3one4 Connect

Life Group Discussion Guide

“Pain Without Purpose”

3one4 Connect

Life Group Discussion Guide

3-Fold Purpose:Love God, Love Others, Serve the World

One Mission: Make Disciples

4 Commitments:

Shaped by the Word

  1. Sunday’s sermon addressed the subject of pain in our world and in our lives. Share with your life groupyour personal response to the message.
  2. Have you experienced God’s presence and purpose in the midst of your own personal pain? Discuss.
  3. Read 2 Corinthians 11:24-12:10.This passage falls within the context of Paul pleading with the church in Corinth to remain true to the pure and unspotted gospel that he preached to them. Paul’s ‘boasting’ is his human way of demonstrating the authenticity of himself and the message he preached.
  4. The Book of Acts recounts Paul’s missionary journeys. Based upon the hardships described in this passage, how might many today rate his ‘success’ as a missionary?
  5. We often pray for God’s blessing but tend to separate that from suffering. Are blessing and suffering incompatible? Discuss.
  6. How did God use suffering in Paul’s life for Paul’s good and God’s glory?

Connected to His Spirit

  1. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (12:9)
  2. What does it mean to experience God’s grace in the midst of pain and difficulty? Relate a personal experience if you have one.
  3. In order to experience God’s grace in the midst of hardship, we need to be open to receiving it. What are things you can do (or have done) that cultivate a personal intimacy with Christ?

Surrendered to His Will

  1. “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.” (12:10a)
  2. What is the secret to contentment according to this verse?
  3. How do you make God’s kingdom and glory the number one priority in your life?
  4. Is anything standing in your way from experiencing this in your life? Discuss.

Building His Kingdom

  1. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (12:10b)
  2. Our false pride (i.e. self-sufficiency) must be torn down before God’s kingdom can be built through us. Where do you feel you’re at in this regard?
  3. Write a commitment of practical response to what you have learned today in the lines below:______