HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH - Living in Between: Turned From Idols to Serve God

1 Thess. 1; Acts 17:1-11 Into and Series Set Up:  Joy in Affliction (1:6, 2:1-2) Turned from Idols to Serve God (1:9b-10)   Conclusion:  Reflection Questions   START: Read through 1 Thessalonians 1 together, and skim Acts 17:1-11 to remind yourselves of the persecution and conflict this young church was born out of. This is week one of a new series through 1 and 2 Thessalonians. What's one thing from the intro or background this week that gave you a new appreciation for these letters? Paul says the Thessalonians received the word "in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit" (1:6). Those don't usually go together. When have you felt real joy in a hard season? The sermon named idols as the little kingdoms we build with our time, talents, and treasure. What's a modern idol that's easy to build a life around without noticing? Read Exodus 20:1-6. How does it connect to Paul's language of "turning from idols to serve the living and true God"? The sermon drew a line between a transactional faith (pay for what you want, get what you paid for) and serving as investment (pouring your life into something bigger). Where do you catch yourself treating faith like a transaction? Close your time in prayer: Living and true God, thank you for calling us out of idols and into your service. Forgive us for the small kingdoms we keep building for ourselves. Give us joy in affliction, and give us hearts that serve you first, not because we have to, but because you laid your life down for us. While we wait for your Son from heaven, let us be found faithful.