​Read all or parts of 1 THESSALONIANS 4-5 from your Bible, or watch the Bible story video.

STORY: 

     Paul told the Christians in Thessalonica about the importance of living holy and in a way that pleases God. We can only live holy lives through faith in Jesus. When we trust in Jesus, God’s Spirit lives in us and sets us apart to live in a way that shows others what God is like. We depend on His Spirit to help us say no to things that displease God like lying, disobeying, loving things more than Him, and so on. 

     Christians all have the same purpose of showing others how great Jesus is. With the Spirit’s help, we can begin to be more like Jesus and honor Him. Paul said that Christians love one another, live quiet lives, are not lazy, and help one another. Jesus is our perfect example of how to live in a way that pleases God. When we live like Jesus, we make much of Him.

     Paul told them about Jesus and how He is the Messiah the Old Testament promised. Not everyone agreed with Paul. Even today, people may not agree with us when we tell them about Jesus. But we can share the good news trusting that some will hear and believe.

      Then Paul told the Thessalonians that Jesus is coming back again. He said we should be grateful and thankful always. When we are thankful to God, we show that He is bigger and better than our circumstances. Even when times are hard or sad, we can trust that Jesus is coming back again. God is pleased by our faith and it shows that Jesus is what our hearts love most. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will live with Him forever. 

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1:   Why can’t we live to please God in our own strength or power?

ANSWER: Remind kids that our hearts are sinful and choose what is not good. Discuss how we need new hearts by faith in Jesus so we can choose what is right and good. Help kids understand that faith in Jesus means we have the Holy Spirit who gives us the power to please God.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2:   What is every believer’s purpose in life? 

ANSWER: Encourage kids to remember that God calls each person to serve Him in different ways, but the purpose of every believer is the same: we are to glorify God - to live to make much of Jesus - and to share the gospel so that others can know Jesus, too. Explain that when we obey God’s commands and love others as Jesus has loved us, we honor Jesus and show that He is greatest. 

MORNINGS:

Dear Heavenly Father,

     Thank You for saving us through Jesus. Help us live a life of holiness, set apart for You, as we show others how great Jesus is. Help us love one another and find joy in Jesus, trusting one day He will return for us. Amen.

EVENINGS: 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

     Thank You for sending Jesus to rescue us from our sins. Thank You that we can find purpose and hope in You. Help us live in a way that brings honor to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.