January 30, 2022
Today ➔
Good morning! We’re so glad you’ve joined us for worship today, whether it be in-person or online. Today, Christian is continuing our series and study through the book of 1 Thessalonians (you can find sermon notes & questions below).
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sermon notes & questions:
“Faithfulness: Boldness Redefined, Pt 1” | Christian Burkhardt, Equipping Pastor & Elder
Synopsis: In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Paul continues recounting the history of his relationship with the Thessalonian believers by reminding them of the example that he, Silas and Timothy had set for them. Paul emphasizes not just what they did but why they did it: Their words and actions were not motivated by greed, flattery, deception, or any other insincere motives. They weren’t trying to bolster their reputations or throw their weight around as apostles. They were bold in their declaration of the gospel, but this boldness wasn’t shown in loud, bombastic, egotistical ways. Instead, their boldness was shown through gentle, sacrificial care for others, like a nursing mother with her own children. They worked hard so they could bear others’ burdens, rather than being a burden to others. They encouraged the Thessalonian Christians to “walk in a manner worthy of God” (v. 12), like a good father who encourages and trains his children toward maturity.
These family terms were more than just metaphors for Paul and his companions. They didn’t just view the church as being like a family. They believed the church truly is a family! Twice in this passage (and 18 times in the letter!), Paul refers to the Thessalonians as “brothers” (or “brothers and sisters”). He truly viewed them as siblings, because of their common adoption into the family of God through faith in Jesus. Paul and his companions were ready to share “not only the gospel of God but also [their] own selves” (v. 8) with the Thessalonians because they saw them as “brothers loved by God” (1:4), and they were committed to loving them too.
Finally, in verse 12, Paul reminds them that the family they’ve been adopted into is a royal family. God has called us “into his own kingdom and glory.” This kingdom is an “already/not yet” kingdom: Jesus already reigns as king at the right hand of God, and one day he will return to bring the fullness of his kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” Whatever family or nation you were born into, if you are a follower of Jesus, you have been born again into a new eternal family and given new citizenship in an eternal kingdom. We must embrace this new identity as God’s children and citizens of his kingdom, and we must devote ourselves to love and serve each other like the siblings that we truly are–not just for our own benefit, but also for the sake of our witness to those around us (see 4:9-12).
Questions:
Do you believe that the family language Paul uses is not just metaphorical? In other words, do you believe that you and your fellow believers truly are forever family? Consider your group: How are you loving each other well as brothers and sisters? How could you grow in both your commitment to and love for one another?
How are you learning to embrace your identity as a citizen of God’s kingdom? How can we learn to be devoted to God’s kingdom while also seeking to be a blessing to the nation and community in which we live?
One of Paul’s main points in this passage is to remind the Thessalonians that he, Silas, and Timothy were leaders who were worthy of their trust and emulation. Think about the type of leaders you are drawn to (whether in politics, sports, business, or even the church). Do these leaders demonstrate the gentle boldness and sacrificial service that Paul, Silas, Timothy, and especially Jesus modeled? Do you think that this type of leadership can even get results in the “real world”? Why is this type of leadership so essential to the health of the church?
For group discussion guides related to each sermon, please see our community guides below:
Events & happenings ➔
Core 4 Intro Classes – Sunday Evenings (once a month) • 6:30-8:30 PM
January 23 – Overview of Core 4
February 13 – Biblical Story
March 20 – Gospel Transformation
April 10 – Basic Doctrine
May 15 – Mission & Evangelism (Date changed from May 22)
What is Core 4? Core 4 is foundational discipleship for the people of Cornerstone. The four key components are comprised of the Biblical Story, Gospel Transformation, Basic Doctrine, and Mission & Evangelism.
As followers of Jesus, we are always seeking to learn more of God's story, the truth it communicates, how this truth changes us, and how to share it with others. We are inviting you to join us for these foundational equipping classes because Core 4 is an essential part of how we are seeking to BE and MAKE disciples together. We hope you can come!
Visit our Core 4 page below for more information & class video archive.
Come learn how to share your faith. Faith Talks starts today, January 23rd, and will run through March. We will be meeting Sundays from Noon-1:30pm in Rooms 11 & 12.
*Lunch will be provided*
We will be talking through the book Sharing Jesus without Freaking Out, and having conversations about how to share our faith, as well as providing outings to do so. This class is welcome to all High School Students.
Dates we will not be meeting: 2/6, 2/20, 2/27
Gatherings & Meetings ➔
Cornerstone Communities: We have several community groups that gather each week. If you’re interested in joining a group, see our community page for more information. We’d love to connect with you and get you plugged in!
Student Ministries: Impact (Middle School) and The Rock (High School) meet Wednesday nights. Meeting locations vary. Visit our student ministries and events pages for more information on time and location!
Resources ➔
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