The Parent Weekly for July 21st, God Is Contentment.
What we learned today
Big Idea: God Is Contentment.
Letter to the Philippians. Philippians 3—4
Where we’re headed next time
Big Idea: God Is Hope
Letters to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 3—4; 2 Thessalonians 2
Did you know?
Share these facts to get the conversation started:
In Acts 17 we learn that Paul arrived in Thessalonica after being persecuted in Philippi. This persecution followed him to Thessalonica and caused him to leave the city after just a few weeks. And, unfortunately, the church in Thessalonica suffered persecution as well.
Because of the intense circumstances faced by the people in Thessalonica, Paul knew they desperately needed hope, so he wrote to them about some timeless truths. He told them how the church wasn’t destined to suffer God’s wrath (1 Thessalonians 5v9), how Jesus’ return shouldn’t catch them by surprise like it would those who live in darkness (5v4), and how they as believers shouldn’t participate in the deeds of darkness but instead behave as children of light (5v5).
Connect as a family
This week, at the dinner table, invite your family members to share their highs and lows of the week. Let everyone know you’re going to read a part of The Big God Story in which Paul wrote letters of encouragement to the Christians living in Thessalonica. Read 1 Thessalonians 1 and 2 Thessalonians 2v13–17. No matter what challenges we may face each week, God is hope. We can always trust that He keeps His promises and that Jesus will return to earth one day.
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:
What challenges did the Thessalonians face?
How did God’s hope allow the Thessalonians to face those challenges?
How does God’s hope encourage you?
These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God gives hope into your everyday life as a family.
Blessing
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
A blessing to pray over your child: may the Holy Spirit encourage you and give you hope. May you experience His strength this week.
