We Need Each Other
Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Sermon text: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
We show genuine concern for each other
—we desire to be with each other
—we want what is best for each other
—we celebrate with each other
—we sacrifice for each other
We strengthen and support each other
Hebrews 3:13
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
—we exhort each other as we endure suffering
Why is suffering part of the Christian life
—suffering reminds us to rely on God
—suffering motivates us to battle sin
—suffering prepares us to help others
—suffering strengthens our faith
—suffering helps us stay alert in the battle
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
“Persecution, hardship, and difficulty are expectations for the Christian; they were never meant to be exceptions for the Christian. So the real question is not, will I face trouble? But, how will I respond when I face trouble?”
—Mark Howell, Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Thessalonians
—we encourage each other with truth
Paul’s urgency on this matter ought to persuade us to inquire about our own faith. Are we careful to guard and nurture our faith, without which we cannot be saved? Do we daily present our minds and hearts before God’s Word so that our faith might be protected from the assaults of Satan and the world and so that our faith may be increased?
—Richard D. Phillips, 1 & 2 Thessalonians
Discipleship Questions:
Sermon text: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
We show genuine concern for each other
—we desire to be with each other
—we want what is best for each other
—we celebrate with each other
—we sacrifice for each other
We strengthen and support each other
Hebrews 3:13
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
—we exhort each other as we endure suffering
Why is suffering part of the Christian life
—suffering reminds us to rely on God
—suffering motivates us to battle sin
—suffering prepares us to help others
—suffering strengthens our faith
—suffering helps us stay alert in the battle
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
“Persecution, hardship, and difficulty are expectations for the Christian; they were never meant to be exceptions for the Christian. So the real question is not, will I face trouble? But, how will I respond when I face trouble?”
—Mark Howell, Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Thessalonians
—we encourage each other with truth
Paul’s urgency on this matter ought to persuade us to inquire about our own faith. Are we careful to guard and nurture our faith, without which we cannot be saved? Do we daily present our minds and hearts before God’s Word so that our faith might be protected from the assaults of Satan and the world and so that our faith may be increased?
—Richard D. Phillips, 1 & 2 Thessalonians
Discipleship Questions:
- How can our lives reflect that we have genuine concern for each other?
- What can sacrificing for each other look like in the context of our CG and our church as a whole?
- How can we celebrate the faith and growth we see in each other?
- What does it look like to truly come alongside each other in suffering?
- How can the truth about how God uses suffering help us respond to it the right way?
- How does looking forward to Jesus’ return help us right now?
- How can we help each other anticipate and look forward to Jesus’ return?
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