Check here each week for information to prepare your heart for the upcoming sermon and follow-up questions you can use after the sermon to dig deeper and disciple your family!
Joy in the Midst of Grief & Suffering
Joy in the Midst of Grief & Suffering
Notes:
Basis of joy - He gives us in Christ – v6a.
Results of suffering:
1) Suffering brings - v6b.
2) Suffering leads to - v7.
3) Suffering draws us - vv8-9.
- Where is your joy? Where are you tempted to place it other than in the gospel? What impact does it have on your life when you seek joy in something more than you seek it in your salvation?
- How have past (or present) trials shown you the genuineness of your faith? How might that change the way you think about those times of hardship?
- Do you tend to grow closer to God in times of difficulty? Why?
- Who around you needs encouragement as they go through trials?
Other passages to consider:
Mt 5:10-12; Jn 16:33; 20:29; Rom 8:16-18; 31-39; 2 Cor 4:16-17; Phil 3:10-11; Col 1:11; 1 Thes 1:6; Jam 1:2-4; 1 Pt 4:12-13; Rev 21:1-4.
Pursuing God in Hard Times
Pursuing God in Hard Times – Psalm 77
Notes:
____________ the Lord in your _______________________.
______________ your ________________________ to God.
Remember who ______________________ and what he has
___________________________.
Persevere for the Prize
Persevere for the Prize – Hebrews 10:32-39
Sermon Notes:
1) Remember your ____________________ - vv32-34
2) ______________to receive your ___________________ - vv35-39
Digging Deeper:
- How does Hebrews 11:1-12:2 relate to what is being taught her in 10:32-39?
- Share about times from your past when God gave you grace to endure difficulties. What did God teach you through these trials?
- How does thinking about our future inheritance help us persevere through trials?
- How can you cultivate more of a longing for your future inheritance?
Other Passages to Consider:
Ps 9:1-10; Matt 10:22; Phil 1:6; Titus 2:11-13; Heb 12:1-4; 1 Pet 1:3-9; Rev 21:1-8
Testimony of God’s Comfort
Testimony of God’s Comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Sermon Notes:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Digging Deeper:
- Why does Paul want the Corinthians to know that God delivered him from a severe affliction?
- Why is it important that Christians learn to rely on God and not themselves?
- What gave Paul confidence of God’s ongoing deliverance?
- How can we pray for those going through trials?
Other Passages to Consider:
Ps 121:1-2; 2 Cor 4:7-12; 11:24-28; 12:7-10; Eph 6:18-20; 2 Tim 4:16-18; Jam 5:16; 2 Pet 2:9
Strength to Endure
Strength to Endure – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Sermon Notes:
1) _________ of Comfort – v3
2) _________ of Comfort – v4,7
3) _________ of Comfort – vv4-6
4) _________ of Comfort – v7
Digging Deeper:
- How does your soul respond to the titles for God in v3?
- What does the word “comfort” describe in our text?
- In what ways does God comfort His people in affliction?
- How have others helped you in times of trial?
- What have you learned during affliction that could help others?
Other Passages to Consider:
Ps 46:1-3; 103:6-14; 121:1-2; Isa 51:12-16; 66:13; Col 1:24
From Fear to Faith
From Fear to Faith — Psalm 56
Sermon Notes:
1) Trials – vv1-2, 5-7
2) Truth – vv8-9
3) Trust – vv3-4, 10-13
Discussion Questions:
- Will Christians ever become afraid? What should we do when we are afraid?
- How does the Bible help us to trust God?
- What truths should I preach to myself when I am afraid?
- What fruit is evident in the life of a person who is trusting God?
Other Passages to Consider:
1 Samuel 21; Ps 34; 138:2; Prov 3:5-6; Isa 49:14-16; John 16:33; Rom 8:31-39; Heb 13:5-6; Matt 6:25-34; 10:28-31
Joy in the Midst of Pain
Joy in the Midst of Pain – 1 Peter 1:6-9
Reason #1 – The grounds for our joy is our ______________________.
Reason #2 – God has a __________________ for our temporary pain.
Purpose #1 – Assuring us of our ______________ of our salvation/inheritance
(proving the genuineness of our faith)
Purpose #2 – Increasing our ________________ of our salvation.
(purifying the quality of our faith)
Digging Deeper:
- What is the danger of tying our joy to our circumstances?
- Why is the joy of the Christian unshakable – even in the midst of pain?
- How does God use trials in our lives?
- Do you tend to grow closer to God in times of difficulty? Why?
- What (or better, who) is our ultimate inheritance? (see Rom 8:17, Matt 5:8)
Other Passages to Consider:
Matt 5:10-12; John 16:33; 20:29; Rom 8:16-18; Phil 3:10-11; Jam 1:2-4; 1 Pet 4:12-13)
Joy and Peace, Even When Life is Hard
Joy and Peace, Even When Life is Hard – Psalm 27
Preparing your heart for the sermon:
- How does David describe the dangers he is facing? What emotions is David experiencing in the midst of this trouble?
- What is David’s passion in life? How does he pursue that passion?
- Why should confidence in God lead to seeking the Lord all the more?
Other passages to consider: Ex 34:5-8; Ps 13; 17; 23; 42:1-2; Isa 40:28-31; Luke 10:38-42; Eph 6:10-20; Heb 1:1-3
Digging Deeper:
- What is your #1 pursuit in life? What should it be?
- What does it look like for you to seek God’s face? How can you grow in this?
- Why can you have peace even in the midst of trials?
- What are you waiting on the Lord for right now? How does this Psalm help you to wait?