Open your mouth only if what you are going to say is more beautiful than the silience. BUDDHA
Idea Transcript
End of The Rope Week 3- “Making Sense of Suffering” 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 January 24, 2016
Discussion Guide
Icebreaker Questions: - What is the absolute worst gift anyone has ever given you? - The last time you did something for the first time……what was it? - In our scripture reading this week Paul talks about “pleading” with God. What was the last thing you “pleaded” with God about? Transition: Mike talked about diagnosing our pain. He gave three common sources of pain: self-inflicted pain, generational pain, and developmental pain. Before reading the scripture let’s start by discussing sources of pain: - Are you currently experiencing any pain you would describe as “self-inflicted?” If so, what is it? - As you think about your family of origin, do you see any generational sins that are common in your family? Do you see any of these patterns in your own life? - Developmental pain is pain that God allows in order to show us who we are and to change our character. Are there currently any areas of your life where you are experiencing “developmental pain”? Scripture: Read II Corinthians 12:1-10. Read the passage in a variety of translations – it can help with understanding the meaning and the context. Discussion Questions: Verse 1-6: 1. Why does Paul say he will boast about his weaknesses instead of his “exceedingly great revelations?” 2. Read verse 5-6 and verse 9-10. What are some of the results of “boasting about our weakness” that Paul mentions? Can you think of others? 3. Read II Corinthians 1:2-4. How can openly “boasting” in our own weakness and pain help others? 4. Is there something in your life that you are not proud of (and in fact, may be embarrassed about), that God has used for His good? Verse 7: 5. What was the purpose of Paul’s pain? 6. Rick Warren says: “God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.” Discuss how this truth resonates with you. 7. Is there currently a pain or struggle in your life that God is using to refine your character? Verse 8-9: 8. Is there currently a pain or difficulty in your life that is causing you to “plead” with God? Paul’s response to the “thorn in the flesh” was to plead with God to take it away – what do you think about that?
9. Why didn’t God take away Paul’s “thorn in the flesh?” What are some other reasons He might not take away our pain and difficulties? 10. Have you ever had a “thorn in the flesh” that God would not take away? What was it and why do you think He let it remain in your life? 11. What can you learn from Paul’s response and apply to your own life (be specific)? 12. Is there a specific pain or weakness that you need to boast about? How can God use that? Verse 10: 13. Paul found that suffering and pain had an incredible benefit in his life. What was that benefit? 14. Can you point to something positive in your life today that is a direct result of God allowing you to experience pain and suffering? Application Questions: 1. Is there a specific pain or difficulty you are currently going through that God is using positively in your life? What is it and how is he using it? 2. Paul said “when I am weak, then I am strong.” Is there an area of your life were you can see this truth coming to life? 3. What truth do you learn about God in this passage? 4. What truth do you learn about yourself in this passage? 5. What will you DO in response to Scripture? Specifically, how will you apply this passage to your life this week?
Leader Notes: Reminder: The goal if your group time is Transformational Bible Study. Romans 12:2 tells us “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As a leader you can help create an environment for transformation by encouraging (and modeling) authenticity, application, and accountability. But, transformation is an act of the Holy Spirit. It is His responsibility. - Spend time this week praying for each member of your group by name: Ask God to be active in transforming their lives. - Start your group time with prayer: Don’t just save prayer for the end. Start with prayer, specifically asking God to speak to you during the time you have together. - Ask your group members how they applied what they learned last week. This is not to put people in an uncomfortable position, but to give them opportunity to talk about how God worked in and through them last week. - Read II Corinthians 12:1-10: The primary way God speaks to us is through is word. Take a couple of minutes every day this week to read II Corinthians 12:1-10.