Evidences of Disciples - For we know...

For we know, brothers loved by God that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction... - 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT- Discipleship – Knowing and Following Christ and Helping others do the same, for the glory of God.

Biblical Discipleships are: Relational Prayerful Spirit-Led Bible-Based Committed to Holiness

For we know…

Paul, Silas, and Timothy express their surety that the church of Thessalonica are truly disciples – followers of Christ. Listen to their certainty expressed in 1 Thessalonians 1:4, For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you… On what evidences did Paul, Silas, and Timothy base their certainty?

1. verse 5 because… (write down the reasons)
2. verses 6-7 And… (write down the reasons)
3. verse 8 For… (write down the reasons)
4. verses 9-10 For… (write down the reasons)

Go back and read the 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. Notice the path of discipleship and the evidences of transformation. There is no guessing here as to whether these people have been disciple and are followers of Christ.

PRAYERFUL Verses 2-3 constantly mentioning you in our prayers. RELATIONAL Verses 4-5 You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us. BIBLE-BASED Verses 5, 6, 8 our gospel came to you; for you received the word in much affliction; not only has the word sounded forth from you… SPIRIT-LED Verses 5-6 our gospel came to you…in the Holy Spirit; you received the word…with the joy of the Holy Spirit. COMMITTED TO HOLINESS Verses 6-9 you became imitators of us and of the Lord; you became an example to all believers; your faith in God has gone forth everywhere; they themselves report…how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God…

-CONSIDER & MEDITATE-

Verse 5 - who are you living among for their sake – are you helping others know and follow Christ?

Verse 6 – if others became an imitator of you, would they be imitating the Lord?

-PRAYER & THANKSGIVING- Thank God for those who have lived among you for your sake. Thank God for those who have set a wonderful Christ-like example for you and encouraged you to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.

Pray for God to give you a desire to disciple another, and ask Him to put you in a discipleship relationship.

Pray that God would establish a culture of discipleship among us at The River.