1) Read Romans 8:17-30. What thoughts did the Holy Spirit bring to mind?
2) “Every joy and blessing is intended to point us to a loving Father.”  Why doesn’t that always happen?

• What happens when we are blessed and think that we have earned it?
• How do we respond when others are blessed whom we think do not deserve it?

3) “Every sorrow is intended to force us into the arms of Jesus.”  Why do we sometimes go the other way?

• What happens when we suffer and think that we do not deserve it?
• Read Psalm 73:1-14. How do we respond when others do not suffer whom we think deserve to suffer?

4) “Glory and suffering are an inseparable pair.”  Explain.
5) “Suffering is the pathway to glory for believers in Jesus.”  Agree or disagree?  Why?
6) “The promise of heaven and Jesus’ return is a pathway through suffering.”  Agree or disagree?  Why?
7) What questions do you have about this “upside-down” concept of suffering and glory?
8) How can we pray for ECB and for our group right now?