Here's a small group guide based on the sermon from 11/23/2025:

Small Group Study Guide: Thanksgiving in All Circumstances
Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18


Key Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 "And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Main Takeaways
  1. The Church's Call to Action: We are called to support the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, and help the weak
  2. Rejoice Always: Joy is a choice, even in suffering, when we fix our eyes on Jesus
  3. Pray Without Ceasing: Maintain a constant attitude of reverence and communication with God
  4. Give Thanks in All Circumstances: Recognize God's sovereignty in all situations
  5. Count Your Blessings: The small things add up to reveal God's constant presence.


Discussion Questions
Understanding the Text

  1. Paul gives specific instructions to the church about different types of people who need help. Which of these groups (idlers, faint-hearted, weak) do you find easiest to help? Which is most challenging? Why?
  2. The sermon mentioned that joy is almost always coupled with suffering in the New Testament. How does this change your understanding of biblical joy versus worldly happiness?

Personal Reflection

  1. The central question of the sermon was: "How are you supposed to be thankful when times are really tough?" How would you answer this question based on your own experiences?
  2. Pastor Steve shared that "attitude determines altitude." Can you share a time when choosing joy or gratitude changed your perspective on a difficult situation?
  3. What does "praying without ceasing" look like in your daily life? What obstacles prevent you from maintaining a constant attitude of prayer and reverence?
  4. The sermon mentioned that most people's "go-to attitude" is grousing and complaining rather than thankfulness. Do you agree? What is your natural default attitude?

Going Deeper

  1. Christians in places like Nigeria face martyrdom for their faith, yet are called to "rejoice always." How does their reality challenge or inform your own faith journey?
  2. Pastor Steve said, "If we have been blessed and we encounter a brother or sister who needs a little extra something, how can we do anything else but help?" What makes "people work" so difficult? What helps you persevere in serving others?
  3. The sermon emphasized that giving thanks in all circumstances "is always a work in progress." What specific areas of your life do you struggle most to give thanks for?
  4. Pastor Steve shared many "small" things he's thankful for that aren't really small. What are some overlooked blessings in your life that deserve more gratitude?


Closing Reflection

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said: "Only he who gives thanks for little things receives the big things. We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary small gifts that are not really all that small."
Question: What "small" gift from God do you need to recognize as "not really all that small"?
Prayer Focus
  • Pray for those in your group facing difficult circumstances
  • Thank God for His constant presence in the small moments of life
  • Ask God to help you maintain attitudes of joy, constant prayer, and thanksgiving
  • Pray for persecuted Christians around the world who face suffering for their faith
  • Ask for strength to serve the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, and help the weak