ultimately who we’re doing this for.
    1. V6-8: What is Paul saying here? What should our primary motivation be?
    2. V9-10: Paul says here “So we make it our goal to please him [God], whether we are at home in the body or away from it”. Why should we be trying to please him always?

 

  1. Paul uses a lot of linking words in this part of the passage.
    1. Can you find them all?
    2. What is he leading us towards in the next section?


 

Observation/ Meaning (v11-21)

  1. In verses 11 to 15 we see Paul animatedly explain why we should be ambassadors. From these verses, what are his motivations for his call to action?

 

  1. V15 is such a big statement! What do you take from it?

 

  1. In v 16 and 17, what do you think Paul may be asking us to remember here? And as believers, how can we help each other to remember that too?

 

  1. Having looked at these verses in more depth how does this make you feel about being an ambassador for God?

Does it motivate you or terrify you?

Application

  1. How can we be ambassadors for Christ to non-believers?

 

  1. How can we be ambassadors for Christ to other believers and each other?

Prayer

Who do you think you are called to be an ambassador for God to in your life? As you pray think about that person or those people lift them up to God, that they may see God’s glory through you.   

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors as though God were making his appeal through us. (2 Cor 5:20a)


We are a Royal Priesthood

We are a Royal Priesthood

W2W 2nd Feb 2022

Questions

Intro: Was there anything new or that particularly struck you or that you didn’t understand from the talk?

Read the passage 1 Peter 1:22-2:12

Priests represent God to the non believers

Q1. If as priests, part of our role it to represent God to the people (especially to non-believers), how will verses 1 Peter 1 22-25 help us fulfil our roles as priests?

Q2. In 1 Peter 2v9 Peter exhorts us to proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light how do we do this as a priesthood?

Priests represent God to believers

Q3. What do you think Peter means by “Pure Spiritual Milk”?  How do you think that would have helped the believers then and us now to grow in salvation?

Q4. Jesus is described here as a cornerstone, and we are living stones? What do you understand by the different terms used and how are they relevant to us?

Q5. Peter writes in verse 4 “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. We know that because of Jesus’s once for all sacrifice, blood sacrifices are no longer required so what does Peter mean by Spiritual sacrifices and list some of the ways in which we do this today individually and together as a priesthood?

Look at these verses in Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 13:15-16 and 1 Corinthians 10:31 to help you answer this question

Represent the people to God

Q6. Another part of the role of the priesthood was and still is to represent the people to God. How do we do this  today?

Q7. We have only really been able to scratch the service of this part of our identity in Christ that we are a royal priesthood. What aspect of being a priest would you like to learn more about?

Pray together

Below are some ways you could dig in deeper

Bible passages

Instructions for the Tabernacle: Exodus 25-31 v17

  • The Ark of the Covenant-Exodus 25 v10-22
  • Tent of the Tabernacle Ch26 verses 1-37
  • Garments for Priests Ch 28 verses1-43
  • Consecration of the Priests Ch29 verses 1-37

Offerings that the Israelites were instructed to give-Leviticus Chapters 1-7

The Creation of the Priesthood-Leviticus Chapters 8-10

Day of Atonement Ritual-Leviticus Chapter16

Call to Holiness-Leviticus Chapters 18-22

The High priesthood of Jesus-Hebrews Ch 4 v 14- Ch 10 v18

Other resources

Bible project Royal Priesthood videos-https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/royal-priesthood/

Book by Edward Welch “Created to Draw Near”


W2W December: We are God's family

We are Family

Lydia shared her testimony and the Marian gave us an overview of family in Scripture. 

Questions on Gal 3:26 – 4:7

 

Context

  • What struck you (if anything) from the overview?
  • What was the main error that the church in Galatia had got into that was the purpose of the writing of the letter to the Galatians?

Observation and Meaning

  • What is the promise that was given to Abraham and passed down through his seed to us? Look at the words promise and faith though the passage.
  • From Gal 3 v26-29 What does it mean to put on Christ? How does that make us one in Christ? 
  • In the context of this passage, what does the child signify?
  • What is the promise that was given to Abraham? How does being in Christ allow us to “become Abraham’s seed”? 
  • What does it mean to be heirs of that promise to Abraham? 
  • How does the redemption of Christ release us from the Law and allow our adoption as sons?

Application 

  • How does the witness of the Holy Spirit reassure us that we are Sons of God? What does this look like for us?
  • How can we be family to one another? Give examples of when you have felt that Church is like your family. 
  • Have you ever felt you did not ‘fit’ in the family of God? How does this passage help?  What makes us fit together?  

