“The Christ and the Cross”

Theme: Clothe every part of your life in the thankfulness that Jesus purchased for you.

Discussion Questions

1. How are believers described in v. 12 (cf. 1:12–14)? How does this identity relate to the commands that follow?
2. What stands out to you about the qualities Christians are commanded to “put on” in this passage? (Note: Answers vary). How do they contrast with the qualities we’re told to “put off” in vv. 5–9
3. Based on vv. 15–17, fill in the blank: “The ________ of Christ/the Lord Jesus” (3 answers). How might each of these phrases cultivate thankfulness?
4. What do you think it means to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17)? How is this related to thankfulness? cf. Num. 6:27; 2 Chron. 7:14; 1 Cor. 6:11; 10:31; Eph. 5:20; 2 Thess. 3:6.
5. What would it look like for “the word of God” to “dwell richly” in your life? In this church? Try to think of some specific examples.
6. According to 1 Thess. 5:16–18, what is God’s will for you today? How would you counsel a fellow Christian for whom these commands are very difficult?
7. What might a visitor notice if he/she were to walk into a truly thankful church?