As followers of Christ, we’re called to be a church that deeply depends on God, reflecting Jesus in every aspect of our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 reminds us of our mission: to encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, and do good to others. But how do we live this way? Through continual prayer, praise, and gratitude, allowing God’s Spirit to work in and through us. This dependence on God strengthens us and deepens our fellowship with Him. As we wait for Christ’s return, we’re assured that God Himself is faithfully sanctifying us. By turning to Him in all things, we’re empowered to live faithfully for His kingdom. Let’s embrace this roadmap of faith: recognizing God’s faithfulness, depending on Him wholly, and then living out His love in our community and beyond.

Main Points:

- God remains faithful and good even during times of transition and uncertainty

- We are called to live on mission by encouraging the faint-hearted, helping the weak, and doing good to others

- Deepening our dependence on God through prayer, praise, and gratitude strengthens us individually and as a church

- God is actively sanctifying us and accomplishing His work in and through us

- Our individual dependence on God strengthens the collective church community

- We should remember our identity as God’s beloved children

Discussion Questions:

1) Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 together. What specific instructions does Paul give in these verses? How can we apply these to our lives today?

2) How can we cultivate a deeper dependence on God in our daily lives, especially during times of transition or uncertainty?

3) In what ways can we actively encourage the faint-hearted and help the weak in our church community and beyond? When hearing this question, is there anyone that currently comes to mind? Pray for that person and ask God if there is any specific encouragement you or your group can offer them.

4) How can we balance the call to ‘admonish the idle’ with being ‘patient with all’ as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5?

5) How can we create a culture of confession and vulnerability within our church community that leads to freedom and growth?

Practical Application:

1) Pray: Set an alarm for 8:00 a.m. each day to join the rest of the church body in praying over our local church – that we would be on mission and that the values we hold would be true to who we are. Pray for our leaders, pray for the Teaching Pastor search, and pray for boldness to live out your faith each day.

2) Serve: If you do not have a place to serve and would like to connect and care for others, please jump in! Use this link to learn more and sign up to serve in any area you may be able to help.

3) Give: As followers of Christ, we are called to steward the resources God has given us in a way that brings Him glory and builds up His church. If you have been encouraged and spurred on at Watermark Fort Worth, would you consider giving to this local church, not out of guilt, but with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7)?

Worship Setlist:

As Loud As He Is Worthy (Psalm 47); Lord, I Need You; We Fall Down/You are Awesome in this Place; Lean Back; Doxology