Series: In the Last Days / Week 2 – Ways to Live for Jesus in the End Times
ICEBREAKER
Ask: Have you ever had a moment where you felt prompted to speak up about your faith—but didn’t?
Then ask:
• Do you think boldness is something you have—or something you grow into?
SAY:
“As the world grows darker, following Jesus requires more intentionality, not less. The call isn’t to fear—it’s to faithfulness.”
SECTION 1: SPEAK BOLDLY
READ 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NIV)
"For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict".
Discuss
What stands out to you about Paul’s willingness to speak boldly despite opposition?
Why does fear often keep us from sharing our faith?
Where is one place or relationship where God may be calling you to speak more boldly?
SECTION 2: LIVE PURELY
READ 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6 (NIV)
“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.”
Discuss
Why is it so easy to prioritize people’s approval over God’s approval?
What does it practically look like to live to please God in today’s culture?
In what area of your life are you most tempted to compromise?
SECTION 3: LOVE DEEPLY
READ 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 (NIV)
“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”
Discuss
What does it mean to not only share the gospel but also share your life?
Why do we tend to keep people at a distance instead of loving deeply?
Who is someone God may be calling you to invest in more intentionally?
SECTION 4: ENDURE FAITHFULLY
READ 1 Thessalonians 3:7–8 (NIV)
“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.”
READ Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
"Therefore put on the full armor 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."
Discuss
What does it mean to “stand firm” when your faith is tested?
What is one current challenge that is testing your faith right now?
SECTION 5: LIVING READY
READ 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13 (NIV)
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 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”
Discuss
What is one step you can take this week to live more intentionally for Jesus?
SECTION 6: THE 4 BIG QUESTIONS
Discuss
Where is God calling me to share my faith even if it costs me?
When do I care more about pleasing people than pleasing God?
Who have I kept at a distance that God is calling me to love?
What trial is God using to strengthen my faith?
PRAYER TIME:
Boldness to speak about Jesus
Strength to live with purity and integrity
A heart that loves others deeply
Endurance to stand firm in faith