A New Identity in Christ

Today we launch a powerful new series on the letters to the Thessalonians. These two short New Testament books—1 and 2 Thessalonians—were written to one of the earliest churches planted by the Apostle Paul. Before jumping into the rich theology and encouragement in these letters, it’s helpful to explore the background: Who was Paul writing to? Why did he write? And how can these ancient letters speak directly to us today?

Understanding the Timeline of Paul’s Letters

Before diving into 1 Thessalonians, let’s take a quick detour through the New Testament table of contents. The Apostle Paul wrote 13 letters (or epistles), and they weren’t written in the order they appear in your Bible. Understanding their timeline helps us grasp the historical and spiritual context of each one.

1 Thessalonians was written around AD 50, making it one of Paul’s earliest writings—possibly his second after Galatians. Here’s a simplified overview of Paul’s epistles in chronological order:

• Galatians (AD 48) – After Paul’s first missionary journey

• 1 Thessalonians (AD 50) – Written from Corinth after Timothy’s encouraging report

• 2 Thessalonians (AD 51) – Soon after 1 Thessalonians to clarify teaching on Christ’s return

• 1 & 2 Corinthians (AD 55–56) – To address division and reconciliation

• Romans (AD 57) – A theological masterpiece written before a trip to Jerusalem

• Prison Epistles (AD 60) – Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians from Rome

• Pastoral Epistles (AD 63–67) – 1 Timothy, Titus, and finally 2 Timothy before Paul’s death

The City of Thessalonica and the Church’s Birth

Paul planted the church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey (see Acts 17). But his time there was brief. After just three weeks of preaching in the synagogue, persecution forced Paul and his team to flee the city. This sudden departure left the young church without strong leadership during a time of growing hostility.

Later, while Paul was in Corinth (see Acts 18), he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to check in. Timothy’s report was encouraging, so Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to strengthen, teach, and affirm the faith of these new believers.

Importantly, this letter was written before any of the four Gospels had been completed. The early church relied on the oral tradition of eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It wasn’t until decades later, as those eyewitnesses began to pass away, that the written Gospels were compiled (see Luke 1:1–4).

Competing “Tribes” in Ancient Thessalonica

Paul’s opening words to the church are deeply theological and culturally subversive:

“We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1 NLT)

That word “church” in Greek is ekklesia, and in the Greco-Roman world, it didn’t originally mean a religious group. It referred to a political or civic assembly—like a town hall meeting. Thessalonica had many such groups:

1. Civic Assemblies – Free male citizens met to vote on laws and policies, aligned with Rome’s authority.

2. Pagan Mystery Cults – Groups worshiped deities like Cabirus (a local messianic figure) and Dionysus (god of wine and ecstasy), often through secret rituals.

3. Imperial Assemblies – Citizens gathered to declare loyalty to Caesar, who was worshiped as “lord” and “savior.”

4. Jewish Synagogues – Paul first preached here, and some Jews and God-fearing Greeks joined the Christian faith. (See Acts 17:2–4.)

In this context, Paul redefined ekklesia to mean a new kind of people—not gathered around a king or philosophy, but around Jesus Christ as Lord.

A New Kind of Tribe: God’s People

Paul’s main point in 1 Thessalonians 1 is that the believers now have a new identity:

“You belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1 NLT)

Their former “tribes” no longer define them. They now belong to God’s people—those who have responded to the gospel through faith.

Paul continues:

“We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 NLT)

This “trifecta” of faith, love, and hope becomes a recurring theme in Paul’s writing. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, he calls these the three things that last forever.

Who Gets the Credit?

Finally, Paul reminds them of one crucial truth:

“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT)

This verse introduces the concept of being “chosen”—a powerful biblical idea that Paul expands later, especially in Romans. For now, the message is clear: God gets all the credit for our salvation. We didn’t earn our way into God’s tribe. He brought us in because of His love.

So What? Identity Matters

In today’s world, people still form tribes—political, cultural, ideological. But Paul’s message remains: Your primary identity must be in Christ. If you’ve trusted Jesus, then you belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ above all.

That identity should shape your views on politics, sexuality, family, money, and everything else. And for those still considering, the invitation is open: God loves you. He has made a way for you to belong to His eternal tribe.

