Unexpected Hope (Study Guide)

 “Unexpected Hope”

Sermon Study Guide for May 31, 2026

Downloadable Version


Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18


1. Thessaloniki



questions about those who have died


questions about the return of Christ

Matthew 24:36-44


the basis of our faith: “Jesus died and rose again”



2. Christian Hope


getting in line


parousia - Matthew 25:1-6

Revelation 11:15


a. holy ____________________________



b. live _____________________________

Philippians 1:4-6

Romans 5:3-5



Questions to Discuss or Ponder:

How would you describe the color blue to someone who is blind?

In the last week, what have you said that you “hoped” for?

Why were the Thessalonians concerned about friends who had died? When has grief threatened to consume your life?

How does Paul compare sleep to death? How does that communicate hope?

How does the promised return of Christ make you feel? How does it give you hope?

Why does Paul tell the Thessalonians to “encourage one another” with the promised return of Christ? Where do you find encouragement in that promise?

Why is hope the ultimate result of suffering?


Scripture for the Week:

Monday - 1 Thessalonians 1-2

Tuesday - 1 Thessalonians 3-5

Wednesday - 2 Thessalonians 1-3

Thursday - 1 Timothy 1-3

Friday - 1 Timothy 4-6

Saturday - 2 Timothy 1-4

Sunday - Titus 1-3


In response to this Scripture, how will you live?




Prayer Prompt: To live in true hope.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

First Focus (Study Guide)

“First Focus” Sermon Study Guide for April 8, 2018 Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15 Everyone prays… The Lord’s Prayer Jewish & Gentile Prayer “Teach us to pray…” A framework… Myths about prayer 2. Praying the Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven… Hallowed be thy name… Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in  heaven… Give us this day our daily bread… And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who  trespass against us… And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from  evil… For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen. Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What was the first prayer you remember praying? What questions or struggles do you have when it comes to prayer? What has been your pattern of prayer up to this point? Are you satisfied with your prayer life? Why or why not? Why do we tend to believe “myths” about prayer (li...
Read more

Of the Same Mind

Image
Job 2:11-13 May 18, 2025 • Mount Pleasant UMC Well, it’s been an interesting year so far, but I am glad to be back in the pulpit today. I appreciate Pastor Rick jumping in to help with an extra week of preaching and all the other things, and I have appreciated all the calls and texts and messages and “Facebook likes” and chai tea lattes that have come my way. It has been quite a journey, one that is not over yet as there is yet another surgery in my near future, but I have appreciated the care that has come my way. Many of you know our sermon schedule is prayerfully planned out months in advance. And I can’t tell you how many times someone tells me, “That was exactly what I needed to hear today.” Well, today, I might be the one saying that because it seems that our preplanned schedule has lined up pretty well with my life. So don’t tell me the Holy Spirit can’t work through advance plans! As you know if you’ve been here with us, we’ve been looking at characteristics of communi...
Read more

Rhythm (Study Guide)

“Rhythm” Sermon Study Guide for March 17, 2019 Scripture: Psalm 23:2-3a The rhythm of a day… 1. Green Pastures (23:2a) Freedom from ________________ 2 Timothy 1:7 Freedom from ________________ Matthew 18:15-17 Freedom from ________________ Freedom from ________________ Matthew 5:6 2. Quiet Waters (23:2b) 3. He Refreshes My Soul (23:3a) Matthew 18:10-14 - wandering sheep Hebrews 12:1 Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What do you think of when you hear about “rhythm”? What does the rhythm of your day look like? How does the rhythm of a Biblical day differ from yours? What do you do to rest? In what way(s) do you honor the Sabbath? Of the four “freedoms” required for rest, which one do you struggle to attain? Why? What spiritual disciplines are in place in your life currently? What spiritual needs are going unmet at this time? In what way do you feel like a “cast” sheep? Spend some time in prayer, drawing near...
Read more