Encourage One Another
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (ESV)
The Day of the Lord
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Study Guide Questions:
Observation Questions
According to 1 Thessalonians 5:5, what does Paul say is already true about the identity of believers?
In verse 8, what are the pieces of “armor” that Paul says believers have, and what do they represent?
What is the reason Paul gives in verses 9-10 for why believers can live with hope and not fear?
Interpretation Questions
The passage says believers are “children of light” and “children of the day.” What does it mean to live out this identity, rather than striving to become something we are not?
The pastor emphasized that the “armor” we wear—faith, love, and hope—is given by God’s grace, not something we earn. How does this change the way we approach encouraging others, especially when we feel inadequate?
The hope described in this passage is not wishful thinking, but a certainty about Christ’s return. How does this kind of hope affect the way we encourage each other during difficult times?
The sermon talked about encouragement requiring intentionality and deep relationships. Why is it important to know each other well in order to encourage each other well?
Application Questions
The pastor challenged the church to make encouragement a regular rhythm, not just a Sunday activity. What is one practical way you could intentionally encourage someone in your life this week?
Think about your current relationships in the church or your community group. Are there people you know only on a surface level? What is one step you could take to get to know someone more deeply so you can encourage them in a meaningful way?
The pastor gave examples of encouragement that go beyond compliments—like sharing a meal, sending a text, or reminding someone of God’s love. Which of these feels most natural to you, and which feels most challenging? Why?
The sermon mentioned that encouragement sometimes means lovingly pushing someone to take action or get out of a rut. Can you think of a time when someone encouraged you in this way? How did it feel, and how did it help you?
The pastor talked about building a “gospel culture” where encouragement is woven into the fabric of the community. What is one change you would like to see in our group or church to help make this a reality?
Our hope in Christ’s return is meant to fuel persistent encouragement, even in hard seasons. Is there someone in your life who is going through a difficult time right now? How could you remind them of the hope we have in Christ this week?