September 9 & 10, 2000 Bible Study

DEEPER 2000
A study sheet for further exploration
September 9 & 10, 2000

An Equation for Life
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

What discipline did you sometimes resent as a child that you appreciate now? Doing your homework on time? Practicing piano? Not overspending your allowance? ______________________?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11.

What words does Paul use to describe followers of Jesus? (v. 6, 8)
Why are we to be like this? (I Thes. 4:7-8)

Read Philippians 2:12-13.
Energein is the Greek word translated in these verses as "work." God is present in us as Divine Energy. As we choose to do God’s will, God’s Spirit energizes us to do God’s will.

With this understanding, what does it mean to "work out your salvation"?
How do you tap into the ultimate energy source?

Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Hebrews 12:1-3.
"Working out" means training. Paul emphasized the importance of discipline in the Christian life (a discipline which includes sacrificing personal rights and comfort for the sake of others).

Select one thing from these verses to implement in your life.

Are you choosing to train? Why or why not?
What does your training program include? How could it improve?
What are you willing to do in order to train better and more effectively? When will you do it?

With whom do you train? If you need help finding a group to train with, please contact the church.