5.1.22 Huddle

Onelifechurch   -   May 3, 2022

Intro Question:

  • What are some things that people say to others going through a tough time that are cliché?

Lesson Intro: This week we had a guest speaker, Cameron Bertuzzi, walk through why there is suffering in the world. This topic is both emotional and intellectual, and it can be hard to separate those two when talking about it. We can have the head knowledge but when something happens to us, it becomes personal.

Read and Discuss:

Romans 5:1-5 CSB

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

  • What does this passage say about suffering and affliction?
  • How does Paul want people to view suffering?
  • How does affliction produce endurance?
  • What are some ways suffering can produce hope?

Isaiah 55:8-9 CSB

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration.

9 “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

  • In the midst of suffering, why might these verses be helpful?
  • When you go through hard times, what are some things you do to cope?
  • Why is it important to remember God is in charge during times of pain and suffering?
  • What are some ways you can turn to the Lord during suffering?

Challenge Questions:

  • Who is someone going through a painful time that you can pray for this week?
  • What could you do to help them mentally, physically, and spiritually?

Memory Verse:

Romans 5

3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.  

Closing Prayer:

Pray that during suffering, you would look to the Lord and how He is working, even when you don’t understand. Also pray for the person who is going through suffering right now.