Episode 4: 3:16
March 30, 2025
Dr. James Peoples is the Director of Send Network Florida, a partnership between the North American Mission Board and the Florida Baptist Convention aimed at helping churches to plant churches—everywhere for everyone. Before this role, he served as the Senior Pastor of Trinity Baptist in Keystone Heights, FL, for 23 years and held two terms as President of the Florida Baptist State Convention. James is married to Jeannie, and they have two children: Emily, who is recently married to Hunt Reagor, and Dana.
Passage
John 3:16
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What are the essential elements of a life pleasing to God? What benefits arise from living such a life?
HEAR
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
- What is God’s will for the Thessalonians according to verse 3, and how does Paul describe it?
- Based on this passage, why is sexuality an essential aspect of sanctification and living a life that pleases God? In what ways, both positive and negative, has the church reinforced this message?
- Read 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. How do these verses deepen your understanding of 1 Thessalonians 4:8?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
- Why does Paul find it unnecessary to write to the Thessalonians about brotherly love? When Paul refers to the “brothers” or “brothers and sisters,” who is he addressing?
- What unique responsibility do we have to love our fellow believers? Why is this important? (See John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:19-21; John 17:20-21).
- What does Paul encourage the Thessalonians to aspire toward? Why are these things important? Do they apply to us today?
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
- What does Paul mean by “those who have fallen asleep”? This is where some people get the idea that the dead are merely asleep until Christ’s return, a concept known as “soul sleep.”
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-9. Does this passage reinforce or refute the idea of soul sleep? What do you think happens when someone dies?
- What is the main point of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18? Why is belief in bodily resurrection important? How does this differ from the concept of disembodied spirits?
- According to verse 16, what event initiates the resurrection of the dead? What does the end of verse 17 reveal as the goal of these events? How does this passage inspire you?
HUDDLE
Based on 1 Thessalonians 4, would you say you are living a life pleasing to God? Why or why not? What will you do this week to align your life with this passage? Discuss it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
This week, we will read through the books of First and Second Thessalonians. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to show you how the promised return of Jesus should influence how you live today.
- Day 1: 1 Thessalonians 1
- Day 2: 1 Thessalonians 2
- Day 3: 1 Thessalonians 3
- Day 4: 1 Thessalonians 4
- Day 5: 1 Thessalonians 5
- Day 6: 2 Thessalonians 1 & 2
- Day 7: 2 Thessalonians 3
Passage to Memorize: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Think Deeper
- Do you believe God loves you? If so, how do you know?
- If God truly loves the whole world, how should that impact how we treat others?
- What does it mean to “believe in” Jesus and why does that belief matter?
Suggested Reading
The Cross of Christ, by John R. W. Stott
The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel
Jesus, The Final Days, by Craig Evans & N.T. Wright
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.