1. The Mark of Faith (1 Thess. 2:13-16)

2. The Test of Faith (1 Thess. 2:17-3:5)

3. The Proof of Faith (1 Thess. 3:6-13)

For Further Thought and Discussion
Getting Started
1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?
2. Have you ever strayed from the faith for an extended length of time? Why? What brought you back? Have you ever known someone who didn’t come back? Why do you think you came back but they did not?

Going Deeper
3. Please read 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16. How did the Thessalonians respond to Paul’s work among them? How would you describe true faith from these verses? How does this definition compare with the way many people define faith today?

4. Please read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5. Why was Paul concerned about the Thessalonians’ faith after he left them? How was their new faith tested? Why must real faith be tested faith? How has God tested your faith? If you saw each day as a new test of faith and obedience, what would change in your life?

5. Please read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13. What proved that the Thessalonians’ faith was genuine? Why is the way we respond to problems and affliction an indication of whether we really believe or not? (See Mark 4:16-17 and Col. 1:21-23.) What does, “that we may see your face and may complete what is lacking in your faith,” tell you about the way Paul looked at the faith of the Thessalonians? What exactly is Paul praying for in vs. 11-13? (what is the relationship between love and holiness?)

6. What do you learn about faith from this passage?


Application
What is one thing you can do this week to apply this passage?