Series: In the Last Days / Week 3 – End Times: Signs You Can’t Ignore
ICEBREAKER
Ask: If Jesus came back this week, what’s one thing you’d suddenly get real serious about?
SAY:
“The question isn’t just are we in the last days… it’s how are we living if we are?”
SECTION 1: FROM SINFULNESS TO SANCTIFICATION
READ 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 3–5, 7 (NIV)
“We instructed you how to live in order to please God ... 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 honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God … For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”
Discuss
What does “sanctification” look like in real, everyday life?
What is one area where God may be calling you to grow in holiness?
SECTION 2: FROM CONFUSION TO CLARITY
READ 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 (NIV)
“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. 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.”
Discuss
Why does the hope of eternity change the way we grieve and live?
How does knowing the truth about Jesus’ return bring clarity to your life?
SECTION 3: ENCOURAGE WITH TRUTH
READ 1 Thessalonians 4:15–18 (NIV)
“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. 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. 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. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
Discuss
What stands out to you about the promise of Jesus’ return?
How can this truth encourage you—or someone else—this week?
SECTION 4: FROM PASSIVITY TO READINESS
READ 1 Thessalonians 5:4–6 (NLT)
“You won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. “
Discuss
What does it look like to live spiritually alert instead of spiritually asleep?
If you truly believed Jesus could return at any moment, what would change?
SECTION 5: LIVING WITH URGENCY
RE-READ 1 Thessalonians 5:4–6 (NLT)
“You won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. “
Discuss
What is one step you can take this week to live more ready for Jesus?
Who is one person you feel led to encourage or share your faith with?
FINAL REFLECTION:
Which shift do you need most right now: sanctification, clarity, or readiness?
PRAYER TIME:
A heart set apart for God
Clarity and confidence in truth
Urgency to live ready
Boldness to share Jesus with others