Paul having finished his discourse on the Parousia or second coming of Christ,  now ends his dialog with the Thessalonians by instructing them in both attitudes and actions. One of the blessed insights into the Thessalonian church is that nowhere does Paul have to correct any spiritual or moral decay. Once having made the decision to turn from idols to serve the living God, the Thessalonians continued to grow strong in their faith even through persecution. Paul thus ends this letter to them to instruct or exhort them in the basics lest the “enemy” seek to undermine this precious faith. 
PRINCIPLES: Believers who have the right attitude will have right actions; Believers can quench the power of the Holy Spirit
The AIM of this week is to show respect for leaders; enable others in their Christian walk, heed instructions regarding attitudes and actions.

DAY ONE: 1Thess 5:12-13 Attitudes and Actions of the church towards the leadership
1.List the three actions that Paul gives for believers regarding church leadership from vs. 12-13. 

2.From these other passages what can we learn about church leadership? 1 Tim 5:17-18; Matt 10:10; Rom 10:15; 1 Cor 16:16; Heb 3:7; 1 Cor 9:14; Heb 13:17. 

THINKING QUESTION: The leadership was to minister among them, over them and to them. Which do you feel is your pastor’s strongest point and in contrast his weakest point? What could you do to encourage him/them in their strengths and help him/them in their weakest point? 

DAY TWO: 1Thess 5:14-18 Attitudes and Instructions for the Struggling Sheep
3. There are five groups of struggling sheep in this section (the 5 W's). Below in the chart, explain how each one is struggling and what the church leadership/body is to be doing for them. Be sure to explain practically the solution you arrive at and some ways you can implement that. 
SHEEP PROBLEM	HOW EVIDENCED	SOLUTION	
Wayward

Worried

Weak

Wearisome

Wicked

THINKING QUESTION: Now that you have analyzed the church issues; look back at each person and then decide if you fit the description of any of them. If you do, then what can you do to change your attitude and actions so you are not a tool of the “enemy”? 

DAY THREE: 1Thess 5:19-22 Attitudes and Instruction for Basic Spiritual Life
4. PRACTICAL APPLICATON: Now Paul gives three basic commands quickly and in staccato fashion: rejoice; pray; give thanks. They are all written in the present tense which means they are for now as well as continuing. How can you be used of God with these attitudes and actions to encourage and build up the “5W’s” persons? 

5. Paul’s “4T’s”…Treat; Test; Tug, Turn. How do we tear down the church when we fail to obey each? 

6. Here Paul introduces the topic of the Holy Spirit and in particular the quenching of the Spirit. What does this word mean and what is the difference between quenching and grieving? 1Thess 5:19; Eph 4:30. 

7. When Jesus was speaking to the disciples He told them that He would be leaving them but He would send the Comforter to be with them. Just as Jesus led them, taught them, rebuked them, guided them, was their friend and comforter so now the Holy Spirit would take on that role. What is His main role? John 16:14. 

6. What should the Spirit be doing in our lives as believers? John 6:63; 16:8-11; Rom 8:6-9; Rom 8:14; Gal 5:22-23; Eph 1:13-14; 4:23

DAY FOUR: 1Thess 5:23-28 Attitudes and Actions about Basics and God
7. APPLICATION: In what way does your attitude directly correlate to the actions that Paul lists? 

8. Describe the characteristics of God that Paul lists here.

9.  List the last three admonitions or instructions that Paul gives here in vs. 25-27. 

10. THINKING QUESTION:	 Remember Paul’s words in 4:8: the one who rejects this is not rejecting human authority but God. Now give some reasons why God is so uncompromising and emphatic and why Paul used words like “always” , “all” “in everything”; “continuously”.