Series: In the Last Days / Week 4 – How to Live Awake in a Sleeping World
ICEBREAKER
Ask: Be honest… what’s something you’ve done half-asleep (sent a weird text, walked into the wrong room, stared into the fridge for no reason)?
Ask: If Jesus came back this week, what’s one thing you’d suddenly get real serious about?
SECTION 1: FROM FEAR TO HOPE
READ 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 (NIV)
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.”
Discuss
What stands out to you about the contrast between wrath and salvation?
How should understanding the end times bring peace instead of fear?
SECTION 2: FROM DISTRACTION TO ALERTNESS
READ 1 Thessalonians 5:7–8 (NIV)
“For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
Discuss
What does being spiritually asleep look like in real life today?
What is one distraction that keeps you from being spiritually alert?
SECTION 3: EMBRACE YOUR IDENTITY
READ 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NIV)
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Discuss
How does knowing your identity in Christ change your daily decisions?
Where are you most tempted to live for approval instead of eternity?
SECTION 4: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR EACH OTHER
READ 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14 (NIV)
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
Discuss
Which is hardest for you: correcting, encouraging, helping, or being patient?
Who is one person you can intentionally support this week?
SECTION 5: LIVE RADICALLY GOD-CENTERED LIVES
READ 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Discuss
Which is hardest right now: rejoicing, praying, or giving thanks?
How can gratitude shift your mindset this week?
FINAL REFLECTION: ARE YOU READY?
Which shift do you need most right now?
Faith over fear
Alertness over distraction
Identity over approval
Responsibility over passivity
God-centered living over self-centered living
PRAYER TIME:
A heart that is spiritually awake and alert
Freedom from distraction and complacency
Confidence in your identity in Christ
Strength to live ready and encourage others