Leader Guide SPECIAL FOCUS Living in Gratitude GETTING STARTED DISCUSS: As you get ready for Thanksgiving, what are you looking forward to most? RECAP (PAGE 103): On a recent trip to Greece, one of our favorite stops was a store called The Nut House in the town of Thessaloniki . As soon as we entered, we were amazed at the colorful displays of nuts and dried fruits from the Mediterranean . But then we immediately noticed what took up a large portion of the shop from front to back: a conveyor belt with thousands of shelled nuts moving along, being roasted and readied to be enjoyed . That conveyor belt reminds me of the Christian life as we’re moved along in our growth to become equipped by Christ . We’re “conveyed” through a variety of life experiences and challenges . Regardless of what we encounter, though, one trait should ride with us: gratitude . Gratitude is more than a simple “thank you ”. It’s a way of living . The apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonian church in that same city long ago, understood that if this ingredient is seasoned into the life of believers, it will transform their lives and their church . GUIDE: Direct attention to The Point on page 104 . Invite group members to fill in the blanks . THE POINT: Give THANKS … in EVERYTHING. STUDY THE BIBLE GIVE BIBLICAL CONTEXT: First Thessalonians 5:12-22 focuses on a gospel community . As Paul came to the close of his letter to these Christians, he was concerned to leave them with a picture of a Christ-centered church . How should a community of believers conduct themselves? Aspects of such a community include believers having an attitude of love and gratitude toward their leaders in the faith, a love for their fellow believers, and a joyful, prayerful spirit . RECAP (PAGE 104): First Thessalonians was one of Paul’s earliest letters . His ministry in Thessalonica wasn’t very long (Acts 17:1-9) and the church now had questions and concerns over what would happen to those who had recently died . Naturally that led to questions about the return of Christ . Additionally, persecution still persisted in the city so fear filled the hearts of some . Every chapter in this letter references the return of Christ and the book as a whole points to how believers are to live in that hope . READ: Ask a group member to read aloud 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 on page 104 . 172 LEADER GUIDE SPECIAL FOCUS © 2019 LifeWay Christian Resources GUIDE: Direct your group’s attention to the following heading on page 104: Express gratitude toward those who ENCOURAGE you in your walk in Christ. RECAP (PAGE 104): As Paul approached the close of his letter, he wrote “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing” (v . 11) . In verse 12, Paul pointed to one way we can offer encouragement: express gratitude to leaders in the church . Paul’s words mean more than simply paying them more attention than you normally would on a Sunday morning . The verb carries the idea of “knowing fully, appreciating their true worth” and then granting them the appreciation that comes with understanding the sacrificial nature of what they do .5 For added emphasis, Paul underscored this point in verse 13: “regard them very highly in love because of their work ”. DISCUSS: Who has been instrumental in teaching you how to walk with God? [ALTERNATE: How can we practically recognize and appreciate spiritual leaders?] DO: Instruct group members to complete the activity, Give Thanks, on page 104, on their own . If time allows, invite volunteers to share their responses . Give Thanks: Use the template below to write a thank you note to someone who has helped you spiritually . Find a time this week to mail, text, or share your message . Dear ___________________, I’m writing to say “thank you” because ______________________________________. You’ve been important influence in my spiritual growth, especially the way you _______ ____________________________________________________________________. Sincerely, _____________________ READ: Ask a group member to read aloud 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 on page 105 . GUIDE: Direct your group’s attention to the following heading on page 105: Encourage OTHERS in their walk with Christ. RECAP (PAGE 105): Coming off the heels of the command to be at peace with one another, Paul offered several commands that help us live that out . Warn the idle. The word Paul used for “idle” (v . 14) is broader than just being lazy . It was used for someone who was out of line or disruptive . These individuals wouldn’t only bring themselves to ruin but also hurt the reputation of the body of Christ . Comfort the discouraged and help the weak. The “discouraged” (v . 14) were those who were suffering from persecution . Those who are weak could have included those who were being persecuted, but also could include the poor, the sick, the physically disabled, or those who suffer the death of loved ones . Be patient. To accomplish the previous command to comfort , one important mark was needed: “be patient with everyone” (v . 14) . Paul reminded the Philippian church that they needed the humility that considers “others as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3) . BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 173 © 2019 LifeWay Christian Resources Do good to others instead of evil. Any desire for revenge was to be held in check; instead they were to pursue what is best for the other person . DISCUSS: What does it look like to obey these verses in the church today? [ALTERNATE: When has someone followed one of these commands in a way that helped you in your walk with Christ?] READ: Ask a group member to read aloud 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 on page 105 . GUIDE: Direct your group’s attention to the following heading on page 105: EXPRESS your thanks to God. RECAP (PAGE 105): Paul gave two other commands that help us live a life of persistent gratitude . Rejoice and pray—and do so continually . If God desires for us to give thanks in all things, this means that we’re continually aware of God’s presence, power, and control over every circumstance . But to do this, we have to be in a continual disposition of prayer that keeps us in tune with Him . Paul next warned against shutting down the work of the Spirit through other believers . Finally, he encouraged his readers to be vigilant and avoid all kinds of evil . DISCUSS: Which of these commands do you find most challenging to follow? DISCUSS: What does it look like to “give thanks in everything”? [ALTERNATE: What’s the relationship between a thankful heart and knowing and doing God’s will?] ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): In advance, create a Spotify® playlist with several of your favorite worship songs . Share the name of the playlist with your group and make sure it’s set to “public” so your group members can access it . Encourage your group to listen this week as they travel to work, cook dinner, or just complete tasks, incorporating praise into each day . LIVE IT OUT SAY: “How will you live in gratitude?” GUIDE: Direct group members to review the three bulleted statements under Live It Out on page 106 . Call on volunteers to share (1) which of these statements is something they want to pursue further, or (2) ways this study will transform their prayer life this week . Thank God. Take time daily to express gratitude to God . Consider what He has given for you: a recent provision, a character trait, or the life of His Son . Reflect on this and express thanks throughout the day . Thank others. Pray for your pastor and/or another believer who has helped you in your walk with Christ . Send a card, a text, or an email expressing simply respect and gratitude . Initiate a gospel conversation. Start a conversation with a friend or acquaintance about things he or she is thankful for . Listen to the response . Ask, “Who or what do you credit 174 LEADER GUIDE SPECIAL FOCUS © 2019 LifeWay Christian Resources for your good fortune? To whom do you direct your thankfulness?” Use this opportunity to learn more about his or her faith . Share what you’ve learned about Jesus as the Source of our greatest gift: forgiveness . GUIDE: Invite each person to gather with two or three Christ-followers of the same gender this week for a deeper discussion, using Talk It Out (page 106) to guide their discussion . Encourage group members to spend time each day in God’s Word with the devotions found in the Daily Study section (pages 107-110) . PRAY: Close with a prayer . Praise God for the way He provides . Ask Him to develop within your group members a spirit of gratitude for what He’s already done and what He will do in the future . DIG DEEPER Use the commentary below as you prepare to lead the session . [VERSES 12-13]: Paul’s first request was that the Thessalonian believers give“ recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you ”. The Greek term translated “recognition” means to recognize, pay attention to, and/or cherish . The apostle instructed the Thessalonian believers to “regard them [church leaders] very highly in love ”. This isn’t a call for exaltation or reverence, but simply for respect and to hold these individuals in high esteem for the particular work that they do for the church . [VERSE 14]: Paul offered a framework regarding how the Thessalonian Christians (as well as believers today) should treat each other . Paul identified three groups of people in particular who needed to be loved and ministered to within the church .