Our Flow: Turning From Idols

Introduction & Review — The Gospel Effect

Loved and Chosen

Five Paradoxes of Power (1 Thessalonians 1:6-10)

Suffering and Joy (vv. 6)

 

Babes on Mission (v. 7-8)

 

Cultural Death and True Life (v. 9)

• Defining idolatry
• Four categories for us today

 

End Times Enthusiasts Seeking Employment (v. 10)

 

Wrath and Heaven (v. 10)

 

Our Flow— Turning, Serving, Waiting

Communion (Psalm 22)

Community Mediation 

Growing in Knowledge

• What does God really think about idolatry? Read Isaiah 44:9-20 together; how would you paraphrase what the Lord is saying here?
• The Kingdom of God is present in us now, will come with us as we walk in Jesus’ mission together, and will fully and physically come to earth when Christ returns. Find and read several key passages on heaven together and discuss.

Feeling Life Deeply

• Discuss the four categories of idols mentioned in the sermon (power, approval, comfort, control). Which of these are you prone to follow? How do they affect your daily life?
• We can become spiritually lazy, discouraged, or weak in faith — What gets you in these ruts in life?

Living with Courage

• How can we grow more consistently fruitful, encouraged, and firm in our faith? Share how you’ve experienced growth in these areas and pray for each other.
• Let’s repent of our idols as a community — take some time to confess to one another and to God. Focus on your need for Jesus and His coming Kingdom to be all in all in your life and in the life of our church.