If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Investing in God’s people from life to life
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction.
Jesus works in a person’s life from the inside out. He transforms character from self centredness to love. The fruit is seen when others’ lives of are impacted by this love.
Paul saw this fruit in the young church in Thessalonica. In the short time he was with them Paul saw the Thessalonians had become disciples who had an impact. The passages below examines this fruit of ministry.
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All of the texts in this page are from 1 Thessalonians 1.
- Fruit of life in Christ - Thanks for fruit in faith, hope and love.
- Evangelist’s assurance - God has been seen to have worked by changed life.
- Lived among them - They could see the message, not just hear it.
- Model to others - the message is seen by others in the lives of the converts.
- What is Paul’s outlook on these young believers?
- What is Paul’s contribution now he is no longer with them?
- Reflect on the Christian leaders you know of. What characteristics of these people are esteemed?
- What does Paul look for as the evidence of spiritual life?
- How could you see these in the lives of those you minister to?
1 Thessalonians 1: 2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul is sure of the Thessalonian’s standing with God. The fact that Paul here says that he knows God has chosen the Thessalonians implies that he is not so sure about some others. He does not presume, but looks for evidence.
- What had Paul seen that gave him assurance of the Thessalonians salvation?
- What might indicate these characteristics in a young believer in your situation?
1 Thessalonians 1: 4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
Paul’s life was observed by the Thessalonians. This is not accidental. If Paul was close enough to be seen by the Thessalonians, he was also close enough to see the reality of their lives.
- Why is it important that the Thessalonians knew how Paul lived among them?
- What spiritual benefit was there for the Thessalonians seeing Paul’s life?
- What might it look like for you to be close enough for a young Christian to imitate you and for you to observe their life?
1 Thessalonians 1: 5 You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
The outworking of Paul’s ministry is that the Thessalonians become a model to the Macedonians, the oldest church in the area and to Achaia, the youngest. These are young believers making mistakes yet Paul is completely positive about their testimony.
- What seen by other churches?
- How could you encourage those in your ministry as they model to others?
1 Thessalonians 1: 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8The 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, 9for 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, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
FRUIT OF DISCIPLESHIP
