1 Thessalonians 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Thessalonians 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul mentions the coming of the Day of the Lord, stating it will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night (vv. 1-2). He describes how destruction will come when people claim 'Peace and safety' (v.

Key verse

“You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness,”
1 Thessalonians 5:5 (WEB)

Outline

1 Thessalonians 5:1–2 The Coming of the Day of the Lord
1 Thessalonians 5:3–5 Contrast of Darkness and Light
1 Thessalonians 5:6–8 Encouragement for Vigilance
1 Thessalonians 5:9–11 Call to Foster Community
1 Thessalonians 5:12–15 Instructions for Community Conduct
1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 Exhortations for Christian Living
1 Thessalonians 5:23–28 Final Blessings and Instructions

Discussion questions

In v6, why does Paul encourage the Thessalonians to 'watch and be sober'?
What does Paul mean by 'children of light' in v5?
The phrase 'like a thief in the night' in v2: what implications does it have for those unprepared?
Why does Paul command that this letter be 'read to all the holy brothers' in v27?
When have you found it challenging to 'pray without ceasing' as mentioned in v17?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Thessalonians 5: Philippians 4, Philippians 1, Romans 12.

Before next time: read 2 Thessalonians 1.