Icebreaker: What happens when our expectations are not met? Have you ever been disappointed with God because He did not answer prayer the way you expected? What should we expect to experience as we grow deeper in our faith and walk with God? (consider the life of the apostle Paul) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. Why does progress in our faith lead to increased persecution? (John 7:3-8; 15:18-21 / II Timothy 4:9-17; 3:12) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. To prepare for adversity, why does God want us to both pray and take practical steps? (II Samuel 15:31-34) Which is more important? What is the danger of relying on our own efforts?
(Psalm 127:1 / John 15:5)
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3. At times we become weary of the work God has called us to. What steps can we take to renew and refresh our desire to serve Him? (Galatians 6:6-10) ___________________________
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4. Fears and doubts lead to discouragement. How can we deal with these emotions when they surface? (II Peter 1:3-11) How can we help one another to face uncertainty? (Hebrews 3:12-13; 10:24-25) _____________________________________________________________________
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5. When we are disgruntled, critical, discouraging to others our words and attitudes are often contagious and destructive. What can we do to ‘tame the tongue’? (James 1:26; 3:5-10 / Psalm 141:3 / Ephesians 4:29) __________________________________________________________
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6. How can we strengthen what remains? (Revelation 3:2-3, 8, 11) ________________________
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7. Why is it so important for the Lord’s work to continue until the end? (Philippians 1:20-21; 3:10-16) _______________________________________________________________________
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Think about this week: Have you become weary in serving the Lord? How can you reignite your passion for serving God and His people?