Key Takeaways

God fills the gaps in our faith through connection with him and with others.

While information can help us grow, spiritual formation happens most powerfully through relationships. As we pay attention to God and invest in meaningful community, he grows our love, strengthens our faith, and helps us become who he created us to be.

• 1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13 – After hearing that the Thessalonians remained faithful despite opposition, Paul rejoiced and prayed for them. He prayed that God would continue growing their love for one another and for all people. Paul understood that spiritual growth isn’t just about more knowledge. It happens as God works through our relationships to strengthen our faith and shape us to become more like Jesus.
  

• Formation is the result of fellowship – Spiritual growth is not meant to happen in isolation. We often grow most when we allow others to encourage, challenge, and walk alongside us.
• To increase our connection, we’ll need to pay attention – Our lives are often filled with distractions that keep us from being fully present with God and others. Growth happens when we intentionally slow down and make space for deeper connection. Paying attention is one of the most practical ways we can love God and his people well.
• God works through people to do his work in people – Paul longed to be present with the Thessalonians because he knew faith is strengthened through relationships. Many of the ways God answers our prayers and grows our faith come through the encouragement, strength, wisdom, and presence of other people. We don’t become who God intends for us to be on our own.

Want a printable version of this Message Guide? Download it through the link below!

Pray

As you pray this week, thank God for the people he has placed in your life and ask him to grow your love for others.

Father, we praise you because you are the loving and faithful god who created us for relationship with you and with one another. Thank you for the example of your love through Jesus and for the way you use your church to help us grow in faith.

We confess that we can become distracted and often miss opportunities to encourage others and build meaningful connections. Forgive us and help us pay attention to the people you have placed around us. Thank you for the friendships, encouragement, and community that strengthen our faith. We are grateful that you use other believers to fill the gaps in our faith and help us become more like Christ.

Father, give us the courage to take a next step toward deeper connection, and lead those who are not yet connected into a J-Group where they can find encouragement, belonging, and spiritual growth. May our love for one another reflect your love and bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your Slot and Spot and thank him for his perfect love that enables us to love others.

Thank God I’m Free – Elevation Rhythm

That’s My King – CeCe Winans

Build My Life – Passion

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. 1 Thessalonians 3:12

• Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13
• Read – A Field Guide to Biblical Community – a 5 day devotional
• Watch – Bible Project’s Agape/Love
• Listen – 1 Thessalonians 3 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your Slot and Spot/discussions with others.

Do you feel there is a gap between who you are and who God wants you to be? What have you tried to help close that gap?

• Considering what you have learned from the teaching this week, what next step do you feel God calling you to take in your faith right now?

In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul is writing to people he knows, is concerned about, and has been praying for.

• Who do you pray for regularly? What do you pray for them? How does activitly praying for someone else impact your faith, and your relationship with them?
• Can you think of anyone you’ve prayed for who had a “success story”? Just like Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians, take a moment to thank God for them.

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:11-12.

• What obstacles prevent you from slowing down and paying more attention to the people in your life? What is preventing you from handing those obstacles to God and being more present with people?

We are reminded that we don’t become who God has destined us to become on our own.

• Who in your life has helped you along in your faith journey?

Reflect on the J-Groups you have joined in the past. Which one(s) did you enjoy the most? What made them impactful?

• Will you be joining or leading a J-Group this summer? Which one(s)?

Next Steps

• Lead or join a J-Group – This summer, don’t try to grow on your own. Take a step toward deeper connection with God and others.
• Follow along with the Slot and Spot guide. Download it here: Built Different Slot and Spot Guide

What’s one thing you learned from this message that you want to apply to your life this week? Share it in the comment section below.