THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
Giving Tables are happening at each campus. This is an excellent opportunity for your small group to come together to support local ministries. Find lists and drop-off details at adabible.org/givingtables.
GROUP VALUES
This month we are focused on the group value of service. With Christmas just around the corner, talk as a group about some ways you can show the love of Jesus this Christmas season.
GROW AS A LEADER
When was the last time you had a conversation about your group with your staff contact? If it’s been a while, now is a great time to sit down with them to talk about the challenges you are facing and your group goals for 2022.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
This is our second week of the sermon series, 26 DAYS OF GRATITUDE. Today’s discussion is around how to be thankful for the faith of the people in your life.
Take a few moments to share a few things from our first week’s daily gratitude practice. Mention a couple of things that you have been grateful for. When has it been easy, and when has it been more challenging to do this practice?
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 aloud. What did you notice?
A FAITH THAT WORKS
Paul seems to have developed a discipline for thankfulness and gratitude. How do you think he might have developed that habit?
Religious activity without faith is lifeless moralism, while a belief that doesn’t do anything is dead. Sometimes it seems like it can be easy to lean one way or the other. There’s a focus on “believing the right things” or “becoming a different person.” Why do you think it can be hard to put a priority on both faith and works?
We develop the heart and character of Jesus when we have a faith that works—a faith that impacts how we talk, work, think and act. Who do you know who seems to live this way?
A LOVE THAT LABORS
Knowing God loved them motivated the Thessalonian believers. How have you experienced being loved by God?
When we labor from a place of love—we can show God to others who need it. Who have you seen show God’s love this way?
What are some things that we can do together as a group to show God’s love during the holiday season?
A HOPE THAT ENDURES
There were likely some significant struggles in the lives of the Thessalonians, but they had hope of both the present and future kingdom of God. What are some ways hope in an eternal future can give us endurance?
It doesn’t seem like hope comes naturally. It requires intention. How can we kindle hope in a practical way?
Some people can hold tightly to hope no matter what. Who are you be grateful for who is clinging to hope even in the midst of terrible circumstances? How can you actively encourage them?
What have you learned from people who have held onto hope in the midst of difficulty?
WRAP UP
This week we discussed gratitude in the context of faith, love and hope. Paul is grateful for the Thessalonians because of their faith, love and hope. How could developing a habit of gratitude that recognizes and is thankful for the faith, love and hope of others change our hearts?