Living In Light of Christ’s Return – 2 Thessalonians

Part 1: Counter-Cultural Christianity In A Crazy World

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice 

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Sunday, September 15th, 2024

The Passage 

2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,ESV

Counter-Cultural Christianity

How to Live for Christ in a Crazy World  

#1 Embrace your God-given identity (v.1-2)  

#2 Grow in your faith (v.3)  

#3 Love one another (v.3)  

#4 Persevere in the trials (v.4)  

#5 Keep a Kingdom perspective (v.5)

TALK IT OVER
1. Icebreaker: If you could create a new identity for yourself, what funny or unique name would you choose, and why?

2. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2. How does Paul describe the church in Thessalonica, and what does this tell us about their identity in Christ?

3. In today’s culture, people often try to define their own identity. How does this differ from the identity God gives us through Christ?

4. Cross-reference: Romans 8:16-17. What does it mean to be children of God and heirs with Christ? How does this truth influence the way we view ourselves?

5. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:3. How do you see your faith growing? What are some ways we can cultivate continuous spiritual growth?

6. Share about a time when you felt your faith grow stronger. What circumstances or practices helped that growth?

7. Cross-reference: John 13:34-35. How can our love for one another be a witness to the world around us? What practical ways can we show this love?

8. How can we increase our love for one another as a small group or church community? What obstacles might we face, and how can we overcome them?

9. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5. The Thessalonians remained steadfast during persecution.
How can we encourage each other to stay strong when facing trials?

10. How have trials or difficulties in your life helped you grow in perseverance? What lessons did you learn from those experiences?

11. Cross-reference: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. How does keeping a kingdom perspective help us endure challenges? How can we focus more on eternity in our daily lives?

12. Of the five characteristics of counter-culture Christianity (identity, growth, love,
perseverance, kingdom perspective), which one stands out to you as an area where you want to grow this week? How can we support and pray for you in that?