The Gospel vs. The Empire: Why Jesus, Not Caesar, Is the Real Good News

Setting the Stage: A Young Church in a Pagan City

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is one of his earliest writings, addressed to a young and courageous church in the city of Thessalonica. Located in Macedonia, this city was a thriving cultural center in the Roman Empire. It was full of competing loyalties:

• Civic Assemblies that promoted public allegiance to Roman rule

• Jewish communities rooted in Old Testament tradition

• Pagan mystery cults that worshiped local gods like Cabirus and Dionysus

• Imperial cults that demanded loyalty to Caesar, who was honored as “Lord” and “Savior”

This cultural mixture made Thessalonica a spiritual and political battleground. It was in this context that Paul boldly preached a new message—one that didn’t fit into any existing category.

Caesar and the Counterfeit Gospel

To understand the revolutionary nature of Paul’s gospel, we need to grasp how the Roman Empire presented its rulers.

• Julius Caesar (100–44 BC) was a military genius and political reformer. After his assassination, the Roman Senate declared him divine—Divus Julius.

• His adopted son, Caesar Augustus, used that claim to establish himself as the “Son of God.” He was also called “Savior” and “Lord”, and he was praised for bringing peace to the empire—the Pax Romana.

• In 9 BC, an inscription from Priene declared Augustus’s birthday “the beginning of the good news (euangelion)” for the world.

This was the Roman Empire’s version of the gospel: salvation through the emperor, peace through power, and a kingdom built by human might. It was political propaganda wrapped in divine language.

Paul’s Radical Message: The True Gospel

In direct contrast, Paul brought a different kind of good news to Thessalonica.

“For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true…”
— 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NLT)

This message centered on Jesus—not Caesar—as the true Son of God, the real Savior, and the eternal King. Paul wasn’t just preaching theology; he was making a political and spiritual declaration. His message was:

• Not about the birth of Augustus, but the death and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:3)

• Not about human rule, but about the kingdom of God

• Not about Rome’s peace, but about peace with God through Christ

A Church That Chose a New Allegiance

The Thessalonian believers responded with joy—even though it brought suffering.

“So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NLT)

Their conversion was radical. They turned away from idols, including allegiance to Caesar, and began to serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). This wasn’t a mild change—it was a total shift in identity. According to scholars, they didn’t mix Jesus into their old beliefs; they abandoned the old system entirely.

Their faith became contagious. Paul says that their testimony rang out across Macedonia and Achaia. Others heard not just about their beliefs, but about how they lived and suffered for their allegiance to Christ.

A New Calendar, a New Kingdom

Paul finishes this section with a bold statement:

“And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment.”
— 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (NLT)

While Rome proclaimed the emperor as savior, Paul declared that Jesus is the one who will rescue us. While Roman decrees tried to reshape time around Augustus’s birth, Christians later reshaped the global calendar to mark the birth of Jesus:

• AD (Anno Domini) = “In the year of our Lord”

• BC = “Before Christ”

Even in secular culture today, though terms like BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) are used, they still trace back to the same pivotal event: the birth of Jesus.

The Takeaway: Only One King Can Make Things Right

From Caesar Augustus to modern politicians, the world keeps looking for someone to fix everything—someone who can restore order, bring peace, and heal division.

But no emperor, president, policy, or celebrity can do what Jesus has already done.

• Jesus brings peace with God, not just peace in society

• Jesus reigns eternally, not just temporarily

• Jesus, not Caesar, is the true Son of God and Savior of the world

So if you’re asking today, “Who’s going to make things right?”—just look at the calendar. History itself testifies to the answer.

Jesus is Lord. And He’s coming again.

Greater Than Philosophy: Why Paul’s Message Still Matters Today
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (NLT)

In the bustling Roman city of Thessalonica, where new ideas and philosophies thrived, Paul showed up not as a trendy teacher or persuasive orator—but as a servant of Christ, proclaiming something greater than philosophy: the gospel.

While the streets were filled with Epicureans seeking pleasure, Stoics promoting virtue, Cynics criticizing society, and Sophists performing for applause, Paul entered with humility, boldness, and love. He didn’t come with catchy slogans or lofty ideas. He came with a crucified and risen Savior.

Acts 17 highlights Paul’s encounters in cities like Thessalonica and Athens, where his message clashed with the dominant cultural philosophies. To most Greeks, Paul might have looked like just another wandering thinker. But as 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 reveals, his mission and method were completely different.

Paul was not an Epicurean, focused on personal peace or comfort. He endured suffering and opposition (verse 2) to share something deeper than “protect your peace.” He wasn’t a Sophist either—he didn’t flatter, manipulate, or chase applause (verses 4-6). Unlike modern influencers who demand steep speaking fees and crowd adoration, Paul pleased God, not people.

