YOUR SUFFERING IS A GOOD THING?!

22 REASONS WHY…

SCRIPTURES FROM THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS

GOOD FOR OTHERS:

1. It Prevents Loneliness (1:7, 2:1f, 4:14)

2. It Creates Genuine Concern for Others (2:2f, 4:10, 4:15)

3. It Gives Others Hope (1:14, 2:17f, 3:17)

4. It Produces Courage for You and Those Close to You (1:20f, 1:27, 3:17)

5. It Helps You Help Others (1:25, 2:1f, 2:14f, 3:17)

GOOD FOR YOU PERSONALLY:

6. God Uses it to Mature You (1:5, 2:12f, 3:15)

7. It Makes You Wise and Discerning (1:9f, 1:18f, 4:19)

8. It Helps You Remain Steadfast (1:28, 2:14, 4:1)

9. It Makes You Practice Finding Joy (2:17f, 4:5)

10. It Helps You Avoid Earthly Pitfalls (3:19f, 4:2f)

11. It Develops Contentment in any Situation (4:11f)

12. It Drives You to Pray (4:6f)

GOOD FOR YOU SPIRITUALLY:

13. It Gives You a Heavenly Perspective (3:8, 3:13f, 3:19f, 4:8)

14. It Advances Your Gospel Witness (1:12f)

15. It Makes You an Example Worth Being Followed (2:12f, 4:9)

16. It Makes You Look Forward to the Future (1:18f, 1:21f, 2:19, 3:8, 3:13f)

17. It Produces a Reward (1:28f, 2:9f, 3:14)

18. It can Prove You Are Right (1:28f)

19. It Shifts the Focus to Jesus and His Power (1:26, 2:5, 2:14, 3:10, 3:19, 4:5)

20. It Builds Your Spiritual Legacy (1:29f, 2:17f)

21. It Defeats the Enemy (2:10, 3:21)

22. It Gives Us Freewill and the Ability to Love 1:16f, 1:22f, 4:10

Text: Ephesians

Summary: Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus divides naturally into two parts. The first three chapters focus on Jesus' power for and through the church to bring both Jews and Gentiles to God. The second part (chapters 4-6), address our expected response to Jesus' work. We must give priority to Him and His church.

Questions:

1. What does 2:1 mean when it says we were "dead"?

2. Why do hardships tend to make us selfish?

3. How do relationships (especially marriages) degenerate into consumer relationships? What kind of relationship does God intend marriage to be?

4. How is a godly marriage a picture of our relationship with God?

Galatians is a letter written by Paul to Christians to remember what the true Gospel of Jesus is, and for them to heed his warning to live accordingly. In this sermon we focus on the warning for us to walk in the Spirit so that we don't implode on ourselves.

Questions

1. Why do we humans so easily become conceited?

2. Today, circumcision probably isn't the hot topic of works based salvation, however, what do you think most people struggle with when it comes to working for your salvation?

3. Paul says we can become conceited by either provoking or envying one another. Which is harder for you to overcome? Pray over this.

II Corinthians - Seth Bourne - 2nd Service (8/3/25)

It's easy to grow distracted and weak in the faith. Sometimes we feel we've fallen to the point of no return. But Paul has something different to say in 2 Corinthians. The secret is to remember who we are.

Sermon Questions:

1. Have you ever lost something (keys, wallet, etc.) only to find it in a very obvious place? How did you react? What caused it to be lost in the first place?

2. Sometimes we aren't as far gone from the faith as we think. We are just a little thrown off and need to course correct. How has this been true in your life?

3. Read 2 Cor. 2:15-16. Who in your life has viewed you as having the aroma of life? Who has viewed you as having the aroma of death? (Remember the same Gospel is loved by some and hated by others)

4. In the big list of character traits from 2 Corinthians (See Below), which one does God want you to focus on? Use this for your prayer time.

2 Corinthians - Who You Are

In the space below evaluate how well you are doing on each of the traits/qualities mentioned.

Based on your reflection of each chapter in 2 Corinthians, what is 1 thing you believe God would have you focus on improving this week?

IMPORTANT: If you didn’t do well on this evaluation, it’s NOT because you are incapable. God has given you the ability to change through His Spirit. Resist the urge to change too many things at once. Pick ONE main thing and ask God to help you change it!

