Did you know that an article published in 1967 in an issue of U.S. News & World Report accurately predicted Apple Pay, online purchasing, and curbside grocery pickup? What does the Bible say about predicting the future?

Notes And Next Steps

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 + Part 5 of the series “Tomorrowland"

The future is weighing heavily on our minds these coronavirus days.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22)

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24)

Facing a future without fear starts with a faithful God, who doesn’t make predictions but promises.

CROSSTALK

1. 1. 1. What does it mean to “quench the Spirit?” (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
      2. Study 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15. Suggest one or two key considerations God’s Word offers for conflict resolution in church.
      3. “Many exhortations could have been added to these. But at some point the people of God, those who are God-taught and Spirit-led, must ultimately be left in the hands of the God who faithfully sanctifies and keeps his church to the end (vv. 23–24). Appropriately Paul called upon the power of God to accomplish more than the lengthiest list of exhortations ever could” (Martin, D. M. (1995). 1, 2 Thessalonians (Vol. 33, p. 186). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers). How does this help parents see more of God when they aren’t able to see their children (away for the summer, at school, graduated, grown)? How does this help active church members see more of God when they don’t see inactive church members (attending, volunteering, giving)?
      4. Does “spirit, soul and body” refer to a threefold nature in people? How can we be “blameless? (1 Thessalonians 5:23)