He also wasn’t a Stoic. Though he valued discipline and honesty, Paul pointed not to self-mastery but to God’s kingdom (verse 12). And he didn’t act like a modern Cynic—abrasive and edgy for shock value. Paul’s love was real, relational, and sacrificial. He shared not just ideas, but his very life (verse 8).

Christianity is not just another philosophy among many. It’s not a self-help strategy, a motivational mindset, or a new moral code. It is a rescue mission. And Paul’s message—centered on Jesus Christ—offers something none of the ancient or modern philosophies can: transformation by grace and an invitation to God’s glory.

If you’re exhausted by shallow inspiration or unsure which “tribe” to follow in today’s world of influencers and ideologies, take another look at Paul’s words. The answer isn’t a method. It’s a person: Jesus.

Lesson Summary

Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

Back in Paul’s day, Thessalonica was full of traveling philosophers and influencers—kind of like today’s social media. Each had a message: “Live for pleasure,” “Be strong,” “Be real,” or “Say what people want to hear.” But Paul didn’t just bring another idea—he brought the truth about Jesus.

Paul wasn’t in it for fame, money, or popularity. He didn’t try to manipulate people. Instead, he worked hard, loved deeply, and shared both the gospel and his life. His message wasn’t just about living better—it was about being made new in Christ. That’s what makes Christianity greater than philosophy.

2. Activity: “Who Said It?” Game

Instructions: Read each quote and have students guess if it was said by a modern influencer/philosopher or by Paul. You can add some of your own!

• “Do whatever makes you happy.”
• “We were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money.”
• “The obstacle in the path becomes the path.”
• “We shared not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.”
• “Say yes to your destiny!”
• “Our purpose is to please God, not people.”
• “Protect your peace, no matter the cost.”
• “He called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.”

Follow up: What does each quote value—pleasure, success, image, truth? Which one sounds like something Jesus would say?

3. What You Need to Know

Instructions: Have someone else read this to the group.

• Paul wasn’t about flattery or fame—he boldly shared the gospel even when it was hard.
  1 Thessalonians 2:2
• He wanted to please God, not impress people. His motives were pure.
  1 Thessalonians 2:4
• Paul worked hard and lived with honesty and integrity.
  1 Thessalonians 2:10
• His goal wasn’t to motivate but to transform—to invite people into God’s kingdom.
  1 Thessalonians 2:12

4. Let’s Talk About It

Use these to spark discussion and connect the lesson to students’ lives.

1. Which kind of message do you hear more in your life—about pleasure, toughness, criticism, or popularity?
2. Why do you think Paul’s message stood out from other influencers in Thessalonica?
3. What’s the difference between inspiring someone and actually helping them grow in their faith?
4. Paul shared his life, not just his words. What would that look like in your friendships?
5. Why is the message of Jesus better than any life advice you hear on social media or in the world?

1. When you think about the different cultural messages out there—“protect your peace,” “grind harder,” “speak your truth,” “build your brand”—which one do you find yourself buying into most often, and why?

2. Paul rejected the spotlight and chose to live humbly among the Thessalonians. What does it look like for a man today to lead without needing attention, credit, or applause?

3. Paul described his leadership like a mother caring for her kids and a father urging his children forward (vv7-12). Which of those images challenges you more—and what might that say about your approach to influence and relationships?

4. Think of someone in your life who shared not just biblical truth, but their personal life with you. What impact did that have on your faith or your character?

5. Paul endured suffering and opposition to stay faithful to his calling. What kind of opposition or resistance do you face right now in following Jesus—and how are you navigating it?

1. Paul says he shared “not only the Good News but our own lives, too” (v8). Can you think of a time when someone invested in you like that—and how did it impact you?

2. In a world that tells women to find peace through self-care, strength through independence, or validation through appearance or success, how does Paul’s message offer a better way?

3. What do you think it means to live in a way “worthy of God,” who calls us into His Kingdom and glory (v12)? How might that look different from just trying to “be a better person”?

4. Paul used both nurturing (mother) and encouraging (father) imagery to describe his ministry. Which one do you tend to lean into more when caring for others—and which one do you want to grow in?

5. Paul didn’t come to impress people—he came to serve and love with pure motives (v4-5). Where do you feel pressure to “look good” or “have it all together”?

The Power of God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16)

The Bible is more than an ancient text—it’s God’s active, living Word that confronts every human heart. This week’s lesson highlights how God’s Word exposes what’s really going on inside us and forces a response: submission or rejection.

