This week's Life Group Questions
1. Review: Jesus calls us to embrace suffering. Like a good shepherd, He kindly prepares us to expect suffering, sets the example of suffering, and offers transformation through suffering.
Conversation starter: what was the key insight you gained from Sunday’s sermon?
2. Reflection: It is natural for us to avoid suffering. We considered three ways we avoid suffering:
a) You fight against suffering
b) You find ways to distract yourself from being present in your suffering
c) You resign in despair
As you reflect on your own life and experiences, what avoidance strategy are you most familiar with? Share an example.
3. Reflection and Application: A call to embrace suffering is significant. Jesus spoke these words to a group of disciples calling them to journey through suffering together. Paul, James, and Peter write their letters to a church (a community of followers of Jesus) calling the community to “rejoice” or embrace suffering. We join with Jesus and one another in suffering which makes the “embracing” part more persuasive. In an posture of sharing and carrying one another’s burdens:
a) Recount stories of God’s faithfulness to be with you, along with the offer of transformation, through suffering.
b) Recount stories of how brothers and sisters reflected Christ by being present through your suffering.
4. Hearing and Doing: Take some time individually to listen to the Holy Spirit’s nudging to respond to or be present with the suffering of others (within your group or those God has placed in your path). If you sense the Holy Spirit’s voice or nudging, respond by asking how you can join Christ in being present with another in their suffering. Commit to doing this.
5. Prayer: Close your LG gathering with a time of prayer in groups of 2-3. Suggested prayer prompters:
Conversation starter: what was the key insight you gained from Sunday’s sermon?
2. Reflection: It is natural for us to avoid suffering. We considered three ways we avoid suffering:
a) You fight against suffering
b) You find ways to distract yourself from being present in your suffering
c) You resign in despair
As you reflect on your own life and experiences, what avoidance strategy are you most familiar with? Share an example.
3. Reflection and Application: A call to embrace suffering is significant. Jesus spoke these words to a group of disciples calling them to journey through suffering together. Paul, James, and Peter write their letters to a church (a community of followers of Jesus) calling the community to “rejoice” or embrace suffering. We join with Jesus and one another in suffering which makes the “embracing” part more persuasive. In an posture of sharing and carrying one another’s burdens:
a) Recount stories of God’s faithfulness to be with you, along with the offer of transformation, through suffering.
b) Recount stories of how brothers and sisters reflected Christ by being present through your suffering.
4. Hearing and Doing: Take some time individually to listen to the Holy Spirit’s nudging to respond to or be present with the suffering of others (within your group or those God has placed in your path). If you sense the Holy Spirit’s voice or nudging, respond by asking how you can join Christ in being present with another in their suffering. Commit to doing this.
5. Prayer: Close your LG gathering with a time of prayer in groups of 2-3. Suggested prayer prompters:
- Thank and praise Jesus for the suffering He endured on our behalf.
- Confess your own habits of avoiding suffering remembering God responds to even this with open arms inviting you to deeper intimacy with Him.
- Call out to God on behalf of one another for suffering within the community. Thank God for His presence in and through suffering and the invitation He offers of transformation.