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Endure Present Suffering 2 Thessalonians 1:1-7. DISCUSSION GUIDE. DISCUSSION GUIDE. "It is just that way with trials. You can come to the place where the circumstance itself is less painful than the commitment not to give up." James MacDonald. DISCUSSION GUIDE. DISCUSSION GUIDE.
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Endure Present Suffering 2 Thessalonians 1:1-7
DISCUSSION GUIDE "It is just that way with trials. You can come to the place where the circumstance itself is less painful than the commitment not to give up." James MacDonald
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 1. How did Paul encourage the believers in Thessalonica in (2 Thessalonians 1:1-3)? He greeted them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He commended them for their growing faith and love.
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 2. How do believers today encourage one another when first greeting one another?
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 3. Why was Paul so proud of these believers? (v. 4) They were persevering through persecutions and afflictions.
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 4. Jesus, Paul and the Thessalonians had all endured trials. Why do some people teach that if you only have enough faith and give enough offering you can escape trials and live in peace and prosperity? How would you counter this false theology?
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 5. Suffering is a fact in our lives. What do the following passages teach about it? • (Heb. 12:5-6; 1 Cor. 11:30) Suffering is a means of punishing sin • (James 1:2-4; 2 Cor. 12:7-10) Suffering is a means of attaining maturity • (Matt. 5:11-16; Job 1:6-10) Suffering is a means of a testimony • (2 Cor. 1:3-7; Job 42:7-10) Suffering is a preparation for ministry • (John 9:1-3) Suffering is a means to glorifying God
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 6. What has your recent suffering taught you?
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 7. How would you respond to a non-believer if they asked you, “How can you believe in a God who allows His children to suffer?”
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 8. How would you rate your faith as it relates to enduring trials and facing fears? Artificial Faith --------------------------------- Authentic Faith
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 9. What do the following passages teach about endurance? • (Rom. 5:3-5) The end result of endurance is hope through the Holy Spirit • (2 Cor. 4:16-17) Endurance focused on eternity empowers us to endure to a better future • (Heb. 10:36) It takes endurance to complete the will of God
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 10. What are God’s promises about affliction in (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7)? • God will afflict those who afflicted them • In the end they will find rest
DISCUSSION GUIDE DISCUSSION GUIDE 11. What is your level of suffering today? What should your prayers be focused on?
DISCUSSION GUIDE Redeemed By Big Daddy Weave Seems like all I could see was the struggleHaunted by ghosts that lived in my pastBound up in shackles of all my failuresWondr’ing how long is this gonna lastThen you look at this prisoner and say to me"Son stop fighting a fight that's already been won"I am redeemed, You set me freeSo I'll shake off these heavy chainsWipe away every stainCause I'm not who I used to beI am redeemed.....I'm redeemed
DISCUSSION GUIDE All my life I have been called unworthyNamed by the voice of my shame and regretBut when I hear You whisper "Child lift up your head"I remember oh God You're not done with me yetI am redeemed, You set me freeSo I'll shake off these heavy chainsWipe away every stainCause I'm not who I used to beBecause I don't have to be the old man inside of me'cause his day is long dead and gone becauseI've got a new name, a new life, I'm not the sameand a hope that will carry me home
DISCUSSION GUIDE I am redeemed, You set me freeSo I'll shake off these heavy chains andWipe away every stainCause I'm not who I used to beI am redeemed You set me freeSo I'll shake off these heavy chains andwipe away every stainNow I'm not who I used to beOh God I'm not who I used to beJesus I'm not who I used to be'Cause I am redeemedThank God redeemed