Key Thought : When we accept the gospel, we live it out in faith, hope, and love as we grow more and more into the image of Jesus..

[Teaching plan for Finial Events August 29, 2012]

1. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 5:1-3.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What does it mean by the times and seasons mentioned in this passage?
C. Personal Application: How can we be urgent about the second coming without being caught up in fanaticism and extremism, or becoming unconcerned and asleep?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “The Lord comes as a thief in the night. That means it is part of the secret rapture when the church will be caught up suddenly and people who aren’t saved will be left behind.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 5:4,5.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What spiritual meaning does Paul have here for calling church members children of the day, not of the night? Is there a literal application we could make here as well?
C. Personal Application: What aspects of your life could be described as light or as darkness? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study : One of your friends states, “I think the Mayan calendar set a date for the end of the world in the fall of 2012. Do you think that having a specific date for the end times will get people more realy for the Lord’s return?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 5:6-8.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How would you describe a believer that is spiritually asleep as contrasted to one who is spiritually awake?
C. Personal Application: Based on your description, do you think the majority of your church members are awake or asleep? What Scriptural evidence may indicate which may be more true?
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I think the SDA church focus on the end of time has had a negative effect in my life and in the lives of many church members. New members believe and accept the nearness of Jesus’ return, but after a few years start to settle in like most of the church.” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 5:9-11.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How is the judgment message something the believers can encourage one another with? Share.
C. Personal Application: How do you feel about the judgment? Why do many people overlook the positive aspects of the judgment?
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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