Worship: November 24th
10:00 AM

An Attitude of Gratitude: 1st Thessalonians 5:12-18

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Sermon Discussion questions
Ok, So We’re Doing This: Genesis 22

Ice Breaker: What family tradition do you look forward to most, and why?

This Week Specific

1. Just discuss this quote by John Ortberg
   “Obedience to Jesus in all things is the journey. Obedience is a far more creative, proactive, grace-powered, intelligent way of life than is normally thought in our day. The obedience Jesus called for requires judgment, discernment, creativity and initiative. It is about becoming an excellent person not an excellent rule follower. In fact, an obsessive concern with following rules will hinder your development in becoming the kind of person that does what Jesus says.”

2. Abraham Abraham
   In verse 11 the angel speaks Abraham’s name twice, this is the first of seven instances in Scripture where God or his angel refers to someone by their name in this manner, what do think is the significance?

   
   Here are the other instances.

   1. Abraham, Abraham – Genesis 22:11

   2. Jacob, Jacob – Genesis 46:2

   3. Moses, Moses – Exodus 3:4

   4. Samuel, Samuel – 1 Samuel 3:10

   5. Martha, Martha – Luke 10:41

   6. Simon, Simon – Luke 22:31

   7. Saul, Saul – Acts 9:4

3. Reflecting on Tests of Faith
   Think about a time when you felt God was testing your faith. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

   How does seeing God’s testing as an opportunity for growth change how you view current challenges?

4. Trusting God’s Provision
   Abraham said, “God will provide” without knowing how. Where in your life do you need to trust that God will provide, even if the way forward seems unclear?

5. Sacrificing Idols in Our Lives
   Sometimes we value God’s gifts (like family, career, relationships) over God Himself. What areas of your life have you have made an idol of a good gift? What does it look like to practically “lay it on the altar” and place it under God’s control?

6. Facing ‘Unreasonable’ Commands with Faith
   Abraham’s command felt impossible and unreasonable, yet he chose faith. What teachings of Scripture feel especially challenging for you to follow (e.g., forgiveness, purity, generosity)? What does obedience in these areas look like for you this week?

7. Confidence in God’s Promises
   Abraham’s obedience was anchored in confidence in God’s promises. What specific promises from Scripture encourage you in difficult times?

Weekly Questions

1. What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?

2. What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?

3. How can this group pray for you this week?