In his message on Sunday, Brian described how marathon runners can “hit the wall,” and how they have to focus, and persevere through the pain. What are other things that require physical and/or mental endurance?
Share an example of a time when you had to endure something and what that experience was like for you. What motivated you to endure during that time?
James 1:2–4 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
According to James, what should be a Christian’s attitude when facing trials? How often is this your attitude in your own hard times?
When you have experienced trials in your life, did you consider it all joy or become depressed and discouraged? Allow people to recount recent trials and what they learned or how they developed through those experiences.
What are some verbs that describe your present level of faith? Why these?
Why is perseverance important? What reward comes with persevering in the faith?
Romans 5:3–5 (NLT)
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
What two things did Paul say we can rejoice in because of God’s grace? Which of Paul’s stated reasons for rejoicing is a little tougher for you to swallow? Why?
How can a believer’s Christlike endurance of suffering offer a testimony of hope to others?
What incident in your life can you look back on and see the truth of verses 3-5?
In what specific ways does suffering provide an opportunity for believers to show they believe in Jesus and rejoice? How is Jesus’ life a model for this?
How can testing or trials actually strengthen a believer’s faith?
James 1:5–8 (NLT)
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
How do you define “wisdom”? How is it related to enduring trials?
What does James teach us about the nature of our prayers for wisdom?
How will God respond to us when we pray by faith for God’s wisdom?
When have you experienced difficulties and been encouraged to continue to have faith because you trusted God’s promises?
What has helped you see God’s hand and feel His love during times of affliction in your life?
How can you share the faith and hope you have with someone you love or care about this week?
When have you prayed for and received God’s wisdom? What do you do when you pray but still have doubts?
