Hope - Week 2: Temporary Trials
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
For the week of September 8th
Connecting (Aim for 2 minutes)
Upcoming Grace Calendar
• New Partner’s Workshop (Sept. 21, 9-11am) – If you’re new to Grace, or have never officially become a member, sign up for the September New Partners Workshop at gracelaredo.org/events
• Fall Camp (Sept. 13-15) – This coming Sunday is the last day for teens 6th-12th to sign up for Fall Camp. Register at gracelaredo.org/events
• Women’s Retreat – Save the Date, Oct. 18-20.
Breaking the Ice/Think Time (Aim for 12 minutes)
• Think of a struggle or trial you endured. What was the result(s)?
• Quick Review… Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30-40 minutes)
Read 1 Peter 1:5-12
Verse 6 states, “in this rejoice”, in what is Peter rejoicing?
According to Peter (vs. 7), what is the purpose behind some Christians experience of suffering and persecution?
What three things result from our trials? (vs. 7b)
What is the goal of our fatih? (vs. 9) What shall we see when we arrive?
In what ways have trials you have experienced strengthened your faith?
Read 1 Peter 1:10-12 again. Think about the past, present and future events described in this passage. How might they give you a new perspective for our trials?
Seeing Our Savior
Read Isaiah 53
Tom Constable reflects on Isaiah 53, “God would display His power before all the nations by redeeming His people. His power is holy in that it is perfect and transcendent, and it is also for a holy purpose, namely, the salvation of His people. His salvation would become visible to the whole world.”
Our Lord and Savior Christ suffered for us. His perfect obedience and suffering revealed the glory and power of God in God’s perfect timing. Like Christ, our suffering reveals our Heavenly Father’s glory in God’s perfect timing.
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
How will this passage keep you going in times of current or future suffering? (Remember T.N.T)
To what extent should we as Christians share Peter’s excitement and joy as he describes it in this passage?
Verse 6-7 speak to how are all grieved thorugh various trials so that our faith may be proven geniuine and result in God’s glory. What has you attitude been about your trials recently? Have you seen it with this perspective? How can you approach your trial with a renewed persepective?
God not only hears, but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray that God reveals to you who He truly is