I Corinthians - "The Body of Christ" - The letter of first Corinthians addresses problems in the church we still face today. From lawsuits and marriage to gifts and understanding the resurrection, this letter's main emphasis is on facing problems together and finding unity doing God's work.

Questions:

1. What are the two most destructive attitudes in the church?

2. How is church like running a race?

3. What are your best two talents? How are you using these talents to help God's church and those who are lost?

Synopsis

The book of Romans deals with the human condition that we are all sinners in need of a savior. In this sermon we go through the book to find where Jesus fits into this condition and how He is the antidote to save life.

Questions

1. Why do you think God allows so much bad to happen in the world?

2. Why do you think God allows so much good to happen in the world?

3. What are we truly saying about Jesus when we claim that he is the one in control of our lives and at the same time we're worried about tomorrow?

4. In chapter 10 of Romans Paul quotes from Isaiah 52:7. Read it. In all your life who to you has the most beautiful feet? Why them?

Some stories have a happy ending. Others have a sad ending. But the story of Jesus starts with a sad ending that turns happy and suddenly, we realize, isn’t ending at all. The good news continues to press on and give us power. Find out how as we look at Dr. Luke’s second volume, the book of Acts.

Sermon Questions:

1. When was the first time you remember encountering a sad ending (perhaps in a book or movie)? How did you react?

2. Near the end of Luke we see Jesus’ followers sad because they thought the story ended with His death, but in Acts we see them excited to learn that His death was only the beginning! Have you ever encountered a plot twist in your life (something that suddenly changed for the better)? What was it and how did things change for you?

3. Read Acts 1:8. Picture this as concentric circles: Jerusalem (those closest to you), Judea, Samaria & Ends of the earth (those furthest from you). If possible, draw 4 concentric circles and put the names of 4 people/peoples (one in each) that correspond to you. Example: Circle 1: a close friend (Jerusalem), Circle 2: a family member (Judea), Circle 3: a group of acquaintances or extended family (Samaria), Circle 4: A country or people group you’re praying for (Ends of the Earth).

4. As Christians we have the same Holy Spirit that empowered the Apostles. He makes us courageous, able to rejoice in suffering and unstoppable (see last verse of Acts). How well are you tapping into this power from God?

Summary: the gospel of John was written to help people believe and find real life. John presents proofs for and insights into the fulfilling life of a believer. We will give special attention to coming back to God after you have fallen.

Text: John

Questions:

1. What was the purpose of the Gospel of John?

2. Why did Jesus want Peter to think about his denial (ie - his sin)?

3. What did Jesus communicate to Peter when He told him to "feed my sheep?"

4. Do you remember a time when you did something you never thought you'd do? How should we handle our sins?

It has been said there is a god-shaped hole in each of us. Many try in vain to fill it themselves. The good news of Luke is that God Himself stepped down to fill it for us. It seems almost too simple. Is that really all there is to it? Find out as we dive into Luke’s Gospel.

Sermon Questions:

1. It has been said there is a god-shaped hole in each of us. If you didn’t know Jesus, how do you think you would try to fill it? Have you tried to fill it before? In what ways did you feel successful and/or unsuccessful?

2. Have you or someone you know been conned before? How did they end up falling for it? What kept them from seeing the deception before it was too late?

3. Read Luke 4:16-21. Why do you think people (even Christians sometimes) have a hard time embracing the really good news of the Gospel? How can you remind yourself that Jesus’ sacrifice is really all you need?

4. Challenge: Jesus came to bring good news to the poor, freedom for prisoners, and sight to the blind. Who in your life (or community) needs that kind of hope right now, and how can you bring it to them in a tangible way this week?

The book of Mark is a fast action-packed message of Jesus' authority and ministry. In this sermon we break down a few examples of Jesus' divinity and His understanding of humanity.

Questions:

1. When we think of the gospel of Jesus as 'good news' it ought to change our lives and mindsets. Why do so many of us still struggle with seeing the gospel not as good news but as advice to live by?
2. What parallels can you see in the vices of today with demon possession in the book of Mark?
3. If you would have been alive when Jesus was walking the earth, which part of His story would you have wanted to witness?
4. Which part of Jesus' story in your life, family, community, or world do you want to witness?