Did you leave after hearing Sunday’s message and think, “Well, now what?” Each Sunday, we will provide a discussion guide for our church body designed to create a conversation about what we’re learning. We encourage you to prayerfully gather with your family, friends and community group and dive into how to apply Sunday’s teaching from God’s Word to your life.
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Summary
The key for dealing with trials in our lives is to hold on to biblical truth in the midst of trials and to endure the trials with friends who will remind us of biblical truth and support us through the trials. The Lord doesn’t promise us a Sunday when we will see fully, but He promises a Some Day when we will understand God’s plan in our lives.
Discussion Questions
- Read John 18-19. The disciples had a difficult time understanding the need for Christ to die and were overwhelmed by Jesus’ betrayal, trials, and crucifixion. But on Resurrection Sunday, they began to see. Todd says that the Lord doesn’t promise us a Sunday when we will see, but He promises a Some Day when we will understand fully God’s plan in our lives. Do you believe that? In the midst of trials, do you remember and comfort yourselves with Scripture passages like Phil 4:4-13? What other verses do you use to remind yourself to take heart and that God is always in control even when it doesn’t look like it?
- Here’s the key, Todd says, to be able to stand firm in the midst of crisis and trial. Hold on to the Word (see question #1 above) and don’t hang out alone. Even in the Garden of Gethsamene, Jesus took men with him. Do you have people in your life who will be there with you in the midst of trials? Will your community group be there for each other?
- Peter thought Jesus needed some help during His arrest, so Peter pulled out his sword to defend Jesus. Read Jesus’ response in John 18:11. Do you try to help God run your life? How does that work out for you? Is your community group attuned to what God is doing in your life? Are they giving you biblical counsel and wisdom?
- Peter’s denials of being Jesus’ disciple are in all four gospels. Read and compare: Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, and John 18:15-18 & 25-27. Unfortunately, Peter remembered Jesus’ words AFTER the rooster crowed. What can you do to remember Scripture before and during the trials you face? How can your community group help each other do that?
- Jesus affirmed His Messiahship to the High Priest and the Jewish council. And He confirmed His sovereignty to Pilate and Rome. Do you live like Jesus is Messiah and sovereign in your own life? If not, what needs to change?