COP 2016 BIBLE STUDY & HOME CELL WEEK 38

THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 38 – SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 18, 2016

TOPIC: HOW TO HANDLE SUFFERING

Main Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Memory Verse: I Cor. 10:13. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Introduction

In our previous studies, we considered Christian suffering and the 3 sources of suffering: natural, Satan or God. In this last lesson on suffering, we will consider what our response to suffering should be. In the midst of pain and suffering, many cry: “if God so loves, why did He let this happen?”, “if he cares, why doesn’t He do something?”, “Why did He desert me?” Throughout scripture, servants of the Lord have experienced one suffering or the other. No matter the source of our suffering, it is for a purpose and we must seek to understand it and learn from the experience. The mark of maturity in a Christian is not freedom from pain but total trust during pain. Our passage today will help us know how to handle suffering.

Discussion Questions

1. From the passage, how should we view sufferings? Verse 12

2. Why should you rejoice in the midst of your sufferings? Verse 13.

3. How do you rejoice in the midst of suffering? Discuss.

4. How do you understand verse 15?

5. Share any experience where you suffered for the cause of Christ and the outcome.

6. What should be your attitude during periods of suffering? Verse 13, 19.

Conclusion

Having completed the study on the sources of suffering, how then should we respond to suffering? From our main passage, we are to rejoice, praise God that we bear the name of Christ, commit ourselves to God and continue to do good. In every case of suffering, believe that God cares deeply for you no matter the circumstances; expect God to give you the grace necessary to bear your affliction until deliverance comes; do not complain about suffering, do not question God, accept it graciously; ask God to show you the purpose of the suffering and always remember that your High Priest is interceding for you. Indeed, the momentary troubles cannot compare with the eternal glory that awaits us (2 Cor. 4:17).

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2016 HOME CELL OUTLINE

WEEK 38 – SUNDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 18, 2016.

ACTIVITY: SERMON DISCUSSION/ PASTORAL CARE

GROUPINGS & VISITATION

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