1. Endure Present Suffering 2 Thessalonians 1:1-7

2. DISCUSSION GUIDE

3. "It is just that way with trials. You can come to the place where the circumstance itself is less painful than the commitment not to give up." James MacDonald

4. DISCUSSION GUIDE

5. 1.How did Paul encourage the believers in Thessalonica in (2 Thessalonians 1:1-3)? He greeted them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He commended them for their growing faith and love.

6. DISCUSSION GUIDE 2.How do believers today encourage one another when first greeting one another?

7. DISCUSSION GUIDE 3.Why was Paul so proud of these believers? (v. 4) They were persevering through persecutions and afflictions.

8. DISCUSSION GUIDE 4.Jesus, Paul and the Thessalonians had all endured trials. Why do some people teach that if you only have enough faith and give enough offering you can escape trials and live in peace and prosperity? How would you counter this false theology?

9. DISCUSSION GUIDE 5.Suffering is a fact in our lives. What do the following passages teach about it? a.(Heb. 12:5-6; 1 Cor. 11:30)Suffering is a means of punishing sin b.(James 1:2-4; 2 Cor. 12:7-10)Suffering is a means of attaining maturity c.(Matt. 5:11-16; Job 1:6-10)Suffering is a means of a testimony d.(2 Cor. 1:3-7; Job 42:7-10)Suffering is a preparation for ministry e.(John 9:1-3)Suffering is a means to glorifying God

10. DISCUSSION GUIDE 6.What has your recent suffering taught you?

11. DISCUSSION GUIDE 7.How would you respond to a non-believer if they asked you, “How can you believe in a God who allows His children to suffer?”

12. DISCUSSION GUIDE 8.How would you rate your faith as it relates to enduring trials and facing fears? Artificial Faith --------------------------------- Authentic Faith

13. DISCUSSION GUIDE 9.What do the following passages teach about endurance? a.(Rom. 5:3-5)The end result of endurance is hope through the Holy Spirit b.(2 Cor. 4:16-17)Endurance focused on eternity empowers us to endure to a better future c.(Heb. 10:36)It takes endurance to complete the will of God

14. DISCUSSION GUIDE 10.What are God’s promises about affliction in (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7)? a.God will afflict those who afflicted them b.In the end they will find rest

15. DISCUSSION GUIDE 11.What is your level of suffering today? What should your prayers be focused on?

16. DISCUSSION GUIDE

17. Redeemed By Big Daddy Weave Seems like all I could see was the struggle Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past Bound up in shackles of all my failures Wondr’ing how long is this gonna last Then you look at this prisoner and say to me "Son stop fighting a fight that's already been won" I am redeemed, You set me free So I'll shake off these heavy chains Wipe away every stain Cause I'm not who I used to be I am redeemed.....I'm redeemed

18. DISCUSSION GUIDE All my life I have been called unworthy Named by the voice of my shame and regret But when I hear You whisper "Child lift up your head" I remember oh God You're not done with me yet I am redeemed, You set me free So I'll shake off these heavy chains Wipe away every stain Cause I'm not who I used to be Because I don't have to be the old man inside of me 'cause his day is long dead and gone because I've got a new name, a new life, I'm not the same and a hope that will carry me home

19. DISCUSSION GUIDE I am redeemed, You set me free So I'll shake off these heavy chains and Wipe away every stain Cause I'm not who I used to be I am redeemed You set me free So I'll shake off these heavy chains and wipe away every stain Now I'm not who I used to be Oh God I'm not who I used to be Jesus I'm not who I used to be 'Cause I am redeemed Thank God redeemed