A Higher Perspective of Leadership and Relationships in the Church

Sermon Notes:
1. The most important element of a Christian leader is to have a deep, honest love for Jesus. (John 21:15-17)
2. Christian leaders need to be people who live out Godly character. (1 Peter 5:1-5; 1 Timothy 3:1-7)

As Paul ends his letter in 1 Thessalonians, he encourages the church to:
3. Honor its leaders. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
4. Take care of each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

Digging Deeper:
1. As you read Paul’s parting words to this church in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24, what 3 topics does he tell the church to focus on?
2. When you think of pastors and leaders in the church, what do you think their main role is and what will they be held accountable for before the Lord one day? What does John 21:15-7; Ephesians 4:11-14; Hebrews 13:17 say to this topic?
3. According to Paul, how should we view our spiritual leaders and respond to them?
4. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, what does Paul say we need to be toward each other in the family of Jesus?
5. In what ways have you seen believers be “Idle and disruptive” in the church? Why do you think people do this and how do you think this corresponds to the command to “be patient with everyone”?
6. In verses 16-19, Paul has the church focus on their own personal faith journey with Jesus as he talks about being joyful, prayerful, thankful, walking in the Holy Spirit, & seeking out the voice of God. How would you say you are doing in these areas? Which one is most difficult for you to do and why do you think that is?

Taking it Home:
Spend some time this week thanking God for your church and praying for its leadership. Try to memorize 1 Thessalonians 15: 16-18 and ask the Holy Spirit to stir these heart attitudes deep into your soul.