WEEKLY BIBLE PASSAGE

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

1 About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 When they say, “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness. 6 So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 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. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

Bible study tips

PAN FOR GOLD - scoop up everything

  1. Start with prayer.

  2. Read through the passage several times.

  3. Consider who, what, when, where, why, and how.

  4. Who are the main characters?

  5. What does the text reveal about the character and nature of God?

  6. Is there an example to follow?

  7. Is there an example to avoid?

  8. Are there any exhortations, instructions, or commands given?

  9. Is there a promise or something encouraging to cling to?

SIFT FOR GOLD - look for what you want to keep

  1. How would you summarize what the passage is communicating?

  2. What are some things that stand out the most?

  3. How does the passage inform, correct, or affirm your view of God?

PUT ON THE GOLD - do something with it

  1. What is the real life application in a broad, general sense?

  2. What is the real life application to your life specifically?

  3. What is the real life application for us as a church community?