Family Group Night | October 22, 2023

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)

Our scripture for today 2000 years old and is a “benediction” which is a prayer for God to bless someone. And in this benediction, the Apostle Paul expresses a desire for God to specifically bless the Christians in the city of Thessalonica, an influential city in the Roman Empire at that time. It is an example of praying for others. Praying for others helps them and can change your life as well!

1. In verse 12, Paul prays that the Thessalonians would have love for each other and for everyone else. Why is it important to love others? How does loving others help them? How does loving others help you?

2. In verse 13, Paul prays that God would strengthen the hearts of this church so that they would be “blameless and holy” when they are in the presence of the Lord. Is it really possible to be blameless and holy? How can we achieve this? (Hint: Read Philippians 3:9)

3. Also in verse 13, Paul refers to a day when, “we will stand in the presence of God the Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” What do you think that day will be like? How do you think you will feel? (Hint: Read 1 John 2:1)

1. Pray for Others. Like Paul, intercede to God on behalf of your friends and family and fellow church. Pray for them to grow in their love for God and others.

2. Pray for Yourself. Pray to have a strong heart for God so that you can be clothed in Christ’s righteousness to stand before the Lord, blameless and holy when He comes again.

3. Be Prepared. Jesus said in Matthew 25:13, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” So be prepared for Jesus’ coming by receiving Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Then you can, say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

A Prayer to Receive Christ as Savior and Lord: “Lord Jesus, I confess to you that I am a sinner. Please come into my life, forgive me of my sins, take complete control of my life, and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord, for saving me and for answering my prayer. And now help me to pray for others that they too may find joy, confidence, salvation, and eternal life in You.”