THE LINC COLLECTIVE

Scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 1 ESV

Points:
1. The power we LIVE ON (‘Deep conviction in the Holy Spirit.’)
2. The practice we LIVE BY (‘A faith that works, a love that labours, a hope that grips.’)
3. The purpose we LIVE FOR (‘They turned TO the Living God FROM their idols.’)

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How do we change? (The gap between belief and behaviour)

Many people believe that God is real and God loves them – and yet they’re anxious and full of worry… Here’s why: beliefs don’t automatically change us – you need practices to change character.

1. The Power we LIVE ON (‘Deep conviction in the Holy Spirit.’)

He cannot work through you, before He works in you… GOD doesn’t first ADD ON… He always ADDS IN. 

“Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.”
The gospel is not just explained but experienced. 

How do we change? We can’t by our own strength – mind power, will power, bootstrap power – only by God’s power through the Holy Spirit. 

Question: How do we experience/access the power of God in our daily lives?

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2. The practice we LIVE BY (‘A faith that works, a love that labours, a hope that grips.’)

The Gospel is not just a declaration, but a demonstration. We aren’t called to just be ADMIRERS of God but IMITATORS of God.

The world doesn’t just want to hear the Good News – they want to SEE the Good News. They desperately need to see the IMITATORS of God. 

So what can we imitate? “Your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Faith that acts, love that labours and hope that grips (faith has feet).

Question: What practices can we implement to strengthen our devotional & family lives? How do we grow in the imitation of God?

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3. The purpose we LIVE FOR (‘They turned TO the Living God FROM their idols.’)

“To the Living God from their idols”… Paul is showing us a very important truth – you can’t get rid of idols in your life, you can only replace them with something bigger and more beautiful. 

Question: What are some idols in our lives, homes and community? What would it look like to turn to God instead?