« Back to Beyond the Message

How to use it: After watching/listening to this week’s message, from February 5, 2023, use the questions to go deeper into the message, with your group…or on your own. The questions will introduce you to the topic, reflect content from the sermon, go ‘Beyond the Message’, & get you thinking about practical applications for your life.

1. Can you think of a person, business or organization that you enjoy dealing with because of their character or conduct? Explain to the group the story behind that.
   

2. Read 1 Thess 2:1-2 and then Acts 16:11-40.

   a. In Acts 16:17, if the slave girl’s words about Paul and Silas are true, why do you think Paul wanted her to stop? Was he just annoyed, or was he concerned?

   b. Why do you think Paul made his demand in Acts 16: 37?

   c. Based upon the events of this story, was Paul’s ministry a success or a failure? What criteria did you use to make your decision?
   

3. Read 1 Thess 2:3-7 and answer the following questions.

   a. Can you think of an example of a “charlatan” that you have encountered? What characteristics from this passage did they display?

   b. What characteristics does Paul present in rebuttal to the accusations brought against him?

   c. Take a moment and summarize the godly characteristics Paul implies in this passage.
   

4. Read 1 Thess 7-12, and make note of each family metaphor (i.e. mother, brother, father) and the conduct related to each. What would it look like to live out each of these in the family of God? Who have you seen demonstrate a good example of each?
   

5. As you close in prayer, take a moment to quietly consider the following question and then commit your response to prayer. “What change could you commit to that would help you to better live, love, or serve the family of God at West Meadows?