Women to Women November 21

belonging : we are the body of Christ

Finding our place in the Community of faith

These are not natural talents merely, but gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit to fit the believer for his place in the body of Christ. They are like pipes on a great organ, permitting the musician wide scope and ranged to produce music of the finest quality. But they are, I repeat, more than talents. They are spiritual gifts.  [A W Tozer]

watch Heather Holsworth Teach

1 Corinthians 12  [NIV]

Concerning Spiritual Gifts

12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 

11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Unity and Diversity in the Body

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 

14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

 15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And yet I will show you the most excellent way

Questions

Context

  1. The Corinthian church were confused over how they were to function. Find 3 or 4 things that were disturbing Paul about them? (12 verses 1-3)  How might these traits impact their times of worship together?

Observation

  1. Paul punctuates this chapter with three statements about God and the origin and purpose of spiritual gifts. He shows us God’s intention for their use in verse 13, 18 and 24-26.  Rewrite the statements in your own words and choose one word to summarise each.
    1. verse 13
    2. verse 18
    3. verses 24-26


Meaning

Origins

  1. Who appoints members of the body to their positions? Why is this significant? (12 verses 28-29)
  1. Why do we need one another at Carrubbers (12 verse 13)? How would you describe what Paul is getting at here?


Purpose

  1. In 12 verse 7 and more in Ephesians 4 verses 11-16, Paul spends time looking at the reason for the gifts. What is their purpose?
  1. Why shouldn’t all Christians perform the same function? (12 verse 19)

Application

  1. How can we encourage one other to discover and use our gifts?
  1. Kelly has been told she’s gifted in teaching but people are struggling to stay awake. But when she comes alongside someone who is hurting, her faith in prayer for them is life-giving and transformational. What do you do if you see who is not gifted for the work they are doing?  What do you do for Kelly?  (Are there Bible passages that inform your actions?)
  1. What could you do to ensure that you are using your gift for the building up of the body?

Plan of action

What can you do this week to help yourself or a close friend grow in/discover her spiritual gift?

Without love even the most radical devotion to God is of no value to Him.  Let me make sure that sinks in … You can gain all the spiritual gifts in the world.  You can take the most radical steps of obedience.  You can share every meal with the homeless in your city.  You can memorise the book of Leviticus.  You can pray each morning for 4 hours like Martin Luther.  But if what you do does not flow out of a heart of love – a heart that does those things because it genuinely desires to do them – it is ultimately worthless to God.     J D Greear
 
The Benefits of God’s Gifts: You will be satisfied (you understand your unique ministry/purpose & are better able to discern the will of God at various points in your life).  Others will be edified.  God will be glorified
Kenneth Boa

Digging Deeper

  • Passages on the gifts of the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4v10

  • Roundtable discussion: Spiritual Gifts in the Church, Josh Patterson and Matt Chandler

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg25e5fojrc

  • There are numerous spiritual gift surveys online

  • The Pursuit of God – A W Tozer (available free online)

  • Conformed to His Image – Kenneth Boa



W2W October 2021

W2W October 2021

We are Saints

Watch the talk and testimony here

1 Corinthians 1 (ESV)

1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Questions

Context

From the overview of how holiness is revealed to us through the bible story… what stood out to you?

How do you feel about being holy/ being a saint? Is that an identity you can relate to? Why/ why not?

We will be looking at a passage from 1 Corinthians, When you think of the church in Corinth, what do you know about them? Why was Paul writing to them?

What does Paul emphasise as he greets the church in Corinth?

Observation/ Meaning

What does this passage say about the Corinthian believers’

Past:

Present:

Future:

Are these all true of us (and any believer at any time)? How do you know that?

Which one do you particularly need to be reminded of today?

Holiness is a now and not yet thing – in what ways are we already holy and in what ways do we need to grow in holiness?

To what degree is holiness Gods work and to what degree is it our own?

Application

Holiness is primarily a description of God’s essence (not a mere action or a set of behaviours)- how can we set ourselves apart to reflect God’s holiness in the way we live?

When we see people as holy/saints we see God’s image in their lives. It’s not something we always see in ourselves so need the encouragement of others. How can we speak to/ pray for others in a way that might help them grow in holiness?

(OR What does it holiness look like in the lives of others? How do we encourage others in this?

Holiness is a community project – how has God used others in your life to help you grow in holiness?

Personal reflection: Is there a person you might need to ask for help from in a particular area where you need to grow in holiness?

 Dig deeper

Look for the word saints in a concordance

Leviticus 17-26

1 Peter

A place to belong- Megan Hill

Identity Theft – Megan Kruger

Thirty one truths: who I am in Christ – Bible App plan

Holiness video – bible project bibleproject.com/explore/video/holiness/

 


W2W June 2021

W2W June 2021

Following Jesus

As we reach the end of Marks good news account of Jesus Christ the son of God, we need to weigh op what following him looks like in our lives and if it's worth it! Tonight we will see what it cost Christ, as well as how those watching the death and resurection responded to the costs involved for them. 

But first a testimony of what following Jesus looks like in the life of one of our church family. 

