Family Devotional: Keep Growing in Jesus
1 Thessalonians 3:11-4:12
Opening Prayer
“God, thank You for our family and for loving us so much. Help us to understand Your Word today and to grow more like Jesus. We want to know You better and live in a way that makes You happy. Amen.”
Read Together
1 Thessalonians 4:1, 3, 7 (simplified)
“Brothers and sisters, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus that you should live in a way that pleases God—do this even more! For this is God’s will: that you would be holy… God has not called us to be impure, but to live in holiness.”
Big Idea
God created us to become more and more like Jesus, and He gives us the power to do it!
Just like a baby learning to walk takes one step, then another, then another, God wants us to keep growing in our faith. We’re never “done” becoming like Jesus until we see Him in heaven!
Story Time: The Spider-Man Reminder
The pastor this week shared that when Peter Parker got bit by that radioactive spider, something changed inside him. He had new power! But he still had to learn how to use it, like how to shoot webs, climb buildings, and help people.
When we trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us. We have God’s power in us! But we still need to practice using it, choosing to obey God, love others, and grow in holiness.
Discussion by Age
For Younger Children
Key Truth: God made you to be like Jesus, and He helps you do it!
Questions:
- What does it mean to be “like Jesus”? (Being kind, telling the truth, sharing, obeying, loving others)
- Can you think of a time this week when you were kind like Jesus?
- What’s something hard that you need God’s help with? (Sharing toys, not hitting your brother/sister, telling the truth)
For Older Children
Key Truth: God wants you to keep growing—don’t settle or stop!
Questions:
- The pastor talked about people who start following Jesus but then just “coast.” Why do you think that happens?
- What are some ways kids your age can grow in knowing and loving Jesus? (Reading the Bible, praying, going to church, being honest, treating friends with respect)
- The pastor said God calls us to obey Him for OUR good and joy—not because He needs us to be good. How does that change how you think about following Jesus?
- What’s one area where you want to grow more like Jesus this week?
For Teens
Key Truth: Sexual purity and work ethic are two practical ways we reflect God’s image.
Questions:
- The pastor said our purpose in life is to reflect God’s image—not to get married, have a career, or even be happy. How does that challenge what our culture says life is about?
- Why do you think Paul spends so much time talking about sexual purity? Why does it matter so much to God?
- The pastor said, “You can’t play with fire and not get burned.” What are some “fires” (temptations) that teenagers face today when it comes to sexual purity? (Pornography, dating relationships, social media, movies/music with sexual content)
- What does “keeping away” from sexual immorality actually look like in real life? (Setting boundaries, accountability, guarding what we watch/listen to, fleeing temptation)
- How does our work ethic (school, chores, part-time jobs) reflect God’s character?
- The pastor reminded us that God doesn’t condemn us when we fall, he encourages us to get back up and keep going. How does that truth help you when you mess up?
Closing Prayer
“Heavenly Father, thank You that You don’t just tell us to be holy—You give us the power to do it through Your Holy Spirit. Help our family to keep growing, keep reaching, and keep becoming more like Jesus. When we fall down, remind us that You’re not mad at us—You’re cheering us on to get back up and try again. We love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Memory Verse for the Week
1 Thessalonians 4:7
“For God has not called us to impurity, but to live in holiness.”
