What Is God’s Will? and Quiet Times For Students

What Is God’s Will? and Quiet Times For Students

Virtual Meeting Sundays at 9 am

On Sunday mornings at 9:00 am we meet over Zoom. All 7th-12th graders are welcome to join. For connection information contact amy@crclife.org or susan@crclife.org.

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will do it. 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us also. 26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Warm-up Questions

  • If you could find out one thing about the future, what would it be?
  • Why is it hard for us to decide what to do with our lives?
  • What do you think about people who seem to know what they should do when they grow up when they’re just 10 or 11 years old?

OBSERVE

  • According to 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14, what should be our attitude toward leaders and toward those who are constantly struggling?
  • Based on verses 15-18, what’s the will of God, according to Paul?
  • Look at verses 19-23. Describe God’s plan for our lives.
  • What’s Paul saying in verses 24-28 about relationships?

THINK

  • What do you think it means to hold leaders in the highest regard?
  • Who does Paul focus on in verses 14-15? Why do you think he does this?
  • Why do you think we aren’t to pay back wrong with wrong (verse 15)?
  • What does it mean that we should “rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances” (verses 16-18)? Is that really possible?

APPLY

  • Who do you relate to more, the hardworking leader or the lazy and disruptive person? Why?
  • What are some ways to encourage the disheartened, help the weak, and be patient with everyone?
  • If we are to give thanks for everything, how can we be thankful in the face of difficult stuff like cancer, hurricanes, death, AIDS, and disabilities?
  • If God’s will is to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, does this mean we’re often outside of the will of God?

Daily Quiet Times

Monday – July 13

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
  1. What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
  2. Why do you think Paul wants us to acknowledge our spiritual leaders?
  3. How can you affirm and encourage your leaders today?

Tuesday – July 14

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
  1. What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
  2. Can you think of someone at church, youth group, or school who fits the description of verse 14?
  3. How might you encourage this person (from question 2)?

Wednesday- July 15

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
  1. What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
  2. How does Paul describe the will of God?
  3. What are some ways to put into practice the will of God based on verses 16-18?

Thursday- July 16

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
  1. What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
  2. What are some ways, according to verses 19-22, to keep the Spirit’s fire alive?
  3. List some of the ways we can “hold on to what is good” and “reject what is harmful.”

Friday – july 17

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
  1. What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
  2. What was God’s purpose in calling us to be faithful?
  3. In what ways might you be more “blameless”?

Saturday – July 18

1 Thessalonians 5:25-28
  1. What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
  2. According to this verse, people used to greet each other with a holy kiss. Why don’t we still do this ancient custom? What would happen if we did? What do we do instead? Do you think it’s as meaningful?
  3. Think about someone who needs your prayers. Who is it and why? Lift him up to God in prayer today.

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