Revelation 12:11

James 5:7-12

The Big Idea: Perseverence is an active and focused spiritual discipline.

The focus that fuels our perseverance: 

God’s promised deliverance

“Never think that God's delays are God's denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius.”  –Comte de Buffon

Let’s talk about practicing patient engagement:

1. Perseverence knows that God’s deliverance is coming. (V7-9)

2. Perseverence knows that everyone matters to God. (V9)

3. Perseverence knows that God joins us in suffering as we remain on mission. (V10)

Hebrews 11:32-38

“The twelve apostles were men who gave up everything for the sake of the Cross. They lost their property; they lost their freedom; they lost health and were beaten; and ultimately they lost their lives. The prophets were no different. They were imprisoned, beaten and murdered for proclaiming the word of the Lord. The churches that flourished under the apostles also were plundered and impoverished and the Bible repeatedly encourages them to endure and look ahead to the end result. Our supreme example comes from Christ Himself.

What most Christians don’t realize is that the comfort and promise offered through suffering are not available any other way. If I avoid suffering by refusing to follow God through the darkest times of my life, I don’t just bypass the suffering, I also bypass the glory of God in my life.” -Ed Snipes

4. Perseverence trusts God even when it doesn’t make sense. (V12)

What did God accomplish with Job?

• ​​Proved the genuineness of Job’s faith

​• Revealed Himself more clearly to Job and his Oikos

• Put it in Satan’s face

​• Grew Job into an even greater man

Revelation 22:12

Response:

• Set your hope fully on God’s deliverance

• Commit to disciplined perseverence

• Pray for someone in your Oikos who is currently suffering

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► This week's Passage: Colossians 1:15-20

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)