How God’s Word Works in Believers

Paul starts by thanking God that the Thessalonian believers didn’t dismiss his message as mere human words. They recognized it as the very Word of God, and they responded with faith. This didn’t just happen at the intellectual level. It was deeply personal and transformational.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NLT) says:
“Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.”

Paul highlights two stages of response:

• Receiving (paralabontes): An intellectual acknowledgment of the message.
• Accepting (edexasthe): A heart-level embrace that led to life change.

This reflects how true conversion happens. It starts with hearing the gospel (external call) and moves to a personal conviction (internal call), where the Holy Spirit convicts of sin and reveals the truth about Jesus (John 16:8-11).

Hebrews 4:12 describes this power well:
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

The Tragic Response of Unbelief

Not everyone responds to God’s Word with repentance. Paul draws attention to those who actively oppose it. He describes how some Jewish leaders historically rejected God’s messengers—killing prophets, rejecting Jesus, and persecuting the church.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 (NLT) states:
“And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.”

Paul’s words remind us: rejecting God’s Word isn’t neutral. Some actively work against God’s purposes, trying to silence the gospel and hurt His people.

God’s Word Exposes Everyone

The message closes with a clear truth: no one can escape the exposing power of God’s Word.

Hebrews 4:13 (NLT) adds:
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”

The Greek word for “exposed” paints the image of a wrestler holding an opponent in a submission hold, forcing surrender. This is what God’s Word does: it lays us bare, confronting us with truth, and invites us to either submit in repentance or remain in rebellion.

Bottom Line:

God’s Word will expose what’s inside you. The question is: when the moment comes, will you resist—or will you repent?

Lesson Summary

Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

God’s Word isn’t just a bunch of inspiring thoughts or good advice. It’s alive and powerful! It exposes what’s really going on in our hearts—even things we try to hide.

Paul reminded the Thessalonians that when they heard the message about Jesus, they didn’t just think it was human opinion. They believed it was God Himself speaking—and that decision changed their lives.

But not everyone responds that way. Some people reject God’s Word and even try to stop others from hearing it. That was true in Paul’s day, and it’s still true today.

Here’s the bottom line: Whether you believe it or not, God’s Word will expose what’s inside of you. You can run, but you can’t hide.

Activity: Heart Check Stations

Instructions: Set up three corners (or stations) around the room. Students will rotate through each one, reflecting and writing brief anonymous answers on sticky notes or index cards. Afterward, gather and read some (anonymously) to start discussion.

Station 1: The Listening Station
Prompt: What’s something you’ve heard from the Bible lately that stuck with you or made you think?

Station 2: The Exposure Station
Prompt: Has God’s Word ever made you realize something you needed to change? What was it?

Station 3: The Resistance Station
Prompt: Be honest… What’s one area where you’ve been ignoring or resisting what God says?

Optional Twist: Let students help name each station with creative titles like “Mirror Moment” or “Reality Check.”

What You Need to Know

Instructions: Take turns having students read the summary points below.

• The Thessalonians didn’t just hear Paul’s words—they believed it was God speaking directly to them. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

• God’s Word keeps working in people who believe, changing them from the inside out. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

• Some people reject God’s Word and even try to stop others from hearing it. 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16

• God will hold everyone accountable for how they respond to His Word. Hebrews 4:13

• We all have a choice: Will we resist God’s Word or let it change us? Hebrews 4:12

Let’s Talk About It

Instructions: Finish your class by talking through these questions, or adding your own.

1. Have you ever felt like God’s Word was speaking directly to you? What happened?

2. Why do you think some people ignore or reject what God says?

3. How can we tell the difference between human opinions and God’s truth?

4. What’s one area of your life where you know you need to listen to God more?

5. What does it mean to fully submit to God? Why is that hard sometimes?

Satan’s Tactics: How the Enemy Tries to Derail Your Faith (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:8)

In last week’s message, we explored how God’s Word exposes hearts, separating those who submit to the gospel from those who actively resist it. This week, Paul shifts the focus to a new—and even more sinister—source of opposition: Satan himself.

Many people today think of Satan as a cartoon character with a pitchfork. But Paul, Jesus, and the early church took Satan seriously. Scripture repeatedly reminds us that Satan is real and active, working to hinder God’s purposes in the world and in our personal faith journeys.

Satan Is Predictable, But Dangerous

1 Peter 5:8 warns believers:
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Just like a lion prowling for isolated prey, Satan uses predictable tactics to bring down believers—especially new Christians and young churches. Paul addresses these tactics directly in this section of 1 Thessalonians.

Two Phases of Satan’s Work

Paul’s words reveal that Satan operates in two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Opposition

Satan works hard to stop God’s work before it gains traction.

