Comforters (1 Thessalonians 2:17 - 3:13 | John 13-17)

COMFORTERS

1 THESSALONIANS 2:17 - 3:13 | JOHN 13-17

Absence is an unavoidable (but not permanent) aspect of life in the church that Jesus overcomes by his Holy Spirit and fellow Christians.

• The Jesus We Imitate (John 13-16)

• Paul Imitating Jesus (2:17 - 3:13)

• Imitating Paul (Imitating Jesus) (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1)

Discussion Starters

Monday—What does it mean, “You can’t take it with you?” What are different ways people respond to that reality? What is a godly response?

Tuesday—What occupied Jesus’ mind in his final hours with his disciples? (John 14-16) What does this tell you about Jesus? What kind of provisions did he make for them after he was gone?

Wednesday—What does Paul mean that the Thessalonians are his joy, his glory, and his crown? (2:18-19) How does this explain Paul’s joy at hearing about a good report in 3:6-8?

Thursday—Why was sending Timothy to the Thessalonians, the next best thing to being there himself? What mattered to Paul more—that the Thessalonians were cared for or that he was the one to do it?

Friday—Can Reformation survive a transition in pastors? Why or why not? What should we be doing to make sure that we are ready when the day comes?