Leader's Guide 4/19/09

Small Group Leader's Guide
April 19th, 2009

Series: Life

Getting Started

• Can you think of a situation in your life that was hard at the time, but looking back, God used it to help you grow? What happened?

• James 1:2 says that we face trials of “many kinds” what “kind” of trial are you currently facing?

Quick Review of James 1;1-4

• In a nutshell, why are we to consider it pure joy when we go through trials of many kinds?

• Why do you think difficulties are part of the spiritual maturity process?


Digging Deeper - A main point on Sunday is that God uses difficulties in our lives to develop maturity, to make us like Jesus. For this week’s small group, we’re going to study a passage in Hebrews that shows how God uses hardship to shape us. As a group, read Hebrews 12:1-13

Vs 4 - How does verse 4 help put hardship in perspective?

Vs 7 Says, endure hardship as discipline. God is treating you as son. Did God treat his Son, Jesus with hardship? Why?

Vs 10 - According to verse 10, what is the purpose or product of this discipline?

Vs 11 - What does the first part of verse 11 recognize?

Vs 11 – What does the second part of verse 11 remind us of?

Vs 2-3 - If you’re going through a hard time, how can Hebrews 12:2-3 help you?

Making it Personal

• Are there Bible verses that you find comforting during difficult times? Share one with the group

• Are you in middle of a difficult time? How well are you responding to your situation? Do you have any hints of how God may be using your present circumstances to help you mature?