Sunday School Lesson May 19, 2024
Subject: Doing Life Together In Christ
The Point: Believers share and experience life in Christ together.
Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-15
Study The Bible: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
1). Stand united as children of light who are well prepared for the Lord’s return.
- But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief.
- For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness.
- So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled.
- 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 self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation.
Lasting truths from: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
* Those who are children of the light that comes through Christ need not fear the day of the Lord’s return.
* Although His coming is inevitable, we do not know when it will occur; therefore, we need to live with and attitude of expectancy.
* Believers are to encourage one another to live faithfully in anticipation of the day of the Lord’s return.
* Our preparedness for His return will be evidenced in our having put on faith, hope and love.
2). Encourage one another to live together here on earth as we will live together with the Lord in heaven.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
- For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
- who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
- Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.
Lasting truths from: 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
* Believers can look forward to the coming of the day of the Lord with keen anticipation, not fear.
* Christ died that we might be saved from sin.
* Eternal life in heaven means being together in the presence of the Lord.
3). Challenge one another to live together in peace and support others in the pursuit of what is good for all people.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
- Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you,
- and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
- And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
- See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.
Lasting truths from: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
* Each believer has a responsibility to exhort a brother or sister who is creating disorder in the fellowship.
* We are to stand beside the spiritually timid to help them grow in faith during times of struggle.
* We need to be thankful to God that He has placed people in our lives who both challenge and encourage us in our walk with the Lord.
* Leaders are to lead with diligence in the way of the Lord.
* We all are to do what we can to help create and sustain an atmosphere of peace and unity in our church.
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- How did knowing that others were standing with you help you to endure some particularly difficult situation that tested your faith?
- As difficult as it may be to answer, what one person (or two or three) has encouraged you the most in your walk with the Lord?
- What are you doing to encourage a fellow believer who needs it?
- How are you contributing to the effort to build life together among fellow believers in your church?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”
“If this lesson has been a blessing to you, leave us a comment.”