The Word of God, Not of Men

What is the point of preaching? Is God at work on Sunday mornings? Join us at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we consider the answer from 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16.

Sermon Discussion

1. Imagine you are talking with a non-church goer about what Sunday mornings are like. How would you describe the role of preaching in the life of a Christian? How would you use this text?
2. What is one takeaway from the sermon and one question that you had after hearing the sermon?
3. Read Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:10–11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17.What do these verses tell us about the Word of God?
4. The New Testament uses the metaphor of a “herald” to describe preaching. How is this a helpful picture of preaching? How does this contribute to the “glory and gravity” of preaching?
5. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13; John 10:2-4, 20, 27. What is Jesus’s claim and Paul’s claim about preaching? In what way does God do “the supernatural” through preaching?
6. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13 again. What is the result of preaching? How have you seen this in your life?
7. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:14–16. Here Paul tells the Thessalonians that their suffering unites them with other Christians throughout the ages and across the globe. How does this union with other Christians encourage us when suffering?
8. Read 1 Peter 1:6–7; 2 Corinthians 4:17. No one wants to go through hard times, but what are some ways that God might use hardship in your life for good?
9. This Time Tomorrow: How does this passage transform your thoughts, actions, or interactions at this time tomorrow?