Sunday Morning’s Message: 3/11/2024
Part two of the 'Enduring Well' series
citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HjllOSLWx8&t=2s
Main Text
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
Aim
Encourage every person in your group to allow the trials, sufferings that may come into their life to use them for growth.
Questions and discussions points are a good guide, but feel free to use parts of this study that best works for your group. Remember to have FUN
Opening Prayer
Read James 1:2-4
Discuss together how we can have joy in the midst or hard times.
1 Understanding Joy in Trials
Highlight the idea of counting trials as joy, emphasising that this is a command... not a great idea or a suggestion. Joy is far more than a feeling. It’s an action word, a thinking word, a choice. We must adopt a different mindset to the world that does not yet have or understand the joy of have Christ Jesus.
Leader – Maybe share a personal experience where you found joy in a difficult situation.
Discussion Questions
What does it mean to "count it all joy"?
How can we actively choose joy when facing challenges?
2 Types of Trials
James mentions "various trials". They come in all shapes, sizes, are multi coloured and no one person’s troubles are the same. To one person it’s a walk in the park and to another person it’s the valley of the shadow of death.
Discussion Questions
What kinds of trials have you faced recently?
How did you handle them?
How can sharing our experiences help us support each other better?
3 Purpose of Testing
The testing of your faith is there to examine your actual faith. We test things to determine what needs to be done. Think about a car going for a WOF and how this tests the car for safety, strength and perhaps what maintenance needs to be done. This ensures the car is strong, endures well and keeps going.
Discussion Questions
In what ways can trials strengthen our faith?
Can you think of a time when a challenge tested your faith?
4 Patience and Endurance
The Greek word for patience (hupomone) means: Active endurance. Steadfast and consistent.
Discussion Questions
What does that look like in your life?
What are some practical ways we can encourage one another to develop this kind of patience during tough times?
5 Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
Read and reflect
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
Discussion
Paul is saying: Look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus overcame the greatest trail of all time and went to the cross and endured the shame of this for you. The finished and complete work of the cross and all it power is available for us. He who begun a good work in you will bring it to completion. You can trust the work of the Holy Spirit.
Discussion Questions
How does keeping our focus on Jesus help us during difficulties?
Keep looking to Jesus, do not take your gaze off Jesus, not for a moment. Jesus made a way, shower the way and He can sustain you.
Closing Prayer (2 minutes)
Conclude with a prayer, asking for strength to face trials joyfully and for support within the group
Catch up on the Enduring Well series on YouTube:
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