Listen to Naomi Sutton's testimony

Mark 15:33-16:8

Questions:

Read MArk 15:33 - 16:8 again

Context:

Jesus chose to give his life. He died voluntarily… breathing his last with a loud cry was not the normal way for a man being crucified. The Centurion and Pilate were both surprised by it but arrived at different conclusions. What surprised you most about Jesus death? Or what is it about Jesus death that causes you to wonder afresh about who he is and what he has done?

Observation/ meaning:

  1. Mark focuses our attention on the Women (mentioned in the death, burial and resurrection passages) Why might he have done that?
  2. Mark tells us a lot about Joseph, what do we know about who he is, what he did and why is this significant?
  3. Mark’s account of the resurrection is brief but it has many many reassurances for us in our faith. What are some of the areas we need reassurance in surrounding Jesus death and resurrection? What evidences does Mark give to reassure us?
  4. Why does Mark make mention of Peter specifically and what do these two words add to our understanding of the gospel.
  5. Mark finished the book abruptly… what impact does this have on our reading of it? (see notes below if you are left a bit unsure)

Application

  1. What does following Jesus look like for you just now?
  2. Mark 8:34 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.35 For whoever wants to save their life[b]will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”  What do you find hard (or unexpected)about following Jesus? We all find things hard at times so be honest and let others in the group encourage and pray for you in this.
  3. What difference(S) does the it make that the death and resurrection REALLY happened? in what ways can that affect how we view the challenges of the week ahead? (if time be specific about a challenge what is coming up and what truths will help you with it)

Notes on the end of Marks gospel

We saw in the passage today that after Christ is risen. The women who have witnessed all that has happened, are told to go and tell the disciples the good news. And they don’t. they run away in fear.

If I was writing a book about Jesus…. I would have done it very differently… I would have had a nice wrapped up happy ending… Jesus is risen… theres a big celebration… everyone is tweeting the news and sharing selfies with the risen Christ. But that isn’t how Mark ends his account…. And not just because he lacked the technology. He ends his account of the GOOD NEWS with belwildered women too scared to share the news of the empty tomb and the risen Christ.

We need to ask Why?

Why is there no appearance of Jesus mentioned and no great commission like the other gospel accounts have?

As Mark’s account was copied and shared among the early church … they also asked why he ended the way he did? they were unsatisfied… and they added the section we see at the end of our gospels…. Most bibles say that verse 9 onwards was not part of the original manuscript. It reads in a different style to Marks and summarises what happened next from the perspective of those familiar with the other gospel accounts. If Mark didn’t write that bit, why then did he choose to finish so abruptly? Did he die? Did some of the original ending get lost? We don’t know for sure… but we do know that God, and maybe Mark too… intended us to see that the account Mark wrote finishes with an abrupt ending. 

My own view and that of many commentators is that Mark leaves us hanging on purpose. We’ve seen all through the book that Mark focuses on people’s response to Jesus; those who you expect to get it don’t, and other maybe more unexpected followers emerge. I think we are left hanging because Mark wants us to think about how we should respond ourselves to what is undoubtedly the BIGGEST event in history. 

Karen


W2W May 2021: Responding to the King in Crisis

We begin this month with a testimony from Sue as she shares what following God looks like in her left

 Watch Marian share some insights from Mark 14-15:39 before you think thrrough the Questions

Questions for discussion

In your groups go through the passage Mark 14:1 – 15:39 and ask these questions.

Q1     What people do we encounter in this passage? 

How did they respond to Jesus in this time of crisis? 

How did their response fit with how they had responded to Jesus earlier in His life?  Think back over the previous chapters of Mark that we have studied.  Are their responses consistent with how they had responded to Jesus before?  If they are different, why is this? 

Why is it significant that the only people to recognise Jesus for who He is was a woman and a Roman soldier? 

List some of the words that describe some of the responses to Jesus.  What does this tell us about how they saw Him? 

Q2     What can we learn from Jesus as He faces his trial and death?  What other passages can tell us of His attitude?  How was this seen by the woman who anointed Jesus and the Roman centurion who watched Him die?   

 

 

Q3       How does the number three feature in this passage?

            What does this tell us about God ?

How can we be encouraged by this?

 

Q4     Look back over the last year, as we have seen our own time of crisis, on what and on whom have you relied as a Christian?  Is it God and His word?  Is the church and its structures?  Is it other people and their teaching?  Is it ourselves and our own efforts?  Is it the world and all it offers?  Is it a combination of all of these? 

How much refining do we need?  What sort of silver and gold does the Lord look for?  What does it look like in our lives? 

Q5     How can we help each other bear the ‘refiners fire’?  How can we encourage each other not to stumble in a time of crisis?  How can we be prepared?

Pray for each other in the light of these responses and ask for the Lord to refine us into gold. 


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