• 1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Paul says, “We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us.”
  The Greek word for “prevented” suggests military action—like tearing up a road to stop an advancing army.

Satan can bring opposition in multiple ways:

• Spiritual Opposition
  Paul and his team experienced spiritual resistance, as seen earlier when local leaders opposed the gospel. (1 Thessalonians 2:15-16)

• Legal Pressure
  Local officials had forced believers like Jason to post bond, limiting their freedom. (Acts 17:9)

• Physical or Medical Struggles
  Paul later refers to his “thorn in the flesh” as a messenger from Satan. (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Three Predictable Tactics Satan Uses Against Believers

Whether through phase 1 opposition or phase 2 temptation, Satan tends to use the same basic tools:

1. Discouragement and Suffering
   He loves to discourage believers through trouble and hardship.

2. Temptation and Old Patterns
   The tempter wants to drag believers back into sinful behaviors and old ways of thinking. (1 Thessalonians 3:5)

3. Separation from Community
   Just like a lion hunts isolated prey, Satan tries to pull believers away from Christian fellowship.

Phase 2: Victory (If We Let Him)

Paul feared that Satan’s efforts might have caused the Thessalonians to fall away.

• 1 Thessalonians 3:5 – Paul refers to Satan as “the tempter,” fearing that their faith had been shaken.

But thankfully, that’s not what happened. Timothy’s report was encouraging:

• Faith and Love Remained Strong

• They Remembered Paul with Joy

• They Hungered for More Spiritual Connection

Paul celebrates their resilience and reminds them (and us) that Satanic opposition does not equal Satanic victory.

God’s Solution: Spiritual Resilience

Instead of praying for trouble-free lives, Paul encouraged believers to stand strong in the face of trials.

• 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 – “We are destined for such troubles… and they did come.”

God uses trials to build spiritual strength. And while Satan wants to shake your faith, God equips you to stand firm.

• Romans 16:20 – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

The takeaway? Stay alert. Recognize Satan’s schemes. But above all—stand strong in the victory you already have in Jesus Christ.

Lesson Summary

Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

Satan isn’t a cartoon character with a pitchfork. He’s real, and the Bible says he’s on a mission to stop God’s work in our lives.

Paul experienced this firsthand. He wanted to visit the Thessalonian believers again, but Satan kept blocking the way.

That’s what Satan does: he opposes, distracts, and tries to wear down Christians—especially new believers.

In this passage, Paul highlights two key phases of Satan’s tactics:

1. Opposition – Making life difficult, throwing up roadblocks, and causing discouragement.

2. Temptation – Trying to lead believers back into sin or make them give up on their faith.

But even though Satan attacked, the Thessalonians stayed strong! They didn’t let trouble shake their faith.

Here’s the bottom line:
Satan will come against you, but he doesn’t have to win. Stay strong and trust God.

Activity: “Obstacle Course Challenge”

Instructions: Before class, set up a simple (and safe) obstacle course around the room using chairs, cones, or classroom objects.

How to Play:
Pick 2-3 volunteers to go through the course blindfolded while a partner verbally guides them. The catch:
Appoint one or two students as “distracters” who are allowed to call out wrong directions (don’t overdo it, just for fun).

Debrief:
When they’re done, ask:

• What made it hard to get through?

• What helped you succeed?

Tie-In:
Just like the distracters tried to throw you off, Satan uses distractions, lies, and discouragement to keep us off track spiritually.

What You Need to Know

Instructions: Take turns having students read the summary points below.

• Satan is real and works hard to stop Christians from growing and sharing their faith. 1 Thessalonians 2:18

• His name means “adversary,” and he’s always trying to block God’s work. 1 Thessalonians 2:18

• Satan’s tactics often include discouragement, temptation, and isolation from other believers. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-5

• God allows challenges, but His goal is to make our faith stronger—not to let Satan win. 1 Thessalonians 3:3

• Even in hard times, we can stay strong in faith, love, and hope—just like the Thessalonians did. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8

Let’s Talk About It

Instructions: Finish your class by talking through these questions, or adding your own.

1. Why do you think Satan especially targets new or growing Christians?

2. Which of Satan’s tactics—discouragement, temptation, or isolation—do you feel most vulnerable to right now? Why?

3. In the obstacle course game, what helped you stay on track? How does that relate to staying strong in your faith?

4. In what ways does it help to know that Satan doesn’t get the final word—and that God’s power is stronger? How have you seen that in your life?

5. What’s one thing you can do this week to resist Satan’s attacks